Accounting alumni return to alma mater as faculty

As clinical assistant professor of accounting and law, Cassie (Phuong) Nguyen, BS ’14, MS ’15, CPA, leverages her Big Four industry experience in the classroom. Nguyen previously served as tax manager in Private Tax Services at EY, where she managed professional tax compliance and tax consulting services to private businesses and their ultimate owners. An expert in family enterprises, Nguyen provided tax planning services for high net worth individuals and family trusts, as well as business tax compliance for partnerships and S corporations.

In the School of Management, Nguyen teaches taxation courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels and serves as a mentor to her students in achieving their academic and career goals. She also is assistant to the department chair and faculty advisor for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.

Meanwhile, Michael L. Draves, BS ’93, CPA, was named executive in residence for accounting in the School of Management and brings more than 25 years of auditing experience at KPMG to his role. Prior to his retirement in 2021, Draves served as partner and Upstate New York audit practice leader, providing services to multinational, mid-market and emerging companies in such industries as manufacturing, distribution, contracting, technology and telecommunications.

In his new role, Draves teaches “Research in Accounting and Auditing Standards,” assists accounting students with career counseling, advises faculty and staff about practice matters, and develops new and existing relationships in the business community for the benefit of UB students and faculty. A dedicated alumnus, Draves was on campus regularly even prior to his current appointment to mentor and recruit School of Management students, serve on the Accounting Advisory Council and guest lecture in accounting classes.