For Libby Biittner, a Masters of Accounting student at the David Eccles School of Business, education will not end with graduation in May.  Shortly after her degree is in hand she will complete requirements to become a certified public accountant in preparation for her departure to Norwalk, Connecticut to join the Financial Accounting Standards Board as a technical assistant. 

“I am excited to have this rare opportunity. It will be amazing to have a firsthand experience of the standards setting process,” said Biittner.  “Especially since the accounting profession is under so much scrutiny due to the current state of the economy.”

Every year, FASB selects nine master’s of accounting graduates from around the country to participate in a post-graduate technical assistant program. Sponsored by both the FASB and Governmental Accounting Standards Board, assistants serve a one-year term while becoming highly immersed in the accounting standard processes.

To be considered for the position Master’s graduates have to be nominated by the faculty at their school and are subject to a strict screening and interviewing process.  From the nationwide selection process, six people are selected to participate.  

Once selected, technical assistants interface with senior technical accountants and perform research and prepare data in various areas such as stock compensation.  Their job is to assist senior members of FASB with the process of creating new accounting standards or revising old standards.

Since 2004, seven master’s graduates from the School of Accounting at the David Eccles School of Business have qualified to participate in the FASB technical assistant program.  Jason Arbuckle, Vice President in Corporate Accounting Policies for JP Morgan Chase, was selected for the FASB program after graduating from the University of Utah in 2004.  According to Arbuckle, the assistant program jump started his career, “I was able to participate in the application of technical accounting theory and was able to network with many prominent accounting professionals.” Arbuckle continued, “From the program, numerous opportunities were presented, including a position with Ernst & Young Advisory Services, where I began my career.”

Other Alumni from the David Eccles School of Business to be selected for the FASB Assistant Program include Nicole Parrish (2007), Steven Arveseth (2006), Joanne Bennett (2006), Aaron Cowan (2006), Ryan Bergstrom (2005)

Libby Biittner
Master of Accounting Student

What is being said:

U student selected for national accounting program
Utah Pulse. Mar. 18, 2009.