Rishma Vedd : CalCPA Outstanding Accounting Educator of the Year
Throughout my 20-year professional relationship with Rishma Vedd , I have viewed her as an outstanding educator who puts the student experience and their professional success as equal priorities . And her constant drive to pursue and provide excellence in and outside the classroom to benefit accounting students at Cal State Northridge ( CSUN ) is one of many reasons the CalCPA Accounting Education Committee named her recipient of the CalCPA Outstanding Accounting Educator of the Year .
Vedd is a professor and chair for the CSUN Department of Accounting , which includes the undergraduate accounting major and master ’ s programs in taxation and professional accountancy . She earned a Doctor of Philosophy in accounting from the University of Dundee , Scotland , and has published her research in both domestic and international accounting / business publications . She is also a member of the CalCPA Accounting Education Committee .
Vedd is most proud of her impact on the students and the transformation of the CSUN accounting department , which has earned her multiple CSUN Outstanding Accounting Professor of the Year awards , as voted on by the accounting students .
Her outreach partnership with Moss Adams has created excitement and transfer opportunities for many community college students in Southern
BY CHARLES OSAKI , CPA
California , especially first-generation college students and those from underserved groups seeking accounting as a major . Her interaction with public accounting firm leadership ensures that accounting graduates possess the skills they need to meet needs of employers , whether in practice at a CPA firm or industry , and in the evolving business world , which include professional communication , technology and knowledge of global business issues .
Vedd is responsible for creating a sense of esprit de corps within the accounting program , resulting in a vibrant and collaborative culture amongst students , strong accounting clubs , one of the largest Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs in the country and highly attended recruiting receptions with upwards of 700 guests and 60 employers at each of the semi-annual Meet the Firms events .
Bringing a personal touch to this large commuter university , Vedd reviews the course selections of every transfer student who asks her to do so and by doing so , sets the tone for individual success .
Lucy Cruz , a transfer student from Cerritos College , explains , “ Transferring to CSUN was both exciting and intimidating . Dr . Vedd and I met before my first semester to go over my class schedule and to help me assimilate into a new environment that was initially overwhelming . A year later , she continues to offer her hand to help me and because of her , I have confidence about the decisions I make , both academically and in my career choices .”
Harvey Bookstein , whose financial support funds the Bookstein Institute in Taxation at CSUN , says of Vedd : “ Of the many professors I ’ ve worked with over my career , Dr . Vedd definitely stands out due to how much she cares for the students and fellow educators . She always comes up with new ideas to improve the experience and skills of CSUN accounting students — everyone wins .”
Charles Osaki , CPA is a member of the CalCPA Accounting Education Committee , CalCPA DE & I Commission and CalCPA Council .
Giving Back
Congratulations to the following , who were recognized for their service to the profession and community :
Public Service Award : Kate Leonard San Diego Chapter Partner Emeritus , Hutchinson and Bloodgood LLP Member , CalCPA Education Foundation Faculty
Public Service Award ( Firm ): Glenn Burdette
Distinguished Service Award : David George Orange County Long Beach Chapter CalCPA President , 2001-02
www . calcpa . org AUGUST 2023 CALIFORNIA CPA 7