The auditing section of the American Accounting Association named Associate Dean W. Steve Albrecht Outstanding Auditing Educator for 2005. He was selected from auditing professors across the country for the prestigious award.
"The [selection] committee was particularly impressed with the way professor Albrecht's research on fraud detection and prevention has been incorporated into his teaching," says Linda McDaniel, president of the American Accounting Association auditing section. "While he has been an outstanding teacher in his university setting, he has clearly made an effort to educate the public and the profession on this important topic."
In addition to being recognized as an outstanding educator, Albrecht was recently appointed to the Financial Accounting Foundation - the organization that governs both the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Governmental Accounting Standards Board. As a foundation trustee, Albrecht helps determine accounting standards for the country.
"The Financial Accounting Foundation is like the Supreme Court of Accountancy," says Ned C. Hill, Marriott School dean. "Steve has earned the respect of his colleagues around the world, and we're especially grateful to have him on our team at BYU."
Members of the FAF must be nominated by one of eight constituent organizations—such as the American Accounting Association, Institute of Management Accountants, or American Institute of Certified Public Accountants—and then approved by the other trustees. Albrecht is one of only two academics who sit on the foundation board. Other trustees include top CEOs, CFOs, senior partners and former government officials.
"They have to be one of the best in their field," says Katie Becker, public relations assistant for the Financial Accounting Foundation. "If they get nominated for this, they've beaten out numerous others who could have been up for the position."
Albrecht has distinguished himself in the accounting world through extensive professional service. His past leadership positions include Beta Alpha Psi president, American Accounting Association president, Accounting Leadership Group president and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners president.
"That level of service is incredible," says Steven M. Glover, associate professor of accounting. "It tells me he is one of the most productive people I'll ever have the pleasure of knowing. When I consider what he accomplishes as a Marriott School administrator, Church leader, and successful father - I have to wonder if Steve ever sleeps."
Albrecht began his six-year appointment on the FAF board Jan. 1, 2005. He was honored with the 2005 Outstanding Auditing Educator Award at an AAA auditing conference Jan. 14-15 in New Orleans.
"There are a lot of very highly qualified people for this award," Albrecht says. "It could have gone to many other people, but it's a great honor."
Writer: Sarah Chamberlin
