An Equation for Excellence: Meet the Michigan Ross Master of Accounting Class of 2026
This August, the Ross School of Business welcomed a new class of ambitious Master of Accounting students.
The Michigan Ross MAcc Class of 2026 comprises 84 students, 54% of whom are women. The 2026 cohort hails from 40 undergraduate institutions, with 72% of the students being non-University of Michigan alums. The new class also comes to Ross with a highly impressive academic record, with an incoming GPA of 3.70.
The new MAcc cohort began their year at the EY Accounting and Public Policy Symposium in Washington, D.C., gaining an inside look at how policy influences business practices. After connecting with alums and policymakers and taking in industry insights, they returned to Michigan Ross ready to dive into a challenging curriculum, build real-world experience, and develop skills that prepare them for success, whether they’re planning to take the CPA exam or explore a different career.
Below, meet three members of the MAcc Class of 2026.
Grace Martin, MAcc ’26
Hometown
Northville, Michigan
Undergraduate school and major
University of Michigan, BBA
What is your post-graduation career interest?
I accepted a job at Ernst & Young in Chicago, where I will begin my business career as an auditor in the financial services sector.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross MAcc Program?
I had an incredible undergrad experience at Michigan Ross, and the MAcc program here is highly competitive with an exceptional reputation. My second year of undergraduate studies, I took Intermediate Financial Accounting (ACC 312) with Professor Ball, and that class solidified my interest in the accounting field. The MAcc Program will equip me with essential skills to reach my professional goals while providing access to exceptional resources and a supportive community.
What strengths/unique perspectives do you bring to your cohort?
I have a passion for traveling and have participated in three different study/work abroad programs thus far. I enjoy connecting with new people and exploring diverse cultures, embodying a highly open-minded perspective. I specialized in accounting in undergrad and have first-hand experience working in the industry. This knowledge will lend itself well to the program’s curriculum.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I’m looking forward to getting to know and collaborating with my fellow classmates. Ross is, in my opinion, one of the greatest communities in the world. I feel so lucky to be going back for another year. In addition, I was excited for the Washington, D.C. orientation we attended and the opportunity to take classes that touch on varying areas within the accounting industry.
How do you think this experience at Ross will impact your future?
The MAcc Program will provide the credit hours needed for CPA certification, enabling me to launch my career in the accounting industry. Ross students get exposure to top business leaders, mentors, and elite educators; learning and networking with such experienced professionals is a tremendous advantage to a new graduate starting their career. Those mentorship opportunities are invaluable and unique because of the Ross network.
William Shannon, MAcc ’26
Hometown
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Undergraduate school and major
Michigan State with a BA in economics with a law minor, but I also attended Hillsdale College as an accounting major for three years.
What is your post-graduation career interest?
My post-graduation career interest is to work in public accounting, specifically in audit.
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross MAcc Program?
I enrolled in the Michigan Ross MAcc Program because I wanted to return to the accounting field after graduating with an economics degree. Michigan Ross is renowned for its excellence, so after being accepted, it was an easy choice.
What strengths/unique perspectives do you bring to your cohort?
I believe that a unique perspective and strength that I bring to this cohort is as a collegiate athlete, especially at the BIG10 level. You learn invaluable skills in many different areas, such as time management, teamwork, and resilience, which are necessary for success in both athletics and the business world.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I was most looking forward to the Accounting and Public Policy Symposium we attended in Washington, D.C, including meeting all of the members of the cohort and exploring our nation’s capital while learning about public policy and its effects on the accounting world.
How do you think this experience at Ross will impact your future?
I believe that my experience at Ross will have an immense positive impact on my future by providing excellent academics, preparation for the CPA exam, and lifelong connections.
Resha Sheth, MAcc ’26
Hometown
Bloomfield Hills, Michigan
Undergraduate school and major
University of Michigan, economics
What is your post-graduation career interest?
Next year, I will work in mergers and acquisitions advisory at FTI Consulting in New York City!
Why did you decide to enroll in the Michigan Ross MAcc Program?
Right away, I knew I liked accounting. I took my very first accounting course in undergrad with a professor I deeply respect and admire (Professor Krolick). Early on in the semester, she mentioned both the Paton Fellowship and the MAcc. I instantly knew I wanted to apply for both. Becoming a Paton Fellow exposed me to MAcc students and other successful professionals with accounting backgrounds. It supported my decision to pursue this highly analytical degree at a top-ranked institution.
What strengths/unique perspectives do you bring to your cohort?
As someone following a non-traditional career path in the MAcc Program, I bring a strategic perspective from my creative work as an intern at FTI Consulting, where I worked with companies undergoing major transactions. My role requires emotional intelligence and an awareness of all parties, systems, and interactions, and I bring that broad thinking to the cohort.
What are you most looking forward to in the program and at Ross?
I look forward to learning even more about accounting. I have loved learning how important and complex accounting is. I am fortunate to explore so many accounting-related topics. Every day, I feel as though I am learning and growing as a student, and I look forward to continuing that feeling.
How do you think this experience at Ross will impact your future?
I have always wanted to obtain a graduate degree from a prestigious university. Having this degree, knowledge, and experience in my toolkit will not only help me professionally, but it is something I am proud of. I know I will walk away from this short year having learned so much and having met wonderful peers.
