Ilitch School welcomes Greg Schulte, new adjunct professor of accounting

My name is Greg Schulte, and I am an adjunct professor of accounting. My undergraduate degree is in Business Management from Arizona State University (1991). I received my Masters in Accountancy (MAC) degree in 2009 from Walsh College. I also have a Master of Arts degree in Communication from Wayne State University (2001).

After the completion of my accounting degree, I passed all sections of the CPA exam and earned my CPA license in 2010. I then worked in public accounting for over 11 years with the firms Clayton & McKervey and Cohen & Co. What I discovered in my time in public accounting is that my true passion was to teach and help others prepare for a life in public or private accounting as well as pass the CPA exam. Helping students, either begin or further their career in the accounting profession, is what drives me today.

I have been teaching such classes as Principles of Accounting, Intermediate Accounting I, II, III, Data Analytics, and Business Combinations since 2013 at Walsh College. I have also developed, and am developing, classes for Walsh College in Intermediate Accounting III and Data Analytics.

Accounting was not my first career choice. I used to work in engineering with a family-owned tool & die business which is still in operation today. This is, in essence, my "second career" but I did use my days in manufacturing to supplement my accounting career as I could see things from the business owner's perspective. My education and experience in accounting have truly given me a passion to teach and learn about the accounting profession, which is ever-changing.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my children (who are adults now), sports, music, and watching and reading about films.

What are your primary teaching interests?

I am passionate about all the classes I teach but I feel extremely strongly about Intermediate Accounting II & III and consolidated financial reporting (Business Combinations).

What are your primary research interests?

Right now my primary research interest is the emphasis being made on data analytics in financial accounting.

Tell me about your background in Technology?

As an engineer, I designed injection molds using CAD software. In accounting, I have learned the importance of Microsoft Excel. Within the scope of Data Analytics I am also learning about Microsoft Power BI and how specifically technology can improve the financial statement audit and review process.

Why did you come to the Ilitch School of Business?

The Ilitch School of Business has an excellent reputation as an elite business school with an international footprint. In my previous studies at Wayne State University, I fully understand and value the academic experience and what Wayne State University can offer to its graduates.

What makes you passionate about business education?

A business education is of immense value to students on many levels, regardless of your career choice. Understanding the complexities of business, what drives success and failure, and the importance of human and technological resources is of great value.

Specific to accounting, in my previous career as an engineer I was very involved in the client experience and helping build a product to help the client prosper. What I was lost on was how to simply read a financial statement. My business scope was so limited. Through my education and experience in accounting, I have learned just how invaluable that ability is.

What is one thing you wish all your students would do?

I wish all students will appreciate the opportunity they have right now with the college experience. The ability to study in a field that they are passionate about and the progressive translation to a vision of their future career and the endless possibilities for success in life and business.

What are you excited about seeing in Detroit?

Having been born and raised in metropolitan Detroit, its so exciting to see the revitalization of our city. The city of Detroit has a feeling of success, youthful exuberance, and an unscripted future without boundaries.