Ahead of the Curve: Future Trends in Finance and Accounting for Higher Education
Tracks
Breakout Session 2
| Monday, January 13, 2025 |
| 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM |
| Tidepool 2 |
Overview
Tidepool 2
Details
In this session, we will explore the future of finance and accounting in higher education, focusing on emerging trends reshaping institutional and auxiliary organization operations as follows: We will examine the transformative impact of Finance and Accounting Outsourcing (FAO) services, highlighting how outsourcing accounting functions can streamline operations, cut costs, and boost efficiency. Additionally, we will address the evolving role of technology in optimizing financial processes and decision-making across educational institutions. We will emphasize the critical need for a robust financial reporting structure, including assistance and support in audit preparation and readiness, tailored to the unique requirements of nonprofit and higher education institutions. This includes implementing best practices in financial reporting frameworks and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Attendees will gain actionable insights into adapting financial strategies to navigate regulatory changes, enhance transparency, drive strategic decision-making, streamline processes, and optimize efficiency. Our session aims to empower finance and accounting professionals in auxiliary organizations with the knowledge and tools needed to lead innovation in the dynamic landscape of higher education finance.
Speaker
Shailendra Baghel
Director, Finance & Accounting
SJSU Research Foundation
Ahead of the Curve: Future Trends in Finance and Accounting for Higher Education
Biography
Mr. Shailendra Baghel, CPA JD MBA | Director, Finance & Accounting, San Jose State University (SJSU) Research Foundation: He is currently chair of the Business and Finance Services Committee. Previously, he served as Vice-Chair and AOA conference coordinator. He started his career working with a Big4 public accounting firm. With a comprehensive background in law, business administration, and finance, Shailendra brings over 25 years of work experience. He has worked in higher education, manufacturing, banking, public accounting, and non-profit organizations. His strategic leadership is pivotal in supporting groundbreaking research initiatives at San Jose State University. Notably, he navigated complex regulatory environments and oversaw financial reporting frameworks tailored to meet the unique needs of academic institutions. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong track record in optimizing financial processes, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving operational efficiencies. His dedication makes him a valuable asset in the higher education community.
Roger Martinez
Audit Partner
Vasquez + Company, LLP
Ahead of the Curve: Future Trends in Finance and Accounting for Higher Education
Biography
Mr. Roger Martinez, CPA | Partner, Vasquez + Company: Roger Martinez, CPA, brings over two decades of audit and advisory experience, serving as a Partner at Vasquez + Company LLP and previously at KPMG. With a specialized focus on higher education, Roger has led audit engagements across multiple campuses within the California State University (CSU) System. His tenure includes serving on the CSU Systemwide and individual campus audits for half of the CSU campuses, including audits of the auxiliary organizations for the Pomona, Long Beach, and Los Angeles campuses. His experience in financial management and compliance has been instrumental in ensuring transparency and operational integrity within these institutions.
Elissa Stilwell
Consulting Practice Partner
Vasquez + Company, LLP
Ahead of the Curve: Future Trends in Finance and Accounting for Higher Education
Biography
Elisa Stilwell, CPA, is a Partner at Vasquez + Company LLP and a former KPMG Senior Manager with over two decades of experience in audit and advisory services. She leads advisory services for San Jose State University Research Foundation and has also served Tower Foundation of San Jose State University. Elisa’s experience extends to the California State University (CSU) System, where for eight years she led the Systemwide engagement team for the financial statement audits, single audits, and individual campus audits,” including Bakersfield, Fresno, Humboldt, San Francisco, San Bernardino, San Luis Obispo, Sonoma, and Stanislaus. “Her contributions to the CSU System include serving on KPMG’s Systemwide GASB 34/35 implementation team, collaborating on development of the CSU GAAP Accounting and Reporting Manual with the Chancellor’s Office, presenting at CSU Annual GAAP Training sessions, and working with CSU auxiliary organizations on CSU reporting requirements. Her commitment to financial standards ensures compliance and transparency within higher education institutions.
