A recent accounting graduate has earned a $15,000 scholarship to pursue her master’s degree at Siena.
Madison Wilsey ‘26 of Oneonta, N.Y. earned the merit-based award from the national Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB). They grant about 250 scholarships each year to students in accredited accounting programs across the country.
In addition to the scholarship, Madison is eligible to participate in the PCAOB’s mentor program, which pairs recipients with PCAOB professional staff for a structured nine-month engagement – a distinctive opportunity for early-career development in public company auditing.
“Siena University provided me with a strong academic foundation while pushing me to grow personally and professionally,” said Wilsey. “I received endless support from my professors, advisors, and mentors. The hands-on learning opportunities and close-knit community gave me the confidence and skills needed to pursue a career in accounting, and I am incredibly grateful for the experiences and people that helped prepare me for this next chapter of my life."
Wilsey earned her B.S. in accounting from Siena this May, and will pursue her M.S. in accounting at Siena starting in the fall. She will be a graduate assistant in the University’s financial aid office, and continue to work part time for the Oneonta accounting firm of Mostert, Manzanero & Scott, LLP.
Chester Brearey, D.B.A., C.P.A., professor of accountancy and director of Siena’s M.S.A. program, nominated Wilsey for the scholarship.
He noted that Siena has had a consistent presence in the program since 2015, with students earning awards across multiple cycles.
“Madison’s selection continues that record and reflects the caliber of students coming through the School of Business accounting program,” he said.
The PCAOB scholarships are funded by regulatory fines assessed on publicly traded companies for accounting irregularities.