Accounting Industry Experts

Setting the Standard for Accounting Excellence

Every Accounting Case Competition is enriched by a panel of distinguished judges from top accounting and consulting firms. These professionals bring decades of combined experience in audit, tax, risk, and financial services, offering students an authentic glimpse into the expectations of the industry. Their insightful feedback and challenging questions push teams to elevate their thinking, refine their presentations, and approach complex problems like seasoned professionals. The judging panel not only scores performances - they serve as mentors, role models, and a bridge between academic learning and real-world application.

Meet the 2024 Judges:

• Kawser Yamin
  

  Senior ManagerBDO USAAbout Kawser Kawser Yamin is a seasoned tax professional with nearly two decades of experience. Currently a Tax Senior Manager at BDO USA, he previously held senior tax roles at RSM US LLP and EY, where he spent nine years. Kawser began his career in auditing at Deloitte in New York City, building a strong foundation in tax strategy and compliance. 
• Grigoriy Alayev
  

  Senior Audit AssociateBDA USAAbout Grigoriy Grigoriy Alayev is a Senior Audit Associate at BDO USA with over 15 years in audit and finance, including roles at Citi, Walmart, and JPMorgan Chase. He brings extensive experience in financial analysis, internal controls, and process improvement.
• Will Harris 
  

  Audit Manager CohnReznickAbout Will Will Harris is an Audit Manager at CohnReznick, where he leads audit engagements for diverse commercial clients, focusing on quality, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. A licensed CPA in New York, Will holds an MSA degree from Stony Brook University. He is dedicated to providing exceptional audit services and continually expanding his expertise in accounting. 
• Justin Krystopher
  

  Managing DirectorProtivitiAbout Justin Justin Krystopher is a Managing Director at Protiviti with over 11 years of experience in risk management and consulting. Previously, he held roles as Director and Associate Director at Protiviti and served as an Audit Manager at Deloitte. Justin’s expertise includes audit, compliance, and strategic risk in the New York City area.
• Robert Gould
  

  Managing DirectorProtivitiAbout Robert Robert Gould is a Managing Director at Protiviti, leading the Global Private Equity Practice in the Metro New York Region. With over 25 years of experience, he specializes in finance, technology, operations, and risk consulting. Previously at Deloitte, Rob led audit engagements and Sarbanes-Oxley efforts. A CPA, he has helped clients with process improvements, Public Company Readiness, and Outsourcing Governance.
• Liz Pelan
  

  PartnerPwCAbout Liz Liz Pelan is a Partner in PwC’s Asset and Wealth Management practice in New York. Elizabeth has over 20 years of public accounting experience leading engagements for hedge fund and private equity fund clients. Elizabeth is a CPA in New York and is a member of the AICPA and NYSSCPA. Elizabeth holds a Masters' Degree in Accounting and a Bachelors' Degree in Business Administration from Stonehill College.
• Piotr Obrycki
  

  Senior ManagerPwCAbout Piotr Piotr Obrycki is a Senior Manager at PwC, where he has worked since 2018, progressing through roles from Senior Associate to Manager and now Senior Manager. With expertise in asset and wealth management, Piotr has been instrumental in providing financial services to clients. Before joining PwC, he worked as an Account Manager and Telecommunications Analyst at Global Telecom Supply. 

2024 Alumni Advisors

Guiding Students with Professional Insight

In the inaugural 2024 Accounting Case Competition, each student team was paired with a recent Stony Brook University College of Business alumnus serving as their advisor. These alumni, now professionals in firms, brought firsthand industry experience to the competition. Their guidance provided students with practical insights, mentorship, and a glimpse into the professional world. As one participant noted, these advisors, just a few years ahead in their careers, offered invaluable support and real-world perspectives that enriched the learning experience. 

Meet the 2024 Team Advisors:

• Ingy Ghobashy
  

  ManagerPwCAbout Ingy Ingy Ghobashy is a Manager in PwC's Sustainability & ESG practice in New York City, with over six years at the firm. She leads ESG initiatives and helps clients integrate sustainability into their strategies. Ingy holds a CPA and FSA credential. Previously, she co-founded the IMA Chapter at Stony Brook University and organized professional development events for students.
• Raymond Yam
  

  Audit AssociateEYAbout Raymond Raymond Yam is an Audit Associate at EY with prior internship experience at Wei, Wei & Co., LLP, where he managed accounts receivable and supported software transitions. Skilled in Excel, Tableau, and QuickBooks, Raymond continuously develops his technical expertise. He also served as Vice President of Beta Alpha Psi at Stony Brook University, overseeing activities and reporting for the petitioning chapter.
• Steven Miata
  

  ManagerCBIZAbout Steven Steven Miata, Manager at CBIZ, brings nearly 10 years of public accounting experience, specializing in supporting content creators in media, gaming, and entertainment. He helps clients like YouTubers, bloggers, and influencers navigate challenges such as irregular income and royalties, offering services in tax planning, bookkeeping, and business advisory.
• Paul Massa
  

  Advisory AssociateKPMG USAbout Paul Paul Massa is an Advisory Associate at KPMG US, specializing in Deal Advisory & Strategy. Previously, he was a Staff Accountant at Callaghan LLP, where he supported tax preparation and due diligence. Paul also served as President of the Stony Brook University Accounting Society and gained experience through internships at Broadridge, Suffolk County, and the New York Islanders.
• Thomas Allen
  

  Supervisor of Financial ReportingTeachers Federal Credit UnionAbout Ingy Thomas Allen is a Supervisor of Financial Reporting at Teachers Federal Credit Union, where he has progressed through various roles, including Technical Accountant and Senior Accountant. Prior to his current position, he worked as a Staff Accountant at Cerini and Associates, LLP, and gained valuable experience in customer service and banking at TD and Wendy’s.
• Michael Mosca
  

  Associate in Hedge Fund FinanceiCapitalAbout Ingy Michael Mosca is an Associate in Hedge Fund Finance at iCapital, where he has been working since June 2024. Previously, he spent over three years at Deloitte in various Audit & Assurance roles, culminating as a Senior. Before joining Deloitte, Michael gained experience in accounts payable at RailWorks Corporation and IVCi. He also interned at Cullen & Danowski, LLP, and Mazars.

2024 Student Teams

Driven by Curiosity and Collaboration

The 2024 Accounting Case Competition featured diverse student teams from across the College of Business, each bringing unique perspectives and skills to the challenge. These motivated individuals collaborated closely to analyze complex financial scenarios, develop innovative solutions, and deliver compelling presentations. Their dedication, teamwork, and creativity exemplified the spirit of the competition, showcasing the next generation of accounting leaders ready to make an impact.

Meet the 2024 Student Teams: