About the Center
A legacy of excellence and a future of innovation in auditing.
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Dr. C. Aubrey Smith
A visionary in accounting education, Dr. Smith's 42-year legacy at UT-Austin laid the foundation for modern auditing practices and education.
As the first CPA on the UT-Austin teaching staff, Dr. Smith was instrumental in establishing the Degree of Master in Professional Accounting and shaping the Accounting Department into what it is today.
His dedication to excellence and innovation in auditing education continues to inspire our work at the C. Aubrey Smith Center.
Our Mission
The C. Aubrey Smith Center for Auditing Education and Research is dedicated to:
Promoting and improving auditing education for those who plan to enter the accounting profession.
Conducting and disseminating research so as to advance the theory and practice of auditing.
Identifying, elucidating and helping to resolve issues facing the auditing profession.
Meet the Team
The dedicated faculty and staff leading the Center's initiatives.
Jaime Schmidt
Executive Director
Jaime Schmidt leads the C. Aubrey Smith Center of Auditing Education & Research as its Executive Director. Jaime is a Professor of Accounting in the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.
Nick Hallman
Associate Professor
Nicholas (Nick) Hallman is an Associate Professor of Accounting in the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. Before getting his Ph.D., Nick worked in practice as an auditor for Deloitte.
Zach Kowaleski
Assistant Professor
Zach is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at the McCombs School of Business. He was formerly on faculty at the University of Notre Dame and worked four years in PwC's audit practice.
Kiryll Pokudin
Program Coordinator
Kiryll serves as the Program Coordinator at the C. Aubrey Smith Center. He received his B.B.A. in Finance from McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin. Pretty good at using the computer.
Our Journey
Key milestones in our history of leadership in accounting education.
1924
Dr. Smith joins UT-Austin
1948
Establishes Master of Professional Accounting degree
1951
Establishes the first auditing course
1972
Retires after 48 years of service
1987
CAS Center founded in his honor
2023
$1.35M donation enhances CAS endowment
Our Impact by the Numbers
#1
Ranked Accounting Program
(U.S. News & World Report)
5,000+
Alumni in Leadership Roles
(Globally)
$10M+
Endowment for Research
(Supporting Faculty & Students)