Joshua C. Racca, Academic Director, PhD Accounting, University of North Texas
MBA, University of North Texas
Joshua joined the University of Connecticut faculty in 2016 as an Assistant Professor in Residence. Josh coordinates the managerial accounting course for the undergraduate school, as well as teaches courses in data analytics for the Master of Science program. Prior to joining UConn, Josh taught cost accounting and taxation courses at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, along with managerial accounting and tax for the University of North Texas.
Prior to his teaching career, Josh worked for MBNA / Bank of America in several roles, including data analysis, project management, and financial analysis. He also has owned several businesses, as well as worked as a consultant for financial and tax issues for other organizations. Josh teaches both of the Data Analytics courses in the MSA program for UConn.
Patrick Lee, CPA, MS in Accounting, University of Connecticut
BS in Accounting, University of La Verne
Patrick Lee is an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Connecticut’s School of Business where he teaches in the Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals. Patrick is a licensed CPA in the State of California.
Patrick holds his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of La Verne and holds a Master of Science in Human Sciences from Oklahoma State University and a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Connecticut. He began his accounting career at Deloitte and Touche, LLP as an external auditor specializing in Real Estate Investment Trusts and Manufacturing/Production Entities. As part of his role in the Manufacturing/Production Industry, Patrick was part of a specialized team of auditors who on-boarded new clients to Deloitte.
After leaving his position at Deloitte, Patrick and a few colleagues of his started a small accounting practice specializing in small business accounting, payroll, and taxes as well as individual tax work. During that time, Patrick worked to help small business owners become more efficient in their operations and become better prepared in making financial decisions in their own companies. Patrick subsequently sold his practice to focus on his teaching career.
Currently, Patrick is a committee member on the AICPA’s Student Recruitment Committee helping to recruit future students into the accounting profession. In addition to his involvement with the AICPA, Patrick aids in the preparations of the accounting videos produced by McGraw-Hill Higher Education in support of the Intermediate Accounting textbook by Spiceland, Nelson, Thomas.
For the last three years, Patrick was recognized with an industry award by being named to the CPA Practice Advisor’s 40 under 40 Accounting Professionals leading the profession into the future. In addition, he has won numerous teaching awards throughout his career as a college faculty member.
In addition to his teaching, Patrick is active with the United Spirit Association as part of the support team that directs and executes the largest cheer and dance competition on the West Coast. Events include the USA High School Nationals event, the USA Collegiate Championships, and the USA All Star Championship.
Justin Marcarelli CPA, MS in Accounting, University of Connecticut
BA in Accounting, North Carolina State University
Justin Marcarelli is an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Connecticut’s School of Business where he teaches in the Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals. Justin is a licensed CPA in the State of North Carolina.
Justin holds his Bachelor of Science in Accounting from North Carolina State University and holds a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Connecticut. He began his accounting career working for local public accounting firms specializing in government/non-profit auditing and small business full-charge accounting for a few years. Realizing a lifelong dream of working in sports, he then became the accountant for DC United of Major League Soccer. During his time there he was hands on with all financial aspects of the club as well as the accounting for the construction and transition to their new stadium, which was completed in July 2018.
Currently, Justin is the Controller for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League and PNC Arena overseeing the day to day accounting of the organization. His primary responsibilities include managing the annual budgeting process across all departments, periodic financial reporting and analysis, and coordinating yearly external audits.
In addition to his professional career, Justin is a volunteer youth soccer coach through his local YMCA and is a member of multiple adult recreational sports teams.
Katherine Slack Florian, CPA, MS in Accounting, University of Connecticut
BS in Accounting, University of Connecticut
Katie Florian is an Adjunct Instructor at the University of Connecticut’s School of Business where she teaches in the Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals. Katie is a licensed CPA in the State of Connecticut.
Katie holds her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Connecticut and holds a Master of Science in Accounting from the University of Connecticut. She began her accounting career working for in public accounting at Deloitte in the audit practice.
After leaving her position at Deloitte, Katie returned to UConn and joined the Accounting Department using her accounting education to teach undergraduate Managerial Accounting as an adjunct instructor, as well as provide administrative and academic support and coordination for the MSA and Undergraduate Accounting Program. Since 2016, Katie has solely taught online in the Undergraduate Accounting Program and Certificate in Accounting Fundamentals.
In addition to her professional career, Katie has a husband and three young kids, and is an avid runner, tennis player, and enjoys traveling.
Arthur Schmeiser, BS in Accounting, St. John’s University
Arthur Schmeiser joins the UConn faculty after serving 38 years at Deloitte & Touche LLP where he retired as a senior partner. Schmeiser served clients in a variety of industries but had a focus on clients in consumer businesses such as Macy’s, Neiman Marcus, Procter & Gamble, Saks 5th Avenue, Sears, Talbots, The May Department Stores Company and Timberland. In addition to his client work, he has held various leadership positions within D&T, both domestically and internationally. He has broad experience in Securities and Exchange Commission [including serving as an SEC fellow from 1979 to 1981] and other accounting and reporting requirements having been involved with numerous initial public offerings, secondary offerings, public merger filings and public and private company audits. He has extensive experience dealing with Boards of Directors, Audit Committees and Senior Executives of U.S public companies in accounting and reporting areas, along with strategic acquisition and other business matters. Art is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well as the Society of Certified Public Accountants in the states of Connecticut and New York. Art is also involved with the National Retail Federation and the International Mass Retailers Association. Art earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from St. John’s University in 1971.