Elizabeth Cannata
Associate Professor + Department Chair, Accountancy + Finance, College of Business
I feel like I can add value to students’ career opportunities — maybe help them land that perfect internship or that dream job.”
Bio
“Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.”
These words, spoken by Benjamin Franklin, have had a profound impact on my teaching approach and passion.
As a JWU faculty member for the past 13 years, I pride myself on involving my students in the leaning process and guiding them on the path to successful careers.
Spending 25 years as a Certified Public Accountant — many as an auditor — has provided me with a wealth of real-world knowledge and industry contacts that directly benefit my students.
While technical skills are critical in the accounting and finance disciplines, the field is evolving at a rapid pace, and skills such as information technology, communication and leadership abilities are very important.
My focus has always been on developing the whole student. While teaching will always be my passion, I have enjoyed serving as the Accounting Department Chair for the last couple of years, as this has given me increased opportunity to champion curriculum changes, develop internships and service learning opportunities and connect with a greater number of students outside of the classroom.
Certifications
- Rhode Island Board of Accountancy, Certified Public Accountant
Professional Memberships
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, 1991-present
- Rhode Island Society of Certified Public Accountants, 1991-present
Past Board member, committee member, cooperation with Educational Institutions Committee - Rhode Island Association of Accounting Professionals, 1995-present
- Rhode Island Association of Fraud Examiners, 1996-present
Professional Development
- 2017: CPA Academy
Choosing the Right Apps for You and Your Clients - 2017: Rhode Island Association of Accounting Professors
Robotic Processing Automation 101 for Accounting Professionals and Teaching Slams - 2016: Global Asset Management Education Forum
3-day seminar in New York City focusing on asset management and finance education - 2016: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners
Understanding Employee Theft and Identifying the Warning Signs - 2016: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) Excellence Awards and CPE
The Blindspot Zone and Managing Client Emotions - 2016: Association of Accounting Professors
Data Analytics and University Classroom Perspectives - 2016: Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE)
Investigative Analysis: Elder Financial Abuse and Insurance Industry Fraud - 2016: Institute of Internal Auditors
Fraud & Ethics
Presentations
- “Hot Topics and Careers in Finance”
Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Foundation, 2016
Authors: Elizabeth Cannata - “Careers in Finance and Impact Investing”
Securities Industry & Financial Markets Association (SIFMA) Foundation, 2017
Authors: Elizabeth Cannata
Sample Courses
- ACCT 1210: Financial Accounting
- ACCT 3040: Auditing
- ACCT 2021: Intermediate Accounting I