Muhammad Owais, an accounting major in the University of Baltimore's Merrick School of Business, is one of 84 students nationally to receive a merit scholarship from The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The $10,000 scholarship is intended to encourage students to pursue a career in auditing.

Owais, a transfer student from the Community College of Baltimore County, is a member of the school's Accounting Honors Program and has consistently made the Dean's List since beginning his program. He is president of UB's chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, the national honors society for accounting; treasurer for the Delta Epsilon Iota Academic Honor Society's Alpha Xi Delta chapter; and a senator in UB's Student Government Association. Owais is planning for a career in auditing at a public accounting firm.

"I am honored to be selected for this scholarship," Owais said. "Merrick's thorough approach to accounting classes gives us a real-world advantage by focusing on topics currently affecting the accounting profession."

Jan Williams, associate professor of accounting and director of UB's Accounting Honors Program, describes Owais as a diligent student who has a passion for accounting.

"I am excited that the PCAOB has recognized Muhammad for his academic efforts and achievements," Williams said. "Muhammad is a focused student who has exhibited his talents both in the classroom and in his role as president of Beta Alpha Psi, and in networking with accounting professionals. He is an outstanding ambassador for our Accounting Honors Program, for the University of Baltimore, and for the next generation of certified public accountants."

PCAOB Chairman James R. Doty said of this year's winners: "We are proud of the role this scholarship program plays in recognizing student achievement. We hope to inspire students to become future thought leaders in auditing for the benefit of investors."

The scholarship program was created by Congress as part of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002. The law requires that monetary penalties imposed by the PCAOB in its disciplinary proceedings be used to fund a merit scholarship program for students in accredited accounting degree programs. The program identifies eligible students for merit-based scholarships and award funds through the students’ educational institutions.

The PCAOB encourages institutions to consider students from populations that have been historically underrepresented in the accounting profession. To qualify, students must:

• be enrolled in a bachelor's or master's degree program in accounting;
• demonstrate interest and aptitude in accounting and auditing;
• demonstrate high ethical standards.

This is the PCAOB's fifth year granting scholarships through the PCAOB Scholarship Program.

Learn more about the Accounting Honors Program in the Merrick School of Business.