blue background with image of golden scale with a gavel on the left side and a lit up check mark in a badge on the right side, the headshots of our 4 speakers on top, our MSU Denver MPAcc logo on the left, and our
blue background with image of golden scale with a gavel on the left side and a lit up check mark in a badge on the right side, the headshots of our 4 speakers on top, our MSU Denver MPAcc logo on the left, and our

Curious about AI in accounting? We are too!

Last week, we hosted the third session of our Accounting For Your Future virtual event series, where we explored this rapidly evolving topic. Senior Lecturer Sheri Betzer led a panel of accounting professionals in discussing practical applications of AI in accounting, the risks of over-reliance, and ethical considerations.

A key theme emerged throughout the discussion: As AI becomes more prevalent, it’s more important than ever for students and aspiring accounting professionals to master the basics when it comes to accounting concepts and processes. That expertise will allow them to use AI effectively and responsibly while ensuring accuracy, integrity, and sound judgment in their work with future clients.

Check out the speaker portion of the event below:

The views and opinions expressed in this video are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of MSU Denver.

Speaker Profiles

Sheri Betzer's headshot

Sheri Betzer, CFE | Senior Lecturer at MSU Denver

Sheri Betzer is an accredited CFE from Denver, CO. Since receiving her B.S. in Accounting from Colorado Mesa University, Ms. Betzer has become one of the foremost experts in fraud and forensic accounting. She regularly conducts continuing education courses for CPA’s and attorneys while maintaining her presence in a local CPA firm that specializes in litigation support and fraud investigations. Some of her former clients include the US Dept. of Justice, the Colorado Dept. of Revenue, and public defender offices throughout CO, AZ, and WY, just to name a few. Ms. Betzer is a full-time faculty member at MSU Denver and currently teaches courses related to fraud investigations, forensic accounting and Ethics in the MPAcc program. 

headshot - Jim Altman (affiliate and accounting department event panelist)

Jim Altman, CPA, CGMA | Semi Retired / Consultant

I have a passion for driving financial transformations, from turning companies profitable to driving multi-million-dollar revenue growth. I thrive on complex problem-solving, using data-driven insights to make strategic decisions. I am a collaborative leader seeking to mentor those coming behind me. 

William Mesa's headshot

Bill Mesa, D.M., CPA, CGMA | Associate Professor at MSU Denver

Dr. Mesa received his Bachelors and Masters in Accounting from New Mexico State University and his Doctorate in Management at Colorado Technical University. His primary areas of teaching are in financial reporting, auditing, strategic analytics and ethics. His area of research is in preserving expertise and individual agency—both in accounting and in general for people.  He recently presented a paper at the University of Pisa (Italy) that takes an asymmetrical approach to teaching accounting in an AI environment.  Dr. Mesa lectured in strategy in China for 10 years at institutes such as Xiua University, Chonqing University, and Dalian University of Technology.  Dr. Mesa is the principal and founder of Triangulation Group, LLC where he serves as a consultant for SMEs and non-profits in the capacity of vision, strategy, and core values planning.  Outside of the university he is active member of the Littleton Symphony Orchestra and practices apiary culture—beekeeping. 

headshot - Peter Ulrich (MPAcc alum and accounting department event panelist)

Peter Ulrich, CISA, SAFe, LPM, MPAcc | Technology Risk and Controls Manager at Crowe

IT audit leader and risk strategist with extensive experience in internal auditing, cybersecurity, compliance, artificial intelligence, project management, and IT general controls. I specialize in optimizing processes, enhancing cyber resiliency, and driving operational efficiency. With deep expertise in NIST, SOC, SOX, ISO, ITIL, PCI-DSS, and ESG, I lead teams to identify strategic, risk-based issues and suggest reasonable solutions that improve governance, compliance, and efficiency. I have worked in multiple industries including government, hospitality, financial services, construction, data center operations, software, and professional accounting. 

looking over a hiker's shoulder at their compass in hand as they are hiking in the mountains, with "Accounting For Your Future" listed on top, and the MSU Denver Department of Accounting logo on the bottom leftThis Spring ’26 term is centered on thinking about the future for our Accounting Roadrunner Community. This “Accounting For Your Future” interactive series is designed for accounting students, career changers, and professionals who want to build essential skills, embrace technology, and position themselves for success. RSVP to join us in the next and last session in this virtual event series:

Check out the slate of upcoming Spring ‘26 events we’ve got lined up here!

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