Two University of Montana accounting students recently won national scholarships geared toward outstanding graduates considering careers in auditing.
Ella Pheifer and Brandi Ashford each earned a $15,000 scholarship from the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. They were among a select group from across the country to receive this recognition for the 2025-26 academic year.
Pheifer was raised in Kalispell and completed an Associate’s of Arts degree during her last two years of high school through the Running Start program at Flathead Valley Community College. She is just beginning the UM Master of Accountancy Program.
“I’ve always loved numbers and organization, so a degree in accounting was an easy choice,” Pheifer said. “This scholarship has given me a new burst of inspiration for my final year of school, knowing I’m being supported and cheered on by the stellar professors who taught me in the undergraduate program.”
Since 2011, PCAOB has administered a scholarship program for undergraduate and graduate accounting students enrolled in accredited U.S. colleges and universities, benefitting students who are likely to become auditors and making a difference to those who might otherwise choose a different career path. The scholarship is awarded through a nomination process.
Ashford was born in Nebraska but moved to Montana 13 years ago. In May, she will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration-Accounting degree. She will then will begin the accounting master’s program in the UM College of Business.
“Receiving this scholarship was a deeply humbling experience,” Ashford said. “It’s more than financial support – it’s a powerful reminder that others believe in me, and that belief inspires me to keep working toward my goals.
“The UM College of Business does a great job preparing students to enter the workforce and become productive, ethical leaders,” she said. “The faculty bring real-world experience into the classroom and understand how to bridge the gap between academic theory and practical application.”
UM’s accounting program has been a source of pride for the campus for decades, ranking 14th nationally among similarly sized programs with exceptional CPA pass rates. The mission at the business college is to nurture students’ innate work ethic and provide transformative learning experiences to help them achieve a better life.
UM has invested in professional instructional design training and course preparation to ensure its exceptional accounting faculty can equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to pass the CPA exam and get to work in their communities.
This last academic year, the UM accounting master’s program transitioned to a fully online format. Moving online makes it possible for individuals anywhere to work around their schedules to change careers or finally obtain the master’s degree they need. Enrollment in the program has nearly doubled since its launch in the online space.
By: UM news service