Higher Education
Cecilia Angat
CPA
Partner
Elizabeth Bergman
Principal
Kerri Bogda
Partner
Andrea L. Caladie
CPA
Partner
David Capitano
CPA
Partner
John W. Compton Jr.
CPA, CGFM
Partner
Mike Cullen
CISA, CISSP, CIPP/US
Principal
Ashley Deihr
CPA, CIA, CFE
Partner
Nicki Donlon
CPA
Partner
Paul Frantz
CPA
Partner
Jeffrey Haynes
Director
Matthew Kalil
CPA, MBA
Partner
Jeff Krull
CPA, CISA, CITP
Partner
Ellen Labita
CPA
Partner
Mark E. Laccetti
CPA
Partner
Adrienne Larmett
CRA, MBA
Principal
Ryan J. Lay
CPA
Partner
Kimberly Macedo
CIA, PMP
Director
Susan Maloney
CPA
Director
Rebekah Martin
CPA
Partner
William P. McGowan
CPA
Partner
Bradley J. Mease
CPA
Partner
Larry Mohr
CPA, M.B.T.
Partner
James W. Nowoswiat
CPA
Partner
Corey Parker
CIA
Director
Joseph Sassa III
CPA
Partner
Christine M. Smith
Managing Director
Thomas W. Walenchok
CPA
Partner
Cassandra Walsh
CPA
Partner
Michael J. Windham
PMP
Director
Pioneers in higher education innovation
Higher education leaders turn to Baker Tilly to enhance student and institutional success. Our client experience spans from effective risk management and innovative strategies to compliant fiscal reporting and operational controls.
Colleges and universities are under increasing pressure to improve student engagement and outcomes while meeting demands for greater transparency and affordability. More than ever, stakeholders are exploring challenging questions on topics including academic and admissions integrity, enrollment management, cybersecurity and student wellness.
This ever-changing environment presents unique opportunities for (and expectations that) institutions transform in new and bold ways, such as adopting advanced data analytics and strategic talent management. To be successful, institutions must harness the force of an integrated, courageous navigator who can collaborate with leaders across all functions and levels to drive holistic solutions from an institution-wide perspective.
Let's embark on this journey, together.
We have a responsibility to our schools and the public to make well-informed educated decisions. It is important that our advisors are meticulous in what they do, proactive in the way they do it and possess a high level of knowledge in the higher education industry. Baker Tilly is one such firm.Audit Committee Chair, large state system
Guiding colleges & universities
As a forward-looking, collaborative and consultative ally, our unique insights derive from a specialized focus on higher education clients and issues. Dedicated Value Architects™ give you access to the industry’s most strategic thinking to bring transformative guidance and impactful solutions required to nimbly manage matters related to:
Fiscal resiliency
- Affordability
- Combination and merger consulting
- Change readiness/change management
- Digital transformation
- Enrollment and retention
- Fiscal modeling and analysis
- Human capital management
- IT and data strategy and governance
- Market evaluation
- Performance optimization
- Shared services consulting
- Strategic planning
- Strategic resource and program alignment
- Student wellness and success
Digital transformation
Risk advisory and internal audit
- Board and audit committee governance
- Cybersecurity and privacy
- Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC)
- Enterprise risk management
- Fraud, ethics and academic integrity
- Internal audit
- Internal controls reviews
- Risk assessments
Accounting and assurance
- Financial statement audit
- Regulatory compliance
- Research and grants compliance
- Tax preparation and compliance
Collegiate athletics and esports
- Athletic department and program analysis
- Esports department and program assessments and governance
- Name, image and likeness (NIL) compliance and regulatory oversight
- NCAA agreed-upon procedures
- NCAA compliance (and other regulatory compliance)
- Policies and procedures
- Recruiting strategies
- Scholarship management
Recognizing that all higher education and research institutions must balance numerous priorities with finite resources, we design tailored, solutions-driven strategies and approach every situation with practicality so you can progress your institutional mission.
Cybersecurity insights
The rise of proactive assurance, and why it’s here to stay
Through proactive assurance, internal audit can add immediate and tangible value to an organization.
More Malware, Less Ransomware in Higher Ed
Higher education institutions saw an increase in malware attacks from cybercriminals – up 26% in 2022.
Never trust, always verify. But how?
A zero trust security model must cover multiple levels of implementation across various layers of the organization’s security framework.
How higher education and research institutions may benefit from using HITRUST to navigate research data security requirements
Regulated research institutions may utilize HITRUST to to satisfy contractual requirements, internal control environment requirements and due diligence with regulatory authorities and other external stakeholders.
How your NFP can manage cyber risk when cyber insurance costs rise
The cybersecurity insurance market has shifted significantly over the last 12-18 months, leaving not-for-profit organizations faced with pricey premiums or the inability to purchase coverage.
Data mapping: building a strong foundation for cybersecurity and data privacy
Data mapping can help organizations comply with data privacy regulations, align with cybersecurity frameworks, and prepare for compliance efforts.
How to build an effective IT audit team during a time of skilled resourcing shortages
Explore strategies to staffing and building a high-performing IT audit team, including the advantages and benefits to co-sourcing and outsourcing.
Are you overlooking a key component to cybersecurity risk management?
This article discusses new cybersecurity risks that have developed due to IT challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Top five cybersecurity and IT audit trends that most impact an organization’s ability to respond to today’s challenges
This article highlights the top five cybersecurity and IT audit trends that organizations are currently impacted by and the response mechanisms they can utilize to combat security threats.
Combating the rising costs of cyber insurance: how we got here, and what organizations can do
As the cost of cyber insurance trends upward, often with less coverage, organizations across all industries must improve their cyber controls to minimize premium costs and their risk of a cyber attack.
Research security: what auditors must know in 2022
Gain insight into the latest research security developments and requirements and how they impact higher education.
Cybersecurity and data privacy: recognizing the risks facing NFP organizations
Not-for-profit organizations should be aware of similarities between cybersecurity and data privacy and take proactive steps to address potential risks.
Ransomware prevention guide
Our ransomware prevention guide explores eight leading cybersecurity practices to minimize an organization’s chance of a ransomware attack.
HITRUST FAQ
Here are the answers to frequently asked questions regarding HITRUST, HITRUST assessment types, external assessors and HITRUST certification timelines.
Cybersecurity risk management: mitigating vulnerabilities in the cloud
This on-demand webinar discusses cybersecurity threats, leading practices to mitigate those threats and the nuances of securing third-party hosted solutions.
Managing cybersecurity risks in the cloud
While the idea of cloud-hosted infrastructure may seem new, organizations have been outsourcing management of their infrastructure for decades. Read this article to better understand the cloud’s unique capabilities, as well as how you can utilize the securities within the cloud.
Managing security risks when using third-party hosted solutions
As businesses continue to focus on their core products and services, many organizations have found the development of internal proprietary applications no longer align to their long-term strategic goals or objectives and chose to outsource technical staff managing the day-to-day operations. Read this article to see what security risks still remain after resources shift and how to successfully navigate the new technology.
Growth by the numbers
270+
private institutions
140+
public institutions
18
state systems
125+
research institutions, including 55 institutions classified as highest research activity*
10 of the top 15
highest recipients of federal funding**
120+
religious institutions
50+
liberal arts institutions
Baker Tilly in the news
IRS Memo May Deter Athlete NIL Orgs From Going Nonprofit
According to a recent memo from the IRS many organizations offering paid opportunities for college athletes to use their name, image and likeness (NIL) may not qualify for tax exemptions. In an article with Law360 Partner Larry Mohr shares considerations for organizations that have exempt status or are considering seeking one.
Accuracy Matters: How Colleges Can Avoid Misreporting With Reliable Data
In light of 10 universities recently being removed from the U.S. News & World Report due to inaccurate or misleading information, Baker Tilly Principal Adrienne Larmett shares in an article with University Business how colleges and universities can prevent misreporting and make sure their data is accurate.
Do the ‘U.S. News’ Rankings Rely on Dubious Data?
Major universities look to rankings to present and differentiate themselves amid pressure to boost enrollment, revenue and donations. Baker Tilly Senior Manager Adrienne Larmett spoke with The Chronicle of Higher Education on data reporting challenges for colleges and universities and the critical role of oversight.
Trustees and Presidents - Opportunities and Challenges In Intercollegiate Athletics
Baker Tilly Partner Dave Capitano and Senior Manager Adrienne Larmett are featured on Dr. Karen Weaver's “Trustees and Presidents - Opportunities and Challenges In Intercollegiate Athletics” podcast.
Some College Athletes Cash In While Others Lose Out
As college athletes profit from new sponsorship deals in light of the NCAA’s interim name, image and likeness (NIL) policy, institutions are struggling to navigate state laws and regulations. Baker Tilly’s Adrienne Larmett discusses the complexities #NIL poses with Inside Higher Ed, and what institutions need to consider moving forward.
Treating Private College Athletes Like the Pros
In response to the National Labor Relations Board’s memo this week classifying some college athletes as employees, Baker Tilly Senior Manager Adrienne Larmett talks with Inside Higher Ed on how this new guidance adds complexity for colleges and universities as they work to comply with and operationalize name, image and likeness (NIL) rules.
Christine Smith gives insight into the next steps of Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education integration.
Following the vote for Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) to move forward with integrations, Baker Tilly Managing Director Christine Smith comments on the challenges ahead.
Christine Smith gives insight into the Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education integration process.
As Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) moves forward with integrations, Chancellor Dan Greenstein is trusting Baker Tilly Managing Director Christine Smith and Baker Tilly's team of higher education specialists to turn plans into action: leading the strategy for stakeholder mapping, accreditation approval and more.
Higher Education Must Change To Thrive: The Case Of Consolidation In The Pennsylvania State System
Baker Tilly Managing Director Christine Smith was recently featured in the article highlighting how the Higher Education team is helping the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education reinvent itself to provide more affordable, career-relevant education for all students.
Christine Smith provides insight into the importance of fiscal resiliency for Higher Ed organizations
Baker Tilly Managing Director Christine Smith recently spoke with The Business Journals about how colleges and universities can chart an intentional path forward to ensure student success within the context of long-term fiscal resiliency and institutional sustainability.
Resource center
Internal audit resources for higher education
Navigate your institution's risk roadblocks with actionable insights.
Future-forward solutions
Collegiate Athletics & Esports
You call the plays, we help you score.
Internal Audit
Leverage industry-specialized internal audit for organizational success.Cybersecurity
Proactively protect and address your cybersecurity and information technology (IT) risks.
IT Audit Solutions
Leverage industry-specialized IT audit professionals to enhance and protect organizational value.
Enterprise Risk Management
Mitigate risks and seize opportunities.
Risk Advisory
Baker Tilly addresses the full spectrum of risk, governance and compliance considerations in the context of industry, operations and culture.
Assurance
Baker Tilly pairs deep industry knowledge with service specialization to deliver high quality accounting and assurance services.
Tax
Contributing to clients’ success by accelerating tax deductions, increasing tax credits, reducing cash taxes and mitigating risks
Board & Audit Committee Governance
Enhance your governance practices to improve oversight.
Baker Tilly Digital Pathfinder
Set your direction. Map your path. Conquer your mountain.
Fraud & Forensic Investigations
Identifying, quantifying, and mitigating the risks, costs, and effects of fraud, abuse, and corruption.
Unclaimed Property
We provide advocacy and operational solutions to managing and minimizing all areas of risk associated with unclaimed property compliance.
Academic Medical Centers
Advance your medical school's mission.
Grants Administration & Research Compliance
A strong research portfolio coupled with a robust grants administration and research compliance infrastructure help to attract top talent and build prestige for an institution.
Performance Optimization
Baker Tilly’s performance optimization professionals help clients ensure that resources are aligned with strategic priorities and positioned for cost effectiveness.
Human Capital
Baker Tilly’s human capital consulting teams help organizations leverage the most updated approaches and latest technologies to reshape the employer/employee relationship, driving success and business returns.
Development Advisory
Guiding clients through development projects from conception to completion.
Resource center
Fiscal resiliency resources for higher education
Articles, podcasts and webinars to help you transform institutional sustainability and student success
Industry involvement
They have been very client focused, they know their respective technical areas and treat us as an important client. Both management and the audit committee recognize the enhanced technical and service quality we have received from Baker Tilly.Audit Committee Chair, large private institution