Lindner students compete at Deloitte case competition national final

Carl H. Lindner College of Business students Jimmy Armbruster, BBA ’26, Vincent Piccolantonio, BBA ’26, Isaac Renderos, BBA ’25, and Lauren Vinson, BBA ’25, represented Lindner and UC as they traveled to Deloitte University in Westlake, Texas, to compete against 15 other finalists.

Nearly 50 colleges and universities competed in regional competitions around the country, which laddered up to the national final in Texas. Each competing team was assigned a fictional business, “Premier PickleBall.” The UC team provided recommendations for how Premier PickleBall should be formed in their regional competition. For the national final, they analyzed the tax and non-tax considerations of opening a new location and integrating a new business partner.

Armbruster, Piccolantonio, Renderos and Vinson delivered their analysis and recommendations over two in-person presentations to a pair of Deloitte employees posing as the “clients,” i.e. the owners of Premier PickleBall.

“My favorite part of these competitions has always been getting the performance and technical results, and it was great to get feedback in a situation like this,” Renderos said.

According to the students’ faculty adviser, Jason Bangert, PhD, assistant professor of accounting, the Deloitte FanTAXtic competition offers students a test-drive in life as a tax professional and the opportunity to sharpen their “problem solving, time management and communication skills.”

“I’m grateful that our students had the opportunity to participate in Deloitte’s FanTAXtic case competition and for Deloitte’s continued commitment to our students in this way.”

Vinson noted that the competition made her feel more connected to Bangert, her classmates and Lindner’s accounting department.

“I've made a ton of connections outside of Lindner, which helps prepare me for my future career. I also have a lot more real-world experience.”

Students interested in meeting Deloitte, EY, PwC and KPMG should attend Big 4 Night, slated for February 6 at Lindner Hall. Co-op, internship and networking opportunities are available, and students can also discuss work expectations and accounting field culture with firm representatives. Contact Accounting Manager of Unit Operations Toshia Watkins with questions.

Featured image: Lindner students (left to right) Jimmy Armbruster, Vincent Piccolantonio, Lauren Vinson and Isaac Renderos with the Deloitte employees (first from left, first from right) who served as the “clients” during students’ presentation at the Deloitte FanTAXtic case competition national final. Photos provided.