Back to Faculty Directory

I am excited to help students learn the language of business, accounting. I want to make numbers come alive and be useful to students in their business and accounting careers. Using real-world examples in class, I strive to make each class relevant, and to connect the importance of accounting with other college courses and experiences.

Degree Program University
M.S. Accounting University at Albany, SUNY
B.B.A. Accounting Siena College

My Siena Experience

My Teaching Philosophy

I strive to develop a chain to connect prior knowledge acquired with current material. Building on the past helps students gain confidence and reach new goals. Also, my personal goal is to make each class count. A student knows more at the end of each class than he/she did at the beginning of class. I also believe that I am enthusiastic about what I do and show that enthusiasm to students in my teaching.

What I Love About Siena

I love being a part of the Siena Community, a group of dedicated students, professors, and support staff. All of us focus on the importance of the individual and support each other in achieving both professional and personal goals. I also love that Siena students stay connected with me once they graduate.

My Favorite Courses to Teach

Taxation I, of course, Intermediate Accounting I and II.

My Professional Experience

Year Title Organization
2018 - Now Teaching Instructor of Accounting Siena College
2014 - 2018 Professional Specialist in Taxation Siena College
2013 - 2014 Director, Master of Accounting Program Siena College
2013 - 2014 Lecturer in Accounting Siena College
2010 - 2013 Visiting Instructor of Accounting Siena College
2002 - Now Professional Trainer New York State CSEA
2000 - 2010 Program Director - Business Administration and Accounting Sage after Work
1996 - 2010 Lecturer in Accounting Siena College
1984 - 2010 Assistant Professor of Accounting The Sage Colleges
1984 - Now Owner Elaine M. Phelan, CPA
1980 - 1984 Audit Manager Price Waterhouse Coopers
1978 - 1980 Audit Manager - Accounting Programs Ernst & Young

Current Research

Consequences of Alernative Minimum Tx (AMT) on Society

Articles & Book Reviews

  • Topics for the Accounting Information Systems Course: A Dual Perspective Approach from Educators and Employers
    Accounting Information Systems Educator's Journal, vol. 14
    Fall, 2019

Presentations

  • Topics for the Accounting Information Systems Course: what do employers think is important?
    June, 2017
    Accounting Information Systems Educator Conference, Colorado Springs, Colorado
  • How Identity Theft Affects the Tax Paying Public
    June, 2015
    Tax Update Seminar (AES), Albany, New York
  • Tax Aspects of the Affordable Care Act
    December, 2014
    Tax Update Seminar (AES), Albamy, New York