KPMG partner makes a London tax class memorable
Accounting , Areas of Study , Coursework , Faculty , Global London | Jan 16, 2013 | Nicole Gesualdo
One of the greatest advantages of the Gabelli School of Business is access to adjunct professors who are top-ranked executives at New York City corporations.
The same holds true for the Gabelli School’s program in the U.K. — simply substitute “London” for “New York City.”
Students who took their introductory tax course in London this past fall were taught by a London-based partner at KPMG: Thomas “Chris” Hogan (FCRH ’95). Professor Hogan gave his class insight into the differences in taxation between the United States and the U.K., took his students on trips to behind-the-scenes tax-related locations in London, and was instrumental in getting two juniors paid internships in his firm’s office.
Try doing that at just any business school, anywhere.
The first class trip Professor Hogan led included a small-group “fireside” presentation by Queen’s Counsel. Queen’s Counsel are senior authorities in British tax law who occupy offices known as “chambers” in the richly historic Middle Temple district, along the River Thames. Another trip featured a networking dinner with representatives from a wide-ranging cast of companies: Barclays, Clifford Chance, General Electric, Julius Baer, Jupiter Funds, Lend Lease and Rothschild’s among them.
Making their own foray into London’s office scene were Katie Buckle (GSB ’14) and Dylan Henne (GSB ’14), who landed internships in KPMG’s international tax practice. Their semester-long experience ended in December with formal presentations to leaders from the firm, including COO Paul Long and the head of U.K. tax, Jane McCormick. Other Gabelli School students will have the opportunity to follow in Katie and Dylan’s tracks, as the internship program with KPMG London is slated to continue. Three already have a slot for the current spring semester: Jack Donnelly (GSB ’15), Danny Conlon (GSB ’15) and Madison Galvin (GSB ’15).
Professor Hogan’s students testified to the value of having a U.K.-based executive as their teacher. He was “always threading memorable stories of his experiences into the lectures he gives on different tax concepts, which make them easier to understand,” said Molly Buckley (GSB ’14). Classmate Richard Greletski (GSB ’14) cited the tax course, which “went beyond learning the basics of a tax return,” as his favorite of the semester. “We are able to learn not only U.S. federal and state tax law, but how tax law operates in the U.K.,” he said. “My professor has definitely inspired me to pursue a career in tax in the future.”
Professor Stan Veliotis, who teaches the tax courses at Rose Hill, introduced Professor Hogan to the Fordham team after learning that there was a tax class to be taught in London.
“I am delighted that Chris and I were able to coordinate to ensure his course bridged well to the advanced tax course I am teaching this spring, which will be attended by several of his students,” Professor Veliotis said. “Chris and I worked together for several years when I was at KPMG about a decade ago, and it was great to work with him again.”
