By Adriana Betancourt
Within NIU’s Department of Accountancy, Professor Suzanne Youngberg is known not only for her expertise in tax and accounting, but also for her bright smile, encouraging teaching style and ability to make students feel confident in their work. With nearly 30 years of professional tax experience through her own practice, along with roles at North Central College and industry firms, she brings real-world stories into every class.
As an NIU alumna and first-generation student, Youngberg understands what perseverance looks like, and she shared her Huskie journey with us.
Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in accounting and the tax industry?
A: I have always enjoyed puzzles and problem-solving and never shied away from a challenge. Accountancy and, in particular, the area of taxation, incorporates both. Being a tax accountant allowed me to serve as an advocate for my client. I enjoyed listening to my clients’ stories, whether it was related to their personal or business interests, and making sure they understood how their tax liability was determined.
Q: What is one key lesson or takeaway you hope your students remember after taking your class?
A: I want my students to understand that learning accounting and taxation is a journey and that they will not know everything with just one class. Accounting and taxation are a career choice with continuous learning and challenges. Mistakes are OK as long as you learn from them.
Q: What has been your most rewarding experience as a professor at NIU?
A: That is a tough question to answer. I have experienced many rewards while being here. I love our students’ work ethic and attitude, the faculty’s passion and genuine concern for student success, and our department’s connection to the recruiting community.
Q: How do you connect your industry experience in tax/accounting to your teaching style and classroom discussions?
A: Having my own tax practice for close to 30 years has allowed me to keep my foot in practice as well as academics. When I discuss a tax concept and related client, the story is real. I try to make the learning experience in the classroom as realistic as possible to what the student will encounter in their career.
Q: What do you think makes NIU’s College of Business stand out from other business schools?
A: Hands down, it would have to be our connection with employers and our joint commitment to providing the students with internships and full-time hiring opportunities. It is a win/win/win for the College of Business, our students and our employers who hire Huskies. As an alumna of NIU’s Department of Accountancy, I have seen and benefited from this.
Q: What’s something students might find surprising or interesting about your professional background?
A: Not all of my students are aware that I have collaborated with a colleague to write two tax textbooks. I never thought I would have an opportunity to work on a project of this magnitude, but it has been very fulfilling and rewarding.
Q: Outside of teaching and accounting work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
A: My No. 1 outside interest is my family and grandchildren. Their support, encouragement and laughter make every day a good day. Some of my other interests include pickleball and hiking in various national parks. Hiking in every national park is on the bucket list.
Q: How was your experience as a first-generation student?
A: My parents fully supported my decision to attend college and were very excited for me. I was not sure what to expect when I arrived at NIU, but I quickly learned that I was not the only first-generation student on campus. I was proud to be attending NIU and even more proud when I graduated from the prestigious Department of Accountancy.
Q: What does being a Huskie mean to you?
A: It means knowing that my education was earned by completing a difficult curriculum, that passionate faculty supported me every step of the way, and that I was qualified and ready to work at a public accounting firm in their tax department. Being a Huskie accountancy major carries responsibility, reputation and strong ethical values.
