Numbers come naturally for accounting grad

May 12, 2026 — DENTON — Emily Kraft likes numbers. But she loves learning and applying theory even more. 

Which led her to Texas Woman’s to pursue an accounting career. 

“I love working on my computer in the Excel sheets and getting to see the full picture of a business and being a part of that contribution and helping businesses succeed,” Kraft said. 

She graduated with a BBA in accounting from Texas Woman’s in May 2026 and is working toward a master of science in accountancy. 

As an undergraduate, Kraft shined in her accounting classes and won the Accounting Excellence Award her senior year from The Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants. The TXCPA presents the award to an outstanding accounting student at Texas colleges and universities who participate in Accounting Education Foundation programs. 

Kraft not only excelled at gaining knowledge at Texas Woman’s, she mastered at dispersing it. 

“I was encouraged by one of my professors to become a tutor for Knack, and that kind of solidified my passion for helping students,” Kraft said.

Knack is a free resource for undergraduate students at the Merrilee Alexander Kick College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Students are tutored by their classmates, in person or online. 

During her senior year, Kraft tutored students in the lower-level accounting courses. Although it highlighted her time at TWU, it wasn’t easy at first. 

“I didn't want to make people feel uncomfortable coming to me and asking me questions because I might be younger than them or I might be the same age as them,” Kraft said. “But once I started getting used to it and forming my reputation, it became a lot easier.”

Kraft received the Knack Tutor of the Year award at the 2026 Owlscars, an end-of-semester awards banquet for the Owl’s Nest Peer Mentoring program. 

She credits her plethora of Excel sheets, notes and work ethic to her success as a tutor. She also relates to students who are struggling. Comprehending concepts and theories was difficult at first for Kraft.

“I've had several students who have that issue with dyslexia or just any comprehension issue, and just seeing the joy on their face when they realize that they understand a concept now and that they can do it on their own, it's so, so great, and I love contributing to that.”

Kraft is hoping to continue tutoring as a graduate student despite having her hands full with a summer tax internship and studying for the CPA exam. 

While the short-term goal is still an accounting career, perhaps in cost accounting, Kraft also has a long-term aspiration of returning to TWU for her PhD and then as a professor.

‘“If I could be a professor at Texas Woman's University, that would be great. I love it here.”