For Roger Idnani, teaching accounting and tax courses in the M.S. in Taxation program at the School of Accountancy at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics isn’t just a job. It is a passion. The dynamic learning environment bridging theory and practice creates a high-energy learning and teaching environment that Idnani particularly enjoys.

“The program attracts highly-motivated working professionals who are deeply invested in advancing their careers, and it is a privilege to support their development,” says Idnani, who brings more than 25 years of professional experience in the tax field to bear in his courses. “I introduce real-world business and tax challenges into the classroom to enhance critical thinking and practical application. It is so rewarding to build lasting relationships with students, many of whom continue to stay in touch while providing meaningful contributions to the tax community long after graduation.”

Idnani’s personal accounting journey began when he earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Cal Poly Pomona in 1988, followed by a master’s degree in taxation from Golden Gate University in 1993. For nearly a decade, Idnani was tax senior manager of Big Four accounting firm EY. Prior to EY, Idnani was tax director at Boeing Capital Corporation. Idnani’s teaching activities at Cal State Fullerton focus on Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 740 – Income Tax Provisions, which enables students to gain a comprehensive understanding of accounting for income taxes under U.S. GAAP, including the identification of temporary differences, calculation of deferred tax assets and liabilities, valuation allowances, and analysis of uncertain tax positions. The final project includes preparation of the tax provision work papers including the tax footnotes and disclosures required to be included in the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) 10-K filing.

“The course emphasizes critical thinking and practical application by integrating current regulatory developments—such as changes in U.S. tax law, and SEC/FASB guidance—that directly impact financial reporting and disclosures,” explains Idnani. “Students are also introduced to tax provision software and data analytics tools, giving them firsthand insight into how technology is transforming compliance, automation, and risk management in corporate tax environments. By the end of the course, students are prepared to handle complex tax reporting challenges with both technical confidence and real-world readiness.”

Why should accounting professionals and students pursue the M.S. in Taxation at Cal State Fullerton? Idnani points to the combination of technical depth, focus on the latest regulatory and industry trends, and emphasis on experiential learning as reasons to consider the program.

“Students gain a solid foundation in tax law, sharpen their analytical skills, and learn from experienced faculty and peers in the profession,” he says. “The program is tailored for working professionals, with a focus on current tax developments, regulatory changes, and technology, preparing graduates to excel in diverse tax careers across public accounting, corporate, and government sectors.”

For more on the M.S. in Taxation, visit the program’s website.