Brennan recently was notified he passed all four sections of the challenging Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Exam, the first time he took them, at age 20 and seven months.
While the state and national boards of accountancy cannot verify Brennan’s claim because records are not kept regarding age and test accomplishment, Eli Broad, billionaire businessman and philanthropist, has long contended he was the youngest person to become a CPA in the state of Michigan. The Broad Foundations verified Broad was 20 years and 11 months when he passed the exam in 1954. Broad is a graduate of Central High School in Detroit and Michigan State University. He currently resides in Los Angeles.
“I am humbled to possibly be the youngest CPA in the state’s history and am very proud to be a UM-Dearborn grad,” said Brennan. “I have the utmost respect for Mr. Broad and I am looking forward to one day meeting him in person. I am also excited about a great future and career ahead with Ernst & Young.”
The CPA Exam consists of four separate tests: auditing and attestation; financial accounting and reporting; regulation and business environment and concepts. In 2009, just over eight percent of first time test candidates pass all for sections on the first try according to the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.
“We are very proud of Brad’s accomplishments and honored to have him as one of our young alumni,” said Kim Schatzel, Dean, College of Business. “His record setting achievement speaks volumes about the quality of the students, faculty, and degree programs here at the College of Business. There is no doubt that with his skills and determination Brad's business future is very bright.”
Brennan holds a double major in financial accounting and finance. He currently resides in Dearborn, Mich. and is a member of the Plymouth High School class of 2007, located in Canton, Mich.
