(Photo provided) From left, Hayden Wiggers and Gabe Tingle are the team heading to the national finals for the Association of Government Accountants Government Finance Case Challenge.

For the first time in Marietta College’s history, a team of accounting students has advanced to the national finals of the Association of Government Accountants Government Finance Case Challenge.

The elite competition challenges students nationwide to analyze the financial data of a real U.S. city and create a Citizen-Centric Report — a public-facing document designed to clearly communicate a community’s financial performance, services and outcomes. Entries are reviewed by a panel of accounting professionals and judged on clarity, accuracy and public transparency.

The finalist team from Marietta — seniors Gabe Tingle and Hayden Wiggers — earned one of only a few undergraduate finalist spots nationwide with their analysis of financial data from Roanoke, Virginia. Judges praised the pair for strong visual presentation, clear narrative and concise delivery of key findings.

Tingle and Wiggers will now prepare a recorded presentation for the competition’s final phase. National winners are scheduled to be announced Dec. 12, 2025.

Assistant Professor Doug Ankrom said both of the college’s competing teams “represented the College with excellence,” noting that Marietta’s Accounting Capstone course emphasizes hands-on learning, research and real-world application.

“Our accounting program is about gaining hands-on, real-world experience,” Ankrom said. “The AGA competition affords our students the opportunity to utilize all the skills gained during their academic journey.”

The capstone course, ACCT 460, introduces students to current issues in accounting and prepares them for business simulations included in the Uniform CPA Examination. Coursework focuses on collaborative research and practical application.

College officials said the achievement highlights the strength of the program’s experiential learning approach and showcases the professionalism and preparation of Marietta students on a national stage.