SCOTT PICKETT

After 28 years of Big Four public accounting experience, Scott took early retirement in order to pursue a dream of teaching at the University of Utah. Scott is an alumnus of the University of Utah graduating in 1979 with a BA in accounting followed in 1980 with a Master's of Professional Accountancy. While working on his master's degree, Scott joined the Salt Lake City office of PwC (then Coopers & Lybrand) as a tax associate. Scott developed within the firm to the point where he was admitted as a tax partner in 1992. In 1996, he was designated the Salt Lake City Office Managing Partner - a title he held until his retirement in 2007. For a period of nine years prior to retiring, Scott was an adjunct faculty member teaching Partnership Taxation in the MAcc program. Upon retirement, he joined the university faculty full-time. Following his first year of full-time involvement at the university, Scott spent three years in Brazil as a Mission President for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. Upon his return, he once again joined the faculty pursuing this 'second career.' 

Throughout the years with PwC, Scott had the opportunity to provide tax compliance and consulting services to a wide range of clients in terms of size and industry--both domestic and international companies. He was consulted on the most challenging of tax issues. As such, Scott was recognized by his clients and peers as a pre-eminent tax professional.

For many years, Scott has played an active role in our community. He has served on the board of many non-profit organizations including United Way of Salt Lake, American Red Cross, Ballet West, Legal Aid Society, Deseret Trust Company and Gina Bachauer. In addition, he has served as president of the YMCA, Salt Lake Art Center, Cornerstone Counseling Center and University Hospital Foundation. In connection with the David Eccles School of Business, Scott has served on and chaired the Accounting Advisory Board as well as serving as a member of the school's advisory board. In 1997, Scott was named Outstanding Alumnus by the University of Utah School of Accounting. He was also honored to receive the 1993 Zions Bank "Up 'N Comers" Award. In 2006, Scott received the United Way of Salt Lake "Volunteer of the Year" Award. In addition, he was honored to be named the 2006 recipient of the UACPA "Outstanding CPA in Public Practice" Award.

Scott has also been honored to receive numerous teaching awards including the Kenneth J. Hanni Teaching Award (2024 and 2014 - where he was the first recipient of this award), the Brady Superior Teaching Award (2019 and 2013), Master's Teaching Excellence Award (2020), the Student Mentoring Faculty Award (2018) and the UACPA "Outstanding Educator" Award.