Bridging Tradition and Innovation

When Oakland University business student Dominic Pittiglio walks across the stage at graduation this May, he’ll carry more than just an Accounting degree. He’ll also bring with him a credential that positions him at the forefront of one of the most disruptive forces in finance today: blockchain.

Earlier this year, Pittiglio earned the Certified Blockchain Accounting Professional (CBAP) designation through MMBA LLC, an advanced certification that reflects his ability to apply blockchain concepts to real-world accounting and finance challenges. Blockchain — a decentralized, digital ledger technology that securely records transactions across multiple computers — enables greater transparency, traceability, and trust in financial data. Along with the CBAP, he collected four digital badges that demonstrate specialized expertise in blockchain bookkeeping, asset tokenization, digital asset taxation and blockchain applications for accounting.

For a student who hasn’t even turned the tassel yet, this accomplishment is remarkable. While many professionals pursue such credentials years into their careers, Pittiglio has already staked out space at the intersection of traditional accounting and digital innovation.

A New Generation of Accountants

“I’ve always been interested in the intersection of finance, technology and innovation,” Pittiglio says. “Accounting is a profession built on trust and precision, and I see blockchain as a tool that can help strengthen both.”

His view reflects a broader shift within the profession. As digital assets move from the fringes of finance into the mainstream, companies increasingly need accountants who understand both the rules of today and the technologies of tomorrow. From cryptocurrency taxation to blockchain-enabled auditing, the demand for professionals with dual fluency in accounting principles and emerging tech is growing fast.

By pursuing the CBAP, Pittiglio is signaling that he’s not only aware of these changes but also prepared to help organizations navigate them. His training gives him the knowledge to evaluate blockchain solutions, advise on digital asset compliance and bring forward new perspectives on financial innovation.

More Than a Résumé Builder

For Pittiglio, the certification was never about adding a credential to his résumé. It was about developing a toolkit for a career that’s likely to look very different from those of accountants in the past.

“My goal is to bridge the gap between traditional accounting practices and the emerging world of digital assets,” he explains. “I want to help organizations adapt to these changes while maintaining accuracy, transparency and compliance.”

That balance—honoring the fundamentals of accounting while embracing innovation—is what makes Pittiglio’s story so compelling. It illustrates how Oakland University students are preparing for careers that blend classroom knowledge with forward-looking skill sets.

A Foundation of Skills and Leadership

The journey hasn’t been all about technology. Pittiglio has built a strong base in the fundamentals of accounting through his coursework at OU, while also sharpening his technical abilities in Microsoft Excel and related tools. These skills, combined with a detail-oriented mindset, give him the grounding needed to excel in both traditional and emerging finance roles.

Outside the classroom, Pittiglio has also distinguished himself as a leader, recognized for his contributions in both academics and athletics. That combination of discipline, teamwork and persistence has carried over into his approach to professional growth.

“Dominic is a very entrepreneurial student who will shape the next generation of business,” says Dr. Robert Nehmer, professor of accounting at Oakland University. “By leveraging his insights into emerging technologies, he’s learning to add real business value to the organizations he will serve and to the profession as a whole.”

Looking Ahead

As graduation approaches, Pittiglio is actively seeking opportunities in accounting, auditing and blockchain finance. He is particularly interested in roles where he can continue to apply his dual expertise in traditional accounting and emerging digital finance.

With blockchain continuing to evolve and digital assets becoming more integrated into the global economy, his timing could not be better. Organizations in every sector are beginning to ask how they will account for, regulate and audit these new forms of value. Pittiglio’s readiness to tackle those questions sets him apart.

“I want to be part of the solution,” he says. “This space is developing quickly, and it’s exciting to think about where it’s heading. The opportunity to keep learning and growing is what motivates me.”

The Future of Finance, Today

In many ways, Pittiglio represents the future of the accounting profession: agile, strategic and dynamic. His achievement demonstrates how Oakland University students are not only keeping pace with industry trends but also stepping forward as innovators and leaders.

When he accepts his diploma this spring, Pittiglio will stand as an example of what happens when ambition meets preparation and when tradition meets innovation. With credentials in hand and a vision for the future, he’s ready to make his mark in a profession that’s evolving faster than ever before.