Tracks to T-Charts

Professor Marcus Burke Brings Creative Teaching Methods to Accounting

Ask any business student at the University of Louisville College of Business about Professor Marcus Burke, and you’ll likely hear the same thing: his classes are tough, but they’re worth it. Known for his humor and commitment to his students, Burke has built a reputation for turning the most reluctant learners into engaged accountants, even if only for a semester. Whether he uses games like Monopoly, interactive educational competition platforms like Kahoot or shares real-world stories to make the concepts come alive, students say he makes one of the most intimidating subjects in the college approachable and sometimes even fun. Despite his extensive experience in accounting, Burke’s interests didn’t always lie in logistics — they were centered around creating music. 

Ledger of Beginnings

When you think of accounting, music composition is not the first degree to come to mind. But for Marcus Burke, the path from music to money wasn’t as crazy as it seems. “I wanted to work in music production,” Burke said. And that is exactly what he did. He began his career at Universal Music, where he focused on producing music for movies, television and commercials. He even sold a piece to Nike and worked with Sprint. It became apparent that no matter how rewarding music production was for him, it did not provide consistent work. “It was really rewarding, and I liked it, but it was good for a hobby, not a job.” So, Burke did what accountants do best – analyzed his situation and adjusted accordingly. He pivoted from the instability of music into the world of business, thanks to every accountant’s favorite instrument, Microsoft Excel.

“People needed associates and employees that had Excel skills and could do analytics, and I could,” he said. “I got into that and then quickly went through the financial side.” There, he learned how many business sectors rely on accounting data. That realization became his gateway into professional accounting – a field that is often described as the language of business. Burke spent a few years at CMA CGM, a top shipping company based in France, which allowed him to manage financial investments and special projects while also traveling the world.

From Industry to Education

After traveling the world and managing complex logistics, Burke decided it was time for a new challenge. He returned to school, earning a PhD in Accounting from the University of Scranton. That decision led him to higher education, landing a role as an Adjunct Professor of Accountancy at UofL, and presenting a significant challenge. Burke resides in Texas, where his wife is a tenured professor and their children are established, so he makes a weekly super-commute to Louisville. “It was exciting that UofL was interested in me and interested in my experiences and what I would bring to the classroom,” said Burke. “I liked the professors that I would be working with. I liked the students here. So, it was an easy choice to come here.” 

Today, Burke teaches across the entire undergraduate accounting curriculum. From Principles of Financial Accounting to the senior Capstone Seminar in Accounting, Burke guides students through each level of their academic journey. “I get to see students at all levels, I get to see the progression as students move through, ‘Oh, do I really want to do this?’ to ‘Hey, this is awesome.’”

Making Accounting Approachable

In the classroom, Burke’s energy and care for students set him apart. His students cite his ability to make difficult material engaging. “I try to make the material as engaging as it can be,” Burke said. “Not all material is equally engaging, even in my own course.” To combat this, he introduces kinesthetic learning with games like Monopoly and Jenga. These games provide more application-based learning, while also encouraging students to engage with their peers. He also brings in Kahoot quizzes for prizes or participation points. These occur before each unit and each exam, giving students a chance to review the material while also being motivated to try. When he walks in with that candy box, everyone knows it is a Kahoot day. Beyond the games, Burke tries to keep material relevant. On occasion, he has connected accounting to current events and pop culture. Whether that be analyzing tariffs, stock buybacks or celebrity businesses, there is always an opportunity to make material relatable.

This mindset is especially important in his Principles of Accounting course, where many students aren’t accounting majors. Burke sees these classes as an opportunity to showcase the diversity of accounting instead of a challenge to keep non-accountants engaged. To help non-majors stay confident in the material, Burke focuses on practical understanding over memorization, encouraging his students to see patterns and logic instead of formulas. He tells his students, “I am invested in your success. I don’t want you to feel like this is unapproachable. I care about you, where you’re going to be and how you can use this information.” 

Students respond to his approach because he is invested in their individual success. “I’m not preparing students to go into low-level supervisor positions,” he shared. “I want students to get into the C-suite.” That kind of mentorship has earned Burke a positive reputation among his students. Senior CIS major Maddy Schroth says, “Burke’s approach to teaching gave me a different perspective on the subject. He took a class I thought to be a waste of time and gave me new skills to bring into CIS.” Even those who enter wary of accounting tend to come out with some newfound respect for the discipline and sometimes, a new career path.  

Beyond the Ledger

Burke’s advice for anyone considering a major or career in accounting? Follow the opportunity. “Of all the business majors that exist, accounting as a profession has probably the most straightforward pathway to jobs and earnings over just about any other business discipline,” said Burke. “Accountants do all kinds of things in business, so you’re not limited to one application or one area or industry.” For him, that balance, whether it be between creativity and structure or between passion and practicality, is the harmony of his career. He may have traded songs and soundboards for spreadsheets and students, but his story proves that every great career starts with finding your rhythm.  

Ready to hit the right notes in business? At the University of Louisville College of Business, we’ll help you stay on beat, stay in balance and make accounting your masterpiece. Learn more: https://business.louisville.edu/academics-programs/undergraduate-programs/accountancy

About the UofL College of Business:

Founded in 1953, the UofL College of Business fosters intellectual and economic vitality in our city, region and the global business landscape. Our academic programs, research, community outreach initiatives and commitment to student success inspire lives and businesses to flourish through entrepreneurship, innovation, critical thinking, diversity and the power of people.

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