CPA Evolution – an overview for accounting majors and graduates who have not yet passed the CPA exam
The CPA exam format is changing and you should take note if you are: I created a video to summarize the changes for (a) my students in the Spring 2023 “AC-495 Pathway to CPA” course at Saint Peter’s University and (b) recent graduates who may still be in the midst of CPA prep. I have a care and concern for all…
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Start, Launch, Rise, and Discovery: Big-4 accounting firms are investing in helping younger students on-ramp into professional services
I wanted to share unique internship opportunities in the “big 4” accounting firms for undergrad majors in accounting, finance, business analytics, data analytics, and more. I encourage students to get your resume ready, learn about what’s out there, and then apply. PwC, EY, KPMG, Deloitte are known as “the big 4” because they are the four largest public accounting firms. I…
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Peacocks: Apply for scholarship funding with the NJ Society of CPAs
I want to encourage any student reading this to apply to the NJ Society of CPAs scholarship program. The details to apply are here and I wanted to share potential benefits if you apply and are selected: sophomores: $2,000 scholarship funding juniors and seniors: $6,500 scholarship funding accolades to include on a resume and to weave into interview dialog Here is…
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Resume Tips for Undergraduate Accounting Majors
Demand for accountants is high right now and students should actively be seeking internship opportunities. Internships can allow for paid, real-world application of classroom concepts and expose students to learning opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. However — before students can apply for internships or jobs, they must have a strong resume. So I wanted to share some basic tips…
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Undergraduates, take note: there is growing demand for CPAs in the years ahead
It is important for accounting students to understand that demand for CPA candidates is high right now, thus staying on the CPA track can yield benefits in the long-term. We can see these growth trends in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)’s “Occupational Handbook,” an online resource providing a wealth of information about many types of careers. For instance, this…
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Internships in accounting: a 3-part video tutorial overview for undergraduate students
Undergraduate accounting students should be aware of internships as early as their first semester. Here’s why: accounting is not a spectator sport…you must apply what you’re learning in the classroom and doing so in a work environment, as an intern, is a fantastic chance to do so. Put another way: if your career after college is like the main course at…
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I’m an accounting major with a B.S. degree and 150 credits. What’s next?
One of my roles at Saint Peter’s University is to advise accounting students on their pathway to the CPA. I aim to stay in touch with recent alumni to help them on their pathway to the CPA, and often get questions specific to this cohort. Some recent questions I’ve heard from recent graduates are: I have earned my 150 credits in…
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Algebra to Accounting: connecting grade-school math & the language of business
In my college accounting classes, I have seen that students who have been exposed to accounting in high school possess a clear advantage on Day 1 in college. This makes sense: accounting is often called “the language of business” as it requires understanding new terms, new rules, and how those terms and rules fit together. So students who have had a…
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Reflections on the 2022 IAJBS / CJBE Conference & The Inspirational Paradigm
I recently spent two days at an annual conference for the International Association of Jesuit Business Schools (IAJBS) and Colleagues in Jesuit Business Education (CJBE). I learned more about Jesuit business education resources, notably the Inspirational Paradigm for Jesuit Business Education and the Journal of Jesuit Business Education, which I was grateful for. One challenge I’ve struggled with since I began…
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Saint Peter’s University & the NAAIA Case Study Competition
This annual case study competition yields 3 credits, a $500 stipend, and an invaluable mentorship experience. Students are encouraged to apply here through April 26th. For the second year, students at Saint Peter’s University have the opportunity to take part in a case study competition that offers an internship-type experience in the realm of data analytics. The case study competition is…
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Applying for Internships: the Basics
An overview for accounting students at Saint Peter’s University. Applying for internships can be a daunting process but with preparation, you can break it down and go from the classroom to the first steps of your career. First, take a deep breath and know that you have support on campus, in the form of faculty, CEEL, advisors, and more. This is…
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Accounting Internships: A Primer on Medium and Smaller Tier Firms
You may learn about “the big 4” as part of the internship process but it’s important to note that there are many other firms to explore. Similar to “the big 4,” an internship at a medium or smaller-tier firm can be like a long, intense job interview that results in a long-term offer. But…to land the internship, you have to break…
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Accounting Internships: A Primer on the “Big 4”
Landing an internship at a “big 4” or medium tier accounting firm is a coveted milestone for many accounting students for a host of reasons, including the possible full-time offer that may result at the end of a successful experience. An internship is like a long, intense job interview; to land the internship, however, you have to break into the application…
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Connect with the Accounting Society (2021)
As an accountant, you have a unique way to give back in community. Your unique skill set can offer quantitative and business process value-add to nonprofits, civic associations, and other organizations focused on the common good. You can do paid accounting for a nonprofit focused on a mission or issue you care about. You can also volunteer. A good way to…
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Why study accountancy?
Accountancy is one of many subjects you can study in college (perhaps high school too) and it can be incredibly rewarding for many reasons. Accountancy offers: a defined, concrete path for both studying and pursuing a career job opportunities during and after college a credential called the “CPA” (certified public accountant) which can set you apart from other business professionals I…
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MS Excel is a great way to build your tech skillset while still in school
Accountants are increasingly expected to be well versed in data and technology. Blockchain, AI (artificial intelligence), and RPA (robotics process automation) are just a few terms that accounting students might learn about during undergraduate studies. What I encourage my students to do, though, is start out with one of the most fundamental building blocks of all: Microsoft Excel.* Why Excel is so important.…
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