Association Briefs
High School Educators and the MACPA – Preparing Students for Accounting Careers

 
 
 
Generating excitement for a future in the accounting profession is a top priority for the MACPA. However, with a wide horizon of opportunities open to high school students, it is a challenging task to dispel long-standing misperceptions about the CPA profession. The MACPA’s High School Leaders Conferences are proving to make a significant positive impression on students.
These conferences offer students a chance to look beyond the stereotypical responsibilities of a CPA. Students witness the excitement and a wide-range of opportunities with a future in the accounting profession. CPAs from all facets of the profession speak to students and inspire them to pursue a CPA career.

Paul MacDonald, CFO of Detroit Red Wings, made a huge impression on one student who attended the 2009 High School Leaders Conference at Wayne State University. This high school junior was contemplating a future as a CPA, but after hearing about MacDonald’s experience as a CPA and CFO for the Stanley Cup Champions, he made up his mind; he wants to follow in MacDonald’s footsteps and pursue his CPA license.

Another student said she was not completely sold on the accounting profession prior to attending the Conference. After listening to the CPA presenters, she decided that she wanted to become a CPA and work in forensics.

The responses of these two students typify the result the MACPA is aiming for each year with these conferences. With presentations from CPAs in the entertainment industry, forensic accounting and major accounting firms, students are introduced to a world that is far more engaging than they may have thought.

So far, the MACPA has conducted High School Leaders Conferences at Michigan State University, Oakland University, Aquinas College and Wayne State University, reaching more than 500 students and teachers. Upcoming events are slated for University of Michigan-Flint and Walsh College in Troy. For more information about the MACPA’s High School Leaders Conferences please visit the website, view the video or contact David Johnson at 248.267.3700.





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