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Advice from a
Professional
Mary Jane Reed, CPA, CTP
Senior Financial Analyst at Metropolitan Hospital
Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University
Master’s in Taxation from Grand Valley State University
28 years in profession
Mary Jane Reed always liked helping people, and she finds this to be one of
the benefits of a career as a CPA. “When I audited, I sometimes corrected
people’s mistakes and taught them what they did wrong,” she said. “When I
did tax returns, it was a game to get the lowest tax and that required
asking people questions, research into issues and understanding the law. As
a CPA, people come to you for financial advice, expecting the ‘right’
answer.”
Reed’s Recommendations for Future Accountants
“Today’s CPAs are asked to have more leadership skills than ever,” Reed
said. “Also the road to becoming a CEO or a CFO can start with your CPA.
Really listen to marketing, management and supply chain professors and read
everything. Get involved in volunteer activities that use your skills and
push yourself to do more. Consider working part-time or internship.”
Reed stated that CPA licensure is very important in opening doors.
“It opens up a way of life that you cannot otherwise enter,” she noted.
“Being a practicing CPA is on a league with attorneys and doctors, in that
you give advice for a fee. People employ you based on your reputation and
knowledge.”
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MAF
Scholarship Application Deadline Fast Approaching!
The deadline to apply for the Michigan Accountancy Foundation’s
Fifth/Graduate Year Scholarship is January 31, 2007.
If you haven’t
already, apply today for this excellent opportunity to earn scholarship
dollars to assist you as you pursue your CPA career.
The MAF Scholarship has made a profound difference to students such as
Mersiha Cunmulaj, a 2006 scholarship recipient. “Before being awarded this
scholarship, I wasn’t exactly sure how I was going to receive funds to
attend graduate school,” Cunmulaj stated. “I am very humbled and
appreciative.”
Please visit the
criteria page for scholarship requirements before you
apply. For more information, contact Michelle DiDomenico at 248.267.3714
or e-mail.
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Enhance Your
Professional Development: Join the New Professionals Task Force!
As a student member, you are the future of the MACPA. By joining the New
Professionals Task Force today, you can influence the decision-making and
direction of the Association for tomorrow. The New Professionals Task
Force’s goal is to provide networking opportunities with colleagues and
potential business contacts and to encourage the growth of young members in
their profession. You will be able to work along side of and socialize with
established CPAs, recently-licensed CPAs, and students like yourself at
various MACPA
events.
For more information or to join, please contact Nicole Shepard at
248.267.3705 or via
e-mail.
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Tips on Preparing for the CPA Exam
Are you ready to take the CPA exam? Facing the exam can be daunting for
students. From preparation to after completion, the entire process is an
enormous time commitment. An
article by Jennifer B. Deutsch, CPA, director of Instruction & Faculty
for Becker CPA Review®, provides valuable tips to help you through this
challenging time.
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Volunteer for
the 2007 Tax Assistance Program
Don’t let this excellent community service opportunity pass you by. If you
haven’t already, sign up to volunteer for 2007 Tax Assistance Program! Build
your resume by preparing tax returns for low-income families and
individuals. In partnership with the Accounting Aid Society, MACPA will be
sponsoring this beneficial program on February 10th and 17th at Focus:HOPE in Detroit.
You can volunteer for one or both days.
Detailed training is required for all volunteers. Please post this
flyer, with available training sessions, for your fellow students to
see. Contact Wendi Salmons at 248.267.3709 or wsalmons@michcpa.org to
volunteer and register for a training session.
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Be A Stealthy Job Hunter
A helpful
article from Yahoo.com provides valuable tips on how to wisely search
for a new job while still at your current job.
• First, assess your risk
• Be careful where you send or post your resume
• Choose your confidants carefully
• Tone down your networking
• Search from home
• Ask potential employers to keep your secret
• Stay focused on your current job
• Next time, start networking before you want to leave
For more tips like these and other information regarding resumes,
internships, and the job search, visit www.yahoo.com.
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