Energy. Excitement. Learning. Accounting. That’s the MACPA’s High School Leaders Conference in a nutshell.

Now in its fourth year, the High School Leaders Conference has grown leaps and bounds over the years. Starting with just one conference in its inception year, the conference expanded to two the following year and three the next. This year, the MACPA held a record-breaking eight conferences; three were held simultaneously at Wayne State University, which resulted from an overwhelming response from teachers and students who wanted to attend.

The MACPA completed the round of Conferences with the Wayne State University events on February 28. Other events were held at Eastern Michigan University on November 30, 2005; Michigan State University on January 31; Oakland University on February 7; and Aquinas College on February 22.

Students came away from the conferences with a greater appreciation and understanding for accounting, and a clear outlook on the opportunities that come with achieving the CPA credential.

One student from Fitzgerald High School said the conference was very educational and she enjoyed it a lot. “I’ve learned things I never thought an accountant could do,” she said.

Another student from
Cooley High School noted “Each speaker taught or touched on something I didn’t know about accounting.”

More than 650 students were reached at the conferences. Of these students, the vast majority of them expressed an interest in pursuing a degree in accounting.

“I enjoyed learning about the different career opportunities in accounting that I wasn’t aware of,” said a Regina High School student. “I feel like I learned from the speakers and it inspired me to look into accounting for my future.”

Teachers and students alike were excited to be part of this energetic event. At Wayne State University, students and teachers attending heard from La’Mont Muhammad of KPMG, whose dynamic personality got students excited about being a CPA during his presentation, Accounting, Imagine the Possibilities.

“Mr. Muhammad was the best,” said a student from Finney High School. “His presentation was very exciting.”

MACPA Board member and VP of Finance for the Detroit Red Wings Inc.,  Paul MacDonald's name appears on the Stanley Cup.

Attendees also heard from a CPA whose name appears on the Stanley Cup – Vice President of Finance for the Detroit Red Wings Paul MacDonald. He spoke to students about the important roles accountants play in entertainment and sports companies.

“The information the speakers presented was very informative and really opened my eyes to the many possibilities that are out there,” said a Melvindale High School student.

Rod Smith of UHY Advisors spoke to students about forensic accounting and fraud, while Internal Revenue Service Special Agent Steve Moore talked about how the IRS tracks down the misuse of monies by big business and individuals.

“The speakers at this program were excellent!” said a Melvindale High School student. “I really enjoyed all of them; this was a great conference.”

Students saw a sample interview demonstrated by Deloitte employees Julie Geiger, Duane Higgins and Doug Daniels. They also heard from a panel comprised of two college students and one new professional to learn about the transitions from high school to college and college to career they, too, would soon be making.

“This conference was inspiring to me,” said a Southwestern Academy student. “I have learned there are more things to accounting than meets the eye.”

All in all, students left each conference with a clearer view of what a CPA is and the many career paths open to a CPA. They learned the importance of pursuing the CPA designation and how having that designation expands their horizons and can lead to bigger and better opportunities in the accounting world.

“Overall the conference was very informational and insightful,” said a Mumford High School student. “The speakers were very friendly and exciting.”

Top