Is Accounting for Me? Massachusetts High School Students Get Preview of Accounting Career

More than 150 Massachusetts high school students recently took part the “Is Accounting for Me?” conference, an annual event hosted by the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) that gives students a preview of what an accounting career future might look like. The conference was held at Merrimack College on November 22 and Bentley University on December 6.

The dual events included interactive accounting exercises and workshops, discussions about accounting careers and CPA services, information about college programs and student life and a networking lunch with current Merrimack and Bentley students.

Students in attendance at the conference hosted on Merrimack College’s campus participated in a faculty lead case competition focused on personal finances. Those in attendance at Bentley University rotated through breakout sessions lead by firm professionals from blumshapiro, Deloitte, PwC and Bentley faculty to understand how technology impacts various accounting careers. The sessions focused on some of the major technological advances affecting the accounting profession today including bot technology, data visualization, blockchain and virtual reality. Attendees at Bentley also had the opportunity to test Bentley’s virtual reality goggles to take a virtual factory tour, as part of a consulting simulation.

Amy Pitter, president and CEO of MSCPA, said these programs are crucial in building and sustaining a pipeline of young people interested and passionate about the profession.

“Sustaining a vibrant and diverse accounting workforce is one of the main goals of the MSCPA, and events like these expose young people to all the doors that open upon becoming a Certified Public Accountant,” said Pitter. “The profession has immense earning potential, unlimited room for growth and touches almost every type of industry. Our member firms are looking for talented young people to fuel the pipeline of future CPAs and we’re excited to share these opportunities with students.”

Students were selected by their teachers to attend the conference based on their aptitude for accounting. The MSCPA also offers a free membership to students, giving them access to the 11,000-member organization and career counseling, scholarship opportunities and summer programs.

For more information about MSCPA’s outreach to aspiring CPAs and resources for high school and college students, visit cpatrack.com.