New Jersey CPAs Hold More Than 60 Virtual and Prerecorded Visits to High Schools

The New Jersey Society of CPAs (NJCPA) conducted more than 60 presentations at high schools in New Jersey this fall, continuing its tradition of informing and educating students about the benefits of choosing an accounting career. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s presentations were conducted virtually and via prerecorded sessions.

As part of the NJCPA’s CPA Career Awareness program, member volunteers discussed the accounting profession with students, covering topics such as what accountants do, what it takes to become an accounting professional, what courses are necessary and what the process is to become a certified public accountant (CPA). Many NJCPA members presented for schools where they have a connection or affiliation.

The NJCPA has made it a priority to reach out to the next generation of young professionals and to promote diversity, equity and inclusion in the accounting profession.

“It was such a pleasure making the virtual presentation to the students. It was certainly a rewarding experience,” said Danielle Trania, CPA, senior staff accountant at WilkinGuttenplan, who spoke at Somerville High School.

Jose Borbon, CPA, CRC, an assistant vice president and senior auditor at Kearny Bank and regular presenter in the program, added that “whether its recorded, virtual or in person, it’s an important message that needs to be told to students. Many are not aware of what it means to be an accountant and how rewarding a career in this field can be.”

“Our members never cease to amaze me in how giving they are with their time to assist students and young professionals. It is often through these connections and insight that students make the decision to go into accounting,” said Ralph Albert Thomas, CPA (DC), CGMA, CEO and executive director at the NJCPA.

Presenters also encouraged students to apply for scholarships from the NJCPA Scholarship Fund, which awards $1,500 scholarships to college-bound New Jersey high school seniors who intend to major in accounting or obtain a concentration in accounting. The Fund also awards $6,500 one-year scholarships to accounting students at New Jersey colleges or universities who are currently in their junior year or in their senior year and are entering an accounting-related graduate program. In 2020, the Fund awarded more than $380,000 in scholarships to high school and college students. Learn more at njcpa.org/scholarships.