Six students from from Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School learned about what an accounting career future would look like at a conference on Friday at Bentley University. From left, Danielle Ellis, Ann Wetherbee, Kassidy Thompson, Ally Fraser, Saydie True and Tyler Ostberg.
Six students from from Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School learned about what an accounting career future would look like at a conference on Friday at Bentley University. From left, Danielle Ellis, Ann Wetherbee, Kassidy Thompson, Ally Fraser, Saydie True and Tyler Ostberg. Credit: SUBMITTED PHOTO

WALTHAM —The Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA), the professional association for CPAs in the state, previewed what an accounting career future would look like for six students from Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School at its “Is Accounting for Me?” conference on Friday at Bentley University.

The conference 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 Bentley students and faculty.

The conference provided students with a chance to hear from professional CPAs about their jobs and to talk to college accounting majors about their coursework and experience. The students also took part in a case competition delivered by current Bentley students that focused on the various service areas in the accounting profession. Each team was presented with a series of scenarios and asked to identify which service area the scenario corresponded with.

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 Ralph C. Mahar students.”

Teachers selected the students in attendance based on their aptitude for accounting.

The following Ralph C. Mahar Regional High School seniors attended the event:

Danielle Ellis, Alexandra Fraser, Tyler Ostberg, Kassidy Thompson, Saydie True, Anna Wetherbee.

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