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College of Business

2023 CSUMB Accounting Networking Event: Breaking Records Yet Again!

Accounting Networking Event 2023

September 21, 2023

After 15 years since CSUMB started the Accounting Concentration in the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, the 2023 CSUMB Accounting Networking Event (ANE) breaks records again. On September 21, 2023, 94 professionals from 39 organizations came to CSUMB University Center to share full-time positions, internships, graduate programs, and volunteer opportunities with our students. More than 90 students attended the event, interacting with company representatives and learning the next steps to reach their dream jobs. 

CSUMB Alumni represent employers

Student attendees found connection and encouragement in the fact that several of the employers' tables were staffed by CSUMB alumni, including Cristal Perez Paz and Joshua Label with CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), Kyle Contreras with Moss Adams, and Kailey (Slusser) Adamski with KPMG

CSUMB Alum, Cristal Perez Paz, Tax Associate with CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), greets student at 2023 ANE

From right to left: Cristal Perez Paz, Tax Associate, Joshua Label, Accounting Associate (both CSUMB alumni), and Sandee Mason, Operations Manager with CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)

Moss Adams table at 2023 ANE

CSUMB Alum, Kyle Contreras (2nd from right), Assurance Senior, with his colleagues at Moss Adams

 

Dispelling misconceptions

Accounting has often been misunderstood, associated with the perception of challenging mathematics, isolation, and low-paying jobs. Many CSUMB accounting alumni, particularly those taught by Professor Jeff Froshman, are passionate about dispelling these misconceptions and presenting a more accurate picture of an accountant's professional life to the younger generation. These alumni actively engage with the accounting faculty's outreach efforts to community colleges, including Hartnell, Monterey Peninsula, Cabrillo, Gavilan, Mission, and West Valley. They share their enriching experiences as auditors, tax analysts, and financial planners, emphasizing the rewarding aspects of accounting careers. Community college students are enthralled by stories shared by CSUMB alumni, with 22 of them participating in the Accounting Networking Event.

Kailey (Slusser) Adamski, Senior Audit Associate with KPMG

Kailey (Slusser) Adamski, Senior Audit Associate with KPMG

 

Student finding free professional  attire from Otter Outfitter

Students selected free professional attire donated by CSUMB faculty, staff, and alumni

 

Students were well-prepared with help from CSUMB faculty, staff, and alumni

Almost half of CSUMB undergraduates are first-generation college students in their families whose parents work in the fields and hospitality sector. To prepare students for the networking event, Professor Maj-Britt Kimm and Dr. Sharon Hua reviewed each accounting student's resume and conducted one-on-one elevator pitch practice sessions on a Sunday afternoon. This hands-on guidance continued with resume revisions and elevator pitch refining right up to the day before the ANE. Vincent Loforti of University Advancement sent four racks of lightly worn men's and women’s professional attire to the Business and Information Technology Building, allowing students to choose suitable outfits.

Besides the busy auditorium where students talked with employers, a professional photographer was taking headshots of students in the lobby. College of Business Interim Dean Marylou Shockley had the wonderful idea to offer professional portraits for students to use for their LinkedIn profile. This was so popular that the College of Business continued to sponsor the photos this year.

Accounting professors and senior students hosted campus tour

Following the ANE, four senior accounting students—Bianca Sigala, Jessica Dunbar, Damian Carillo, and Freddy Sanchez—along with accounting professors Dr. Tess Lou and Dr. Sharon Hua, led a campus tour for community college students. The tour encompassed the library, the Business and Information Technology building, and the Otter Student Union. During their lunch at the Dining Commons, the senior accounting students shared their valuable internship experiences and provided insights into the abundant resources available at CSUMB. The community college students were highly impressed by the mentorship CSUMB students received from professors and internship programs.

Students were enthusiastic about their experiences at the event.

Their comments included:

I gained valuable insights into industry trends, made meaningful connections, and exchanged ideas that will undoubtedly benefit my career.

… I can't wait to put the new information to use as I advance in accounting, both academically and professionally.” 

It was an event that definitely got me out of my comfort zone.

From right to left: College of Business Dean, Dr. Marylou Shockley, Accounting Professor, Dr. Sharon Hua, and Partner of Vanderbilt CPAs, CSUMB almna Carmine Lepiane

The College of Business thanks all of our Accounting and Finance industry partners for participating in the 2023 ANE, including the following firms and organizations:

Abbott Stringham & Lynch

Bianchi Kasavan & Pope, LLP

Braga Fresh Family Farms

Brandon & Tibbs, CPAs

California Giant Berry Farms

Capital Insurance Group

Central Coast Federal Credit Union

Church Brothers Farms

City of Monterey

CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) LLP

Deloitte Tax, LLP

Dole Fresh Vegetables

Driscoll's

Finn & Cohen CPAs

Glenn Burdette

Granite Construction

Green & Ward, CPAs

Hutchinson and Bloodgood, LLP

Integris Wealth Management

Internal Revenue Service

KPMG, LLP

McGilloway Ray Brown & Kaufman

Montage Health

Monterey Mushrooms

Monterey Private Wealth

Moss Adams

Pence Financial Group

Rosewood Family Advisors

JR Accountancy

Scholl & Company

Scudder Roofing & Solar

Sensiba LLP

SlingShot Connections

Stevens, Sloan & Shah, CPAs

University of California - Davis Master of Professional Accountancy Program

United Way Monterey County - IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

Van Ruler and Company

Vanderbilt CPAs

Wheeler Accountants, LLP

Learn more about CSUMB's Accounting Concentration and the Accounting Networking Event (ANE).

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