Westchester COAP Program a Hit

By Alan G. Badey, Westchester President-Elect

Dozens of students delved into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to be an accountant by taking part in the Westchester Chapter’s 2005 COAP program.

The record-breaking attendance of 35 minority students at the weeklong series of events learned firsthand through seminars and field trips what kinds of attributes, skills and other requirements they’ll need to succeed as an accountant, as well as the variety of opportunities that exist within the industry.

“It was one of the strongest programs the chapter has ever done, said Don Kiamie, Westchester Chapter past president.

“These kids, many of whom had no idea what exactly accountants do for a living, were interested and impressed with the scope of our industry, and many expressed interest in learning more about the field.”

The focus of the program is to expose young minority high school students to all aspects of the field in an effort to draw more students into choosing the profession as a career. The students were given instruction through various seminars and field trips. The seminars included college preparation, business ethics, resume writing, accounting technology, goal setting, interviewing skills and dressing for success.

Jeff Schwartz, Westchester Chapter president, said that the program was well received both by the students and by all the employers who participated and contributed to making it a success.

“The results speak for themselves,” Schwartz said. “We have heard nothing but positive feedback, and that is a tribute to all who were involved.”

One of the stops for the students was a midday trip to the offices of Citrin Cooperman & Company LLP, in White Plains. There the students were offered information on the many opportunities in public accounting. CC Tax Manager Linda Shepard discussed work/life balance, noting that public accounting had offered her the opportunity to raise a family while continuing to advance her professional career.

Mario Christian, CC Senior Accountant, regaled the students with his Horatio Alger story of being raised in the South Bronx and how, through hard work, mentoring and opportunities offered to him, he was able to build a successful public accounting career. CC Director Robert Winton put together a fun and informative test on “what accountants do,” which got a great reaction from the students.

The chapter is thankful to have the support of the following individuals and businesses: Don Kiamie, Carloyn Perricone, Sean Turner, Suzanne Steimel, Frank Pellegrino, Les Thompson, Susan Hacker, Eileen Murphy, Sal Marino, Norman Milefsky, Rodrick Shiver, Dennis Stephens, Doris Warmflash, Ruth Levy, Barbara Bel, Robert Shire, Lauren Trager, Sterling V. Jasper, Jr., SYMs, Citrin Cooperman & Company LLP, Deloitte & Touche LLP, and the Pepsi Bottling Group.

Alan Badey can be reached at abadey@citrincooperman.com.