Second Annual College Student Section

Last year, when The Trusted Professional published the first college student section, we hoped to generate interest in the CPA career path and bring what at the time was some badly needed attention to the accounting profession. Had we known what would take place over the next 12 months, we could have sat back and let Enron, Global Crossing, WorldCom, Tyco and a long list of seemingly greedy or clueless executives do the work for us. Of course, the attention drawn wasn’t exactly what we had in mind, but, ironically, it did, reaffirm the critical role the CPA plays in the business world and the investing community.

“There is an increased appreciation for the value of an audit and for fair financial reporting, which will generate (job) opportunities for students,” said Jeffrey R. Hoops, a partner with Ernst & Young LLP and the president-elect of the New York State Society of CPAs.

“We have to really step up to the plate to fulfill the expectations of the public,” added NYSSCPA President Jo Ann Golden, a partner with Dermody Burke & Brown P.C. “The services that a CPA provides may be expanded because more people are being asked to sign on the dotted line. The people expect greater accountability.”

Despite the renewed significance of the CPA profession and the increased demand for its services, there is little doubt that the accounting profession has much work to do if it is to restore its good name and trusted relationship with the American public. That is where the next generation of CPAs will play such a valuable part, as you are asked to carry forward the profession’s century-old torch of integrity and ethical responsibility. As you will see in the story immediately below, it is an obligation that students like you seem willing to bear with confidence and self-possession.

We hope that you find the pages of this section an interesting and informative way to learn more about the New York State Society of CPAs and about a profession that has always learned from its mistakes and changed for the better.

Jay Dismukes, editor
The Trusted Professional