September 2002

NABA Convention Focuses on CPAs of Today and Tomorrow

Scores of minority accountants and future accountants convened at the 31st Annual National Convention hosted by the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) on July 23-27.

Held at the Marriott Marquis in Manhattan, the five-day convention offered an assortment of workshops, presentations and social networking events. Attendees were able to earn up to 22 credits of continuing professional education by attending the many technical sessions available. There also were keynote presentations, including a luncheon, banquet and public forum, where minority accounting professionals discussed recent news and events in the industry.

Approximately 100 exhibitors from top accounting, finance and business companies and organizations, including the New York State Society of CPAs, were on hand to speak with convention attendees and offer them information and professional contacts.

Outside of the convention, professionals networked with each other, getting a chance to experience the city through special NABA-sponsored social events.

In keeping with the 2002 theme, “Focus on the Future,” the convention also included programs for students—the future of the accounting profession. There were several open forum sessions that allowed young attendees to learn about the CPA profession and the working world in general. These included 10 Myths of Public Accounting; Advanced Degrees: When, Where and Why; and Balancing Your Life: Professional, Spiritual, Personal.

The Diversity Recruitment Expo 2002 was incorporated into the convention, which also gave students the opportunity to network with the exhibitors and obtain valuable information about internships, scholarships and career opportunities.

“I thought the convention was very beneficial to me as a student. It gives me a lot to think about before I actually make a decision to become a accountant,” Ebony Hoyte, a summer intern at KPMG LLP and an incoming junior at St. Johns University in Jamaica, N.Y., said.

NABA focuses on the professional needs of minority accountants of all levels working in fields such as business, finance, consulting and information technology. The 33-year-old organization is committed to helping minorities obtain the necessary tools and training to achieve their career goals.