Alumni accountants recruit students at annual fair

Eastern’s College of Business welcomed more than 30 alumni to its 21^st annual Accounting Fair on Sept. 18. More than 100 students networked with business representatives, connected with alumni, and gained valuable insights into the world of accounting.

The fair hosted 20 accounting firms and prospective employers, including reputable organizations such as KPMG, the Connecticut Department of Revenue Services (CTDRS), Nicola Yester Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), and Goldblatt Bokoff LLC, among others.

Central to the planning of the event was accounting and business information systems Professor and Department Chair Mohd RuJoub, who has long spearheaded alumni engagement efforts and brought employment opportunities to students.

“The caliber of our graduates is recognized by top employers,” he said, emphasizing Eastern accounting’s high academic standards and reputation. “This event is a testament to the strong connections our program has forged with leading firms and our alumni.”

Dean of Education and Professional Studies Niti Pandey expressed appreciation for the accounting alumni’s continued support of their alma mater.

“Accounting students feel a sense of belonging at Eastern," she said. "After graduation, they stay engaged with the program, with the College of Business, and with Eastern. It is a model that other programs can take after.”

Alumni perspectives

Will Paetzold ’19 M’20, CPA, represented Nicola Yester as a senior accountant. Paetzold started with the company as an intern under Eastern’s accounting program and was eventually hired as a full-time employee after graduation.

“Mohd prepared us well,” he said. “Taking the CPA exam after his exams … I thought it was easy.”

Paetzold explained that the CPA exam consists of four rigorous sections, and after a year of studying, he passed three sections on his first attempt and the last section on his second.

Brad M. Oatley ’09, CPA, of Goldblatt Bokoff, LLC, recognized Eastern’s ability to support its students and alumni in the job market. “They try hard to make sure everyone has internship opportunities and the ability to get a job right out of college,” he said.

Oatley also noted that the addition of the Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) program at Eastern has been a helpful tool in maximizing students’ skills and qualifications before entering the field.

Advice from prospective employers

Carissa Kelly, CPA, a manager at Nicola Yester, gave advice for students entering the field for the first time. “Make sure your resume is proofread,” she said. “If you’re submitting a resume online, we’re just reading it and are not able to see you face-to-face.”

Goldblatt Bokoff LLC’s Amber Moore, CPA, stressed the importance of joining professional organizations and societies. Moore is a member of the Connecticut Society of CPAs (CTCPA). Students can become members of the CTCPA in order to foster professional connections and earn exclusive resources and networking opportunities.

Robert Paolitto, a human resources generalist at the CTDRS, recommended students look for employers with rich professional growth opportunities. The state agency offers an “Accounting Careers Trainee” (ACT) program, which trains graduates with bachelor’s degrees or higher in real-world accounting skills, necessary for career advancement.

Paolitto referenced that CTDRS Deputy Director John Biello started his career in the ACT program, and advanced to an executive position throughout his career. “It’s one of those agencies where people stay and there’s definitive career growth,” he said.