The Illinois CPA Society is seeking applicants for its tenth annual Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program, open to racial and ethnic minority college students pursuing careers in accounting and finance.
Funded by the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois’ Mary T. Washington Wylie Opportunity Fund, the Mary T. Washington Wylie Internship Preparation Program is named for the first African-American woman CPA in the United States. The internship program honors her legacy by boosting diversity in the accounting profession.
Accounting firms hosting sessions and interviewing students for paid accounting internships will include: Abbott, Crowe, Deloitte, Ernst & Young, Grant Thornton, KPMG, PwC, Sikich and Wipfli.
“We’re so proud to welcome our 10th class of scholars to this remarkable three-day program that’s proven to prepare participants for a successful transition from student to young professional,” said Kari Natale, senior director of the CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois, in a statement. “Watching these deserving students become more motivated, confident and better prepared to not only succeed in the accounting and finance profession but to also help change the face of it is incredibly rewarding.”
Candidates will hear keynotes and participate in team-building exercises, resume workshopping and interview coaching. Program participants will also receive professional headshots and a $500 scholarship to help with educational expenses. A partnership with the University of Illinois will give students the chance to interview for a free tuition and stipend scholarship for the Master of Accounting Science Program.
The program will be held virtually Jan. 5-7, 2022, with the deadline to apply set for Nov. 8, 2021. More information is available on ICPAS
Separately, the Illinois CPA Society announced its first class of Strategy Academy graduates. Launched in 2021, the invitation-only Strategy Academy looks to develop the strategic thinking and communication skills of CPAs to better prepare them for advisory roles in the profession.
Led by Todd Shapiro, ICPAS president and CEO, and Mark Frigo, distinguished professor emeritus at DePaul University’s Kellstadt Graduate School of Business, the Strategy Academy is a four-day program consisting of team-based, hands-on, interactive sessions designed for high-potential, up-and-coming accounting and finance professionals with seven or more years of experience.
“Relevant strategic thinking skills, particularly among CPAs working in audit, tax and accounting services, are key to successfully bringing new value and strategic insights to the services that CPAs provide in public accounting firms and companies alike,” said Shapiro in a statement. “I look forward to seeing the results as this first class of Strategy Academy graduates embarks on helping their clients and companies achieve greater success and profitability.”
The 2021 class of Strategy Academy graduates, in alphabetical order, are:
- Scott Anderson (PKF Mueller)
- Emily Bartlett (CDH PC)
- Stefan Beal (Mowery & Schoenfeld)
- Cliff Bumgarner (KEB)
- Craig Fiorito (Sikich)
- Jim Pellino (ORBA)
- Tom Pierce (ORBA)
- Bill Rothmann (Porte Brown)
- Brooks Walker (Sikich)
- Janell Wilson (MichaelSilver)
