Hosted by the KSCPA, Kansas colleges & universities and businesses interested in accounting career development for Kansas high school students
See Photo Albums of Past CampsThe accounting career path is ripe with opportunity. Accountants are in demand, with demand projected to grow in the coming years. This surge creates endless options and vibrant futures for those on the accounting career track. The Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants (KSCPA) opens this door to Kansas high school students through the INSPIRE Business Camp. The camp introduces Kansas high school students to the vast array of career opportunities in the accounting profession. It is a collaborative effort incorporating Kansas high school educators, collegiate faculty and students, future employers, and impactful speakers in the business sector, specifically accounting.
The day started with insights from Shauna Woody-Coussens, CFE, Managing Director, Forviz Mazars. She shared the investigative side of accounting. Unraveling the financial mystery of fraud is one of the exciting career paths in accounting. Unearthing discrepancies in the numbers is the first clue to solving a fraud case. Carefully following those clues leads to possible suspects. Security measures are implemented to catch the culprit and prevent future fraud.
The high school students then had the opportunity to hear from current accounting students. The college students shared their paths, lessons learned and advice they wish they had had. The session ended with a Q&A session for students to ask any unanswered questions.
Team-building through Interactive games and challenges was also an integral part of the day. Students were assigned groups at random, so they got the opportunity to meet and work with new acquaintances. An Escape the Financial Scam game got groups talking, working together and flexing their accounting skills.
Participants then visited the Accounting Career Booths to see where a career in accounting starts and where it can lead. Students could talk to collegiate faculty, students, and future employers at the booths. Educational and professional representatives also joined the student groups throughout the day to simulate the sense of community and camaraderie within the accounting profession. In addition, their high school business teachers accompanied them to the camp so conversations could continue and expand upon returning to the classroom. The day culminated in future-ready round tables to identify takeaways and next steps for the students as they account for their futures.
The camp and accounting profession both have bright futures with endless possibilities. The Kansas Society of CPAs looks forward to continuing to be a conduit to connect students, educators, and employers to prime the accounting pipeline for a robust and fulfilling future. Learn more about the INSPIRE Camp, KSCPA (Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants), and the Accounting Career Track at www.kscpa.org/inspire-business-camp.
We are beyond grateful to the Washburn University staff, who graciously hosted this year's event. We would also like to thank the organizations that sponsored and participated in the event. Universities: Fort Hays State, Kansas State, Kansas Wesleyan University, University of Kansas, McPherson College, Washburn University, and Wichita State and Sponsors: Adams Brown, BT&Co, Deloitte, Forvis Mazars, Goering & Granatino, KSCPA Educational Foundation, Mize CPAs, Pinion, Swindoll, Janzen, Hawk and Loyd, and Varneys and Associates). We couldn't have done it without their involvement and support!
The Kansas Society of Certified Public Accountants is a 2,000+ member association dedicated to supporting and developing its members while promoting the accounting profession. Learn more by visiting www.kscpa.org.
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