By: Lizzy Kramer
If you are an accounting student in North Carolina you’ve probably asked the following question: What is the NCACPA’s Young CPA cabinet, and more importantly what does it mean to be a student liaison for the cabinet? A few years ago I asked this question, and I am so glad that I did!
My story began when I decided to go back to school to began an MSA program and pursue a CPA license. A CPA from my area mentioned that I should get involved with the NCACPA, but I had no idea what that entailed, or even that the organization existed. It took one outing to a Young CPA social and I was hooked! The social was full of young CPAs who were excited to invite me into the profession, encourage me in my studies, and explain what the Cabinet was all about. They told me about how their mission was to promote the CPA profession, organize community service events, networking events, and a variety of other goals.
Shortly after my first NCACPA experience I landed my first internship with a CPA firm. When I told my new employer that I had considered applying for the YCPA Cabinet student liaison position, they were not only supportive, but reinforced the value in getting involved with the NCACPA. There were quite a few CPAs within the firm that were active NCACPA members, and also encouraged me to get involved. Once I was selected as a student liaison, it was clear that this was an exciting group of young professionals.
It has been an amazing experience in which I have made connections with CPAs in public accounting firms and industry alike. The friendships and camaraderie were unexpected bonuses to what started out as (a “I should probably join this organization”, but I sure am glad I did!)
As a student liaison for the NCACPA’s young CPA cabinet, you have the opportunity to experience the following:
– Four cabinet meetings (attending these meetings usually include a social event the night before where you will meet CPAs from the area where the meeting the next day is being held—it could be in Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, or Wilmington. It also includes a hotel room paid for by the cabinet, breakfast and lunch during the cabinet meeting, and inclusion into the exciting world of the Young CPA Cabinet during the meeting (usually held at a sponsoring CPA firm).
– The YCPA cabinet: 24 CPAs + two student liaisons. The student liaisons serve one term— one year from May to May. Applications are usually due in October, but you can show interest by attending socials, contacting NCACPA, and joining the association as a student member. As a student liaison you are a full member of the YCPA cabinet; you can join sub-committees, get involved with community service, government relations, financial literacy, student outreach, and networking.
The only way you won’t get to experience the high energy excitement of a year on the Young CPA cabinet is by not applying to be a student liaison! A word of advice though—there are only two highly coveted positions for students. So, if you want this sensational, rewarding, resume-building, employer-impressing student liaison position, then sign up today for your NCACPA student membership! As soon as you do, start attending as many NCACPA events as possible, get to know current YCPA cabinet members, then apply to be the next student liaison! Get involved with the NCACPA as a student and you will be a more prepared, more connected, and—certainly what we all really want—more employable graduate!
Lizzy is working towards completing her Masters in Accounting at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and is an active student member of NCACPA. She has served as student liaison to the Young CPA cabinet, is currently the liaison to the Financial Literacy Council, and is grateful for all of the networking and educational opportunities the association has provided already!