Howard University Center For Accounting Education 4-day effort aims to increase diversity

5th Annual “We’re About Success” Program Gives 100 African-American Accountants Tools, Tips To Advance To CPA and Beyond
------------
Howard University Center For Accounting Education 4-day effort aims to increase diversity

Nearly 100 of the most talented young African-American accountants at the nation’s leading accounting firms gathered recently near Washington, D.C. to participate in an annual event designed to propel them to career success: the “We’re About Success!” program.

Created by the Howard University School of Business’s Center for Accounting Education (CAE) (CAE) and supported by the major firms, the intensive “We’re About Success!” program provides four days of enrichment, mentoring and instruction to position the first-year associates for a lifetime of achievement and leadership in accounting.

In its fifth year, “We’re About Success!” has now provided nearly 500 promising young accountants with the enhanced career-building skills, such as networking, communications, client relations and developing mentorships, that are necessary for success in business. The program also encourages the junior associates to complete the CPA exam early in their careers.

“Accounting firms across the nation are eager to diversify their ranks, but they recognize that their African Americans hires still face subtle barriers to success,” said Frank Ross, director of the CAE and former Managing Partner and Director at KPMG. “They are so committed to this group that each year they not only send their most promising first-years to “We’re About Success!”, but partner with CAE in delivering the program’s content.”

The program consists of sessions like “Building Support & Alliances”, “Career Ownership & Planning” and “Organizational Culture,” which are all designed to help young accountants make their mark and succeed in the workplace. There is also a session entitled “CPA Exam Overview” which will focus on passing the CPA Exam. Prominent representatives of participating accounting firms, including all of the Big 4, present programs and engage actively in mentoring and networking.

Program participant Patrice Cherry, a first-year associate at PriceewaterhouseCoopers’ New York office, said the program encouraged her to accelerate her path through the CPA exam: “I had a busy first year, so I felt I didn’t have time. But you come here and meet many other people in the same boat as you, and they have already passed all four parts, and it motivates you.”

Walter Smith, president of the National Association of Black Accountants, who delivered a keynote speech, noted that many NABA members have advanced in their careers following participation in the program. He said, ““We’re About Success!” is very successful. It arms our professional members with tools that are hard to come by. They come away with a new level of self-awareness.”

For more information on CAE, please visit:
http://www.bschool.howard.edu/Programs/specialprograms/centerforacc.... CAE is sponsored by many of the nation’s leading accounting firms as well as professional organizations. The growing roster of stakeholders include:
Bert Smith & Company; Thompson, Cobb, Bazilio & Associates; Deloitte; Ernst & Young; KPMG; PricewaterhouseCoopers; National Association of Black Accountants; AICPA; BDO Seidman; Becker CPA Review; Coleman & Williams; DiversityInc; Grant Thornton; Marriott International; McConnell, Jones, Lanier & Murphy; NABA Division of Firms; RSM McGladrey; Walker & Company; and Williams, Adley & Company.

Media contact: Lisa King, MediaImpact, lisak@mediaimpact.biz, 646-234-5080.