The School of Accountancy at Kennesaw State University is home to one of the largest accounting programs in the State of Georgia and home to the internationally recognized Internal Audit Center. Kennesaw State University is one of very few colleges and universities in the world recognized at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Excellence Level.
MAcc Class of 2023
A Publication of the Michael J. Coles College of Business Master of Accounting Program
T he School of Accountancy at Kennesaw State University is home to one of the largest accounting programs in the State of Georgia and home to the internationally recognized Internal Audit Center. Kennesaw State University is one of very few colleges and universities in the world recognized at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Excellence Level. As such, it is authorized by the IIA to issue Internal Audit Education Partnership certificates. The Accounting degree program is fully accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The mission of the School of Accountancy is (1) to provide a high-quality accounting education to a diverse student group, preparing successful accounting professionals and future leaders in local, national, and global organizations; and (2) to influence the accounting profession through relevant research and professional engagement. We will achieve these goals by promoting excellence in teaching and research, delivering innovative undergraduate and graduate programs, and fostering an ethical environment of intellectual curiosity, innovation, and collegiality. The Master of Accounting (MAcc) degree program is an accelerated, cohort- based graduate program designed to help undergraduate accounting (business) majors achieve their professional career goals and certification requirements in a dynamic learning environment. The MAcc is presented in a fast-paced, two semester format that integrates CPA Exam preparation into the curriculum. Students take the CPA Exam during the MAcc program, and they specialize in either Audit/Advisory or Tax. The MAcc delivers a strong core of graduate accounting seminars to every program participant, enhances technical expertise, develops advanced communication and critical thinking abilities, and promotes leadership skills.
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The accounting program at Kennesaw State holds a separate accounting accreditation by AACSB – INTERNATIONAL, THE HALLMARK OF EXCELLENCE IN BUSINESS EDUCATION.
Kennesaw State University is one of only twelve colleges and universities in the world recognized at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Excellence Level. By completing the IAEP program at KSU, students are eligible to be awarded an IAEP Certificate.
DIRECTOR’S NOTE
W e are in the fifth year of our CPA-focused MAcc program, 2 in 2: MAcc and CPA in 2 Semesters . The MAcc program allows students to pursue a specialization in Audit/Advisory or Tax. Students complete two Capstone Experience courses where they pursue professional development and professional certification over two semesters. Last year 37 students not only worked on their graduate degrees, but also sat for the four parts of the CPA Exam as part of their program of study. We are very encouraged by the excellent CPA performance of last year’s cohort, and we look forward to working with this incoming cohort of high-achieving accounting students. Our MAcc features two mentoring opportunities for the incoming cohort. First, students are assigend a mentor from the previous cohort. Their “MAcc Buddy” will help them to navigate the day-to-day issues of the program. Second, students can elect to participate in our professional mentoring program where MAcc students are mentored by Chief Audit Executives, as well as Partners and Directors of the top corporations and public accounting firms in metro Atlanta. The Class of 2023 joins our program with mean undergraduate and accounting GPAs of 3.8 and a wide range of professional and extracurricular achievements. We are committed to preparing our MAcc students not only to be technically proficient today, but also to be adept in enduring skills like critical and unstructured thinking, so they are prepared for a changing future. We look forward to an exciting year with this incredible group of students.
Heather M. Hermanson, PhD MAcc Director and Professor of Accounting
Visit our website: KSUMAcc.com
Visit on social media:
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AUDIT/ADVISORY
Jordan Adams
Jordan Adams graduated Cum Laude from the University of South Carolina with his BBA in Accounting in May 2022. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Jordan was involved as a Peer Leader in the University 101 program at USC. He was a member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity and Beta Alpha Psi. Jordan has experience in tax and audit at Rödl & Partner and in advisory services at Grant Thornton. In his spare time, Jordan enjoys playing soccer and golf, hanging out with friends, and watching his favorite soccer teams Arsenal Football Club and Atlanta United. Jordan’s long term career goal is to become a Chief Financial Officer.
Gillian Rose Barnes
Gillian Rose Barnes graduated Summa Cum Laude as an Honors Research Scholar from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2022. She is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Audit/Advisory. Gillian has accepted a full-time offer from EY in the Assurance service line. During her time at KSU she held the roles of Reporter and President of Beta Alpha Psi. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her fiancé and dogs either hiking, watching movies, or watching Indy Car races. Gillian’s long-term goal is to earn a PhD in Accounting and become an accounting professor.
Calia Bass
Calia Bass graduated Summa Cum Laude from Clark Atlanta University with her BBA in Accounting and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. She was a member of Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she served as the Economic Committee Chair as well as the Internal Audit Chair. She served as the president of CAU’s chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants and served as the treasurer of CAU’s Honors Program. Calia interned with Dell Technologies, where she worked as a Client Solutions Group Finance intern. She also completed two Tax Consulting internships with PwC. In her spare time, Calia enjoys spending time with her family, shopping for her Yorkipoo, and binge-watching movies with her baby sister.
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Jorge Callejas
Jorge Callejas graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting and is currently a MAcc student in the Audit/Advisory track. Jorge served as event coordinator of Beta Alpha Psi and as a member of the Coles Scholars Program. Jorge worked as a tax intern at Nichols, Cauley & Associates and as an audit intern with EY. He has accepted a full-time position in the assurance practice at EY. In his free time, he enjoys both playing and watching sports, and going out with friends. Jorge hopes to obtain his masters and his CPA within the next year.
Joseph Cooper
Joseph Cooper graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University, earning his BBA degree in Accounting with a minor in Information Systems. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Joseph served as Event Coordinator of Beta Alpha Psi and was a member of the Journey Honors College. Before joining the MAcc program, he worked as an audit intern at Nichols, Cauley & Associates. Joseph is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Following graduation in May 2023, he plans to join an audit firm in the Atlanta area. Celina Couch graduated Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with a BBA in Accounting in Summer 2022 and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Celina was a member of Beta Alpha Psi and served as the web and media coordinator. She recently completed an audit internship with Aprio and a tax internship with Cherry Bekaert. Her experience includes over ten years in customer service, with over nine years at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and going on adventures. She especially loves playing with her fur babies. Her long-term goals include successfully working her way from the bottom to the top of a public accounting firm, starting a family, and traveling. Celina Couch
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AUDIT/ADVISORY
Madison Duffessy
Madison Duffessy graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Madison completed an audit internship with Bennett Thrasher. He enjoys, fishing, exercising, spending time with family, and having fun with friends. His long-term goal is to become a Chief Financial Officer or partner at a public accounting firm.
Haley Elliott
Haley Elliott graduated Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2022. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Haley completed an audit internship with Mauldin & Jenkins, and she has accepted a full- time position as an Audit Associate with the firm upon graduation. Haley loves spending time with her friends, going to Atlanta Braves games, and traveling. One of her long- term goals is to become a partner at a public accounting firm. She is looking forward to graduating from the MAcc program and passing the CPA Exam by May 2023.
Sarah Fandrey
Sarah Fandrey graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2022. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Sarah was an active member of Beta Alpha Psi and worked as an accounting Learning Assistant. Prior to starting the MAcc program, Sarah completed three internships: Forensic & Integrity Services at EY, Audit at HLB Gross Collins, and corporate accounting with Streamline Health Solutions. In her free time, Sarah enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, and playing pickleball.
Cameron Halron
Cameron Halron graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2022. He is currently a MAcc student and is specializing in Audit/ Advisory. Cameron gained experience in audit through an internship with Mauldin & Jenkins. In his spare time, Cameron enjoys exercising, playing basketball and soccer, spending time with friends, and exploring new places. His long-term goal is to become an accounting firm partner or a Chief Financial Officer.
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Jakiyla Height
Jakiyla Height graduated Magna Cum Laude from Clark Atlanta University with her BA in Accounting in May 2022. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Jakiyla served on the executive board for CAU’s National Association of Black Accountants chapter for four consecutive years, and she is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society. She has completed a total of five internships: an audit internship with Crowe, an enterprise finance internship with Wells Fargo, and three audit/assurance-based internships with PwC. These combined experiences exposed Jakiyla to industries including insurance, banking, technology, manufacturing, financial services, and retail. Jakiyla enjoys exploring nature, trying new foods, writing poetry, and exploring other arts.
Brady Ingram
Brady Ingram graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2022 and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. Brady was a member of Beta Alpha Psi. He completed two corporate accounting internships with TWC Services and an audit internship with EY. Brady accepted a full-time offer from EY in the Assurance service line for Fall 2023. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, being outdoors, and playing guitar.
Michelle Lopez
Michelle Lopez graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting. She is currently a MAcc Student specializing in Audit/Advisory and serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Michelle has gained familiarity with public accounting by interning with CohnReznick, CliftonLarsonAllen, and Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors. She also has six years of experience in retail banking. Michelle is a mother to three children and in her free time loves to plan fun activities for them, attend youth sporting events, and volunteer at their schools.
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AUDIT/ADVISORY
Amanda McBay
Amanda McBay graduated from the University of Georgia with her BBA in Accounting in May 2022. She is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Audit/Advisory. This summer she interned with Deloitte as an Audit & Assurance intern where she gained experience in the real estate and technology industries. Amanda was a member of Pi Sigma Epsilon, UGA Miracle, and the Wesley Foundation during her time at UGA. She enjoys spending time with her family and friends and going on long walks.
Colton McDaniel
Colton McDaniel graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2022. Colton is currently enrolled in the MAcc program specializing in Audit/Advisory. Colton completed audit and tax internships with CliftonLarsonAllen and Frazier & Deeter. He has accepted a full-time audit position with Frazier & Deeter upon graduation. He enjoys listening to music, playing golf, and getting to the gym.
Kaleb Morris
Kaleb Morris graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2022 and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. He plans on completing the CPA Exam by May 2023. Kaleb completed an audit internship at KPMG, and he has accepted a full-time position with the firm. In his free time, he enjoys sports, playing chess, and hanging out with friends and family.
Daniel Portillo
Daniel Portillo graduated from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2022. He is currently a MAcc student in the Audit/Advisory track. Daniel was an audit intern with WBL CPAs + Advisors. He has worked in direct-to-customer sales, apartment rentals, and Covid-19 relief programs. He and his family are from Venezuela. Daniel and his wife enjoy trying new restaurants, and he likes learning to cook foods from all over the world.
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Kyle Rosell
Kyle Rosell graduated Summa Cum Laude from Middle Georgia State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2022 and received the Top Accounting Graduate Award. She was a member of the Accounting Association, National Society of Leadership and Success, and Internal Audit Association. Kyle is currently specializing in Audit/Advisory in the MAcc program. She interned at TJS Deemer Dana as an Insurance and Tax intern and worked part time as an administrative assistant at Howard, Moore & McDuffie. Kyle also is working on attaining her CIA certification. In her spare time, she enjoys trekking mountains, playing the guitar, surfing, traveling to different countries, and spending time with family and friends.
Avery Snow
Avery Snow graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/Advisory. She has interned three times with Acuitas, Inc., an Atlanta forensic accounting and litigation services firm. She also completed an audit internship with Grant Thornton. Avery will join Grant Thornton as an Audit Associate II in Fall 2023. She loves trail running, playing KSU club and intramural sports, scuba diving, and traveling abroad. Her long-term goal is to be a public company auditor, and she aspires to become a forensic accounting expert witness.
Diana Tarin
Diana Tarin is an International Student who graduated from the University Autonomous of Ciudad Juarez in Mexico. She has completed four internships in different areas with firms such as Cherry Bekaert, Myers & Stauffer, Bennett Thrasher and Crowe. In her spare time Diana loves to spend time with her family and friends. She enjoys traveling to new destinations and watching movies. Diana will complete her MAcc degree with a specialization in Audit/Advisory. She looks forward to completing the CPA Exam by August 2023 and working in the audit or advisory area of a public accounting firm.
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Eliza Usher
Eliza Usher graduated Summa Cum Laude from Middle Georgia State University in May 2022 with her BBA in Accounting and received the 2022 Top Business Graduate Award. She served as the President of MGSU’s Campus Activities Board and was awarded a Student Leadership Award for her efforts. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/ Advisory and working as a Graduate Teaching Assistant. Eliza is pursuing both CPA and CFE certification. She hopes to find a post-MAcc position in forensic accounting. Eliza has served as a bookkeeper for a local church. She enjoys listening to music, traveling, and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Madison Wheatley
Madison Wheatley graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in December 2021. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Audit/ Advisory. Madison has completed various internships in audit and risk advisory with Myers and Stauffer, Bennett Thrasher, and Moore Colson CPAs & Advisors. She anticipates the completion of her CPA Exam by May 2023 and looks forward to starting her audit career at Bennett Thrasher in Fall 2023. In her free time, Madison enjoys hiking, going to Braves games, and traveling.
TAX
Iram Ahmad
Iram Ahmad graduated Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in December 2021 and is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Tax. She was a member of Beta Alpha Psi and participated in two tax internships, CohnReznick and Frazier & Deeter. Iram will join CohnReznick in Fall 2023. In her spare time, she likes cooking, reading, or relaxing with a show. Her long-term goals are to earn higher positions in a firm and to take her parents on a vacation.
Jazmin Albarran
Jazmin Albarran graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2022. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Jazmin was treasurer for Beta Alpha Psi and chaired the finance and fundraising committees of the Association of Latino Professionals for America. She completed tax internships with KPMG and HLB Gross Collins. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with family, jogging, and baking.
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Robert Alfonso
Robert Alfonso graduated Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2022 and is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. He was Vice President of Beta Alpha Psi and worked as a peer mentor to freshmen. Robert worked in the Private Client Services department at Aprio and has accepted a full-time position with the firm upon graduation. In his spare time, Robert enjoys lifting, venturing to new cities, reading, and watching movies.
Noel Briere
Noel Briere graduated Magna Cum Laude from Reinhardt University in May 2022 with her BS in Business with a focus in Accounting. She is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Tax. Noel completed two tax internships with Nichols, Cauley & Associates, a finance internship with Verizon, and an audit internship with Wipfli. Noel served as treasurer of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, and managed fundraising for philanthropy events. She enjoys spending time outdoors, cooking, and baking.
Shanawar (Shan) Cheema
Shanawar (Shan) Cheema graduated from Kennesaw State University with his BBA in Accounting in December 2021. He is currently in the MAcc program specializing in Tax. After completing a tax internship with HLB Gross Collins, Shan accepted a full time offer from HLB and worked as a full-time Tax Associate the past year. He is a dog lover, enjoys playing video games with his brother, and is a big baseball follower. His long-term goals include getting a PhD in Tax and getting to visit Hunza Valley, Pakistan. Sabrina Leung graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting in May 2022. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. Sabrina is a recipient of the Georgia Society of CPAs and Carr, Riggs & Ingram (CRI) scholarships. She completed tax internships at CRI, WBL CPAs + Advisors, and Aprio. She is looking forward to starting her full-time career with WBL upon graduation. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling the world, baking, and enjoying the outdoors. Sabrina Leung
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TAX
Nick Maguire
Nick Maguire graduated Magna Cum Laude with a BBA in Accounting from Kennesaw State University in May 2022. He is MAcc student specializing in Tax. Nick has worked as a retail general manager and dog trainer. He is an American Kennel Club certified Canine Good Citizen Evaluator. He has run a company providing dog training services for the last three years. Nick enjoys watching movies with his fiancée, spending time with his dogs, and preparing for dog competition sports.
Tabitha Moore
Tabitha Moore graduated from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting and is currently in the MAcc Program specializing in Tax. She worked for a family-owned tax firm for a year and a half. Tabitha is looking for a full-time position after the MAcc. She loves traveling and being around the people. She looks forward to building new relationships in the MAcc and with future co-workers.
John Pittman
John Pittman graduated Magna Cum Laude from Mercer University with his BBA in Accounting in May 2022. He is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax. John was a Peer Tutor at Mercer’s Academic Resource Center where he tutored Principles of Financial Accounting and Principles of Finance. He completed internships with Allen Pritchett & Bassett and Tillman & Tillman, where he gained experience in tax accounting and business consulting. In his spare time, he enjoys working freelance in sports broadcasting and cheering on Atlanta United and the U.S. National Soccer Team. John’s long-term goal is to become a partner at a public accounting firm.
Jennifer Rios
Jennifer Rios graduated Magna Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting. She is currently a MAcc student specializing in Tax and is working towards completing the CPA Exam by May 2023. Jennifer served as the Vice President of the Association of Latino Professionals for America and was an active member of Beta Alpha Psi. She completed tax internships with Moore Colson CPAs and Advisors and Deloitte. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the gym, hiking, and spending time with family.
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Chasitie Trinh
Chasitie Trinh graduated from the University of Georgia with her BBA in Accounting in December 2021. She is currently enrolled in the MAcc program specializing in Tax. She was heavily involved in the Vietnamese Student Association with multiple leadership positions such as the Treasurer, Entertainment Director, and Liondance Choreographer. Chasitie completed tax internships with Aprio and Bennett Thrasher. She also completed an Audit/ Advisory internship with EY and has accepted a full-time offer with the firm upon graduation. In her spare time, she enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, going to the gym, and trying new foods.
Racheal Watson
Sharon Zinger graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University in Summer 2022 with a BBA in Accounting and is a current MAcc student specializing in Tax. She also holds a BFA in Theatre from Jacksonville University and an AA in Fashion Design from the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. She has spent the last four years working full-time in the Financial Aid Department at KSU. She is a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority and Alpha Psi Omega Fraternity. Sharon hopes to use her background in the arts to help entertainment clients reach their financial and tax goals. She will join the tax team at WBL CPAs + Advisors upon graduation. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, hiking, and traveling. Racheal Watson graduated Summa Cum Laude from Kennesaw State University with her BBA in Accounting and is a MAcc student specializing in Tax. She completed two tax internships at Aprio and has accepted a full-time offer with the firm. Racheal spent over 12 years serving in the United States Air Force. Her military career includes working several presidential visits and coordinating a program that educated 12 foreign country leaders. Racheal also led NASA’s joint global polar climate mission coverage and acted as the Public Affairs Chief while being the sole photojournalist in a deployed environment. Additionally, she ran a political campaign for House District 19, where she held the positions of communications, treasurer, technology manager, and office manager. Sharon Zinger
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SOA FACTS ON 2022-2023
KSU Financial Reporting Roundtable (FRR)
The 20 largest, publicly held companies, measured by total revenue in Georgia collaborate in a forum for informal, off the record, discussions pertaining to financial reporting. The Financial Reporting Roundtable was founded in 2007.
We are the largest School of Accountancy in Georgia
1,091 Undergraduate students 35 MAcc students 6 PhD students
268 students graduate per year
56%+ obtain credit for internships and co-ops
75%+ indicate positive career outcomes
785 hours of academic credit earned for internships
About Our Graduates:
BYU Accounting Research Rankings
KSU is ranked 61st in the world for the number of Accounting Research Articles published in leading journals since 1990.
KSU RANKS HIGHER than these universities: • Georgia State University • Georgia Institute of Technology • University of South Florida
It also ranks
36th
19th
in Audit Research
in Tax Research
BYU ranks KSU 2nd in the world for the number of Accounting Education Research articles published in leading journals since 1990 Our Ph.D. in Accounting program is also ranked 80th in the world
• Auburn University • NC State University • and many more
Beta Alpha Psi International has ranked KSU a Superior Chapter for 4 years running Best I nternal A udit E ducation P ossible
DIVERSITY is important to KSU, Coles College, and the School of Accountancy Underrepresented minorities make up:
Issues In Higher Education ranks the top 100 universities that confer the most degrees to minorities. KSU ranks 32nd overall in bachelor’s degrees in accounting.
44% Coles College student body
37% MAcc student body
51% KSU student body
49.5% BBA Accounting students
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A s the Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships, my passion is student success and helping students make lasting connections that will enhance their professional careers. I want to personally invite you to get involved with the School of Accountancy (SOA) at KSU. Being involved with the SOA: (1) helps the next generation of accountants learn from professionals in the field, (2) expands students’ real-world experience, and (3) provides comprehensive support for our students. You can get involved in many ways. One is providing financial support. By donating to the SOA, you ensure we will have the resources to keep improving students’ educational experiences. By donating one or more scholarships, you are helping students to reduce the financial burden of their education. Recruitment is another great way to get involved with the SOA. We strive to help each student get connected with the correct employment fit. One way to engage in our recruitment process is to become a Partner with the School of Accountancy. Partners with the SOA participate in both supporting our students and engaging them through on-campus involvement. Ways to recruit on campus include: (1) registering for our Accounting and Finance Career Fair, (2) participating in other on-campus recruitment activities and interviews, (3) offering internships, and (4) meeting with Beta Alpha Psi. Alternatively, if you would like more direct access to accounting students, we have opportunities for guest speakers and mentorships. Without the generosity of outside organizations and individuals, the SOA cannot offer the best educational experience for our students. After reading more about the MAcc Class of 2023, I hope you will choose to get involved with the SOA at KSU! For more information, please contact me directly at ayork23@kennesaw.edu.
Amanda York
Assistant Director of Strategic Partnerships
Visit our website Colescollege.com/accounting
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SPONSORS AND VALUED PARTNERS Diamond
Gold
Silver
Bronze
CPAs & Advisers Aliated with Henssler Financial
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Visit our website: KSUMAcc.com
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