On Sept. 23, 2008 the Alfred University chapter of IMA (Institute of Managerial Accountants) hosted the annual “Meet the Accountants” night. Seven different accounting firms from the Rochester, Buffalo and Syracuse areas attended with representatives seeking Alfred’s eager student accountants to fulfill internship and job openings at their companies.

The companies present were: Rotenberg & Co., David Kaplan C.P.A. PC, Freed Maxick & Battaglia, The Bonadio Group, KPMG, Buffamante Wipple, and Mangel Metzer Bar & Co LLP.

Sophomore, junior, and senior accounting students attended the event to learn what the potential employers are looking for in new hires. In an open panel discussion the students had the opportunity to ask questions about interviews, first years on the job, the CPA exam, and what it is like to be an accountant.

Several of the firms agreed one of the most important things to remember when in an interview is to be yourself. They said, “We look for academics, GPAs, resumes, and extracurriculars, but we also look for people who have a good personality and like to work with other people.” All of the firms agreed, “Enthusiasm to learn and work with our company is always a good sign.”

KPMG representatives told the students when they are looking at potential employees they think, “Can I put this person in front of my client?” KPMG is looking for young adults who are confident and well spoken who could handle a difficult client in a positive and productive manner.

After the panel discussion, the company representatives had the opportunity to mingle with the students while enjoying some snacks and pizza to help lighten the mood.

Michael Shaw, a senior accounting major said, “I came for the networking opportunity and to try to gain a better understanding of what they are looking for. I learned you really have to be yourself (in an interview) and let your personality show.”

Sharon Davidson, IMA adviser and accounting professor at AU, noted, “The event was a great success. Students learned a lot about the recruiting process and what a career in accounting might be like. The students were especially interested in the CPA exam and were happy to learn of some tips to help them pass the exam.”

Students walked away from the event with a few things in mind. They know to always be honest and show their true personality in an interview, always send a thank you card after an interview, and to prepare for the CPA exam right after college; however, the most important lesson the firms offered is, “you have to love what you’re doing” to be successful in the accounting field.