conferences for accounting students

  • Acctg and Auditing Student Conference
  • EDGE Career Development by AICPA
  • AICPA Women’s Global Leadership Summit
  • NABA National Convention and Expo
  • Acctg and Finance Show New York

Accounting students should attend conferences to become involved in the industry even before they graduate. Attendance and participation provides networking opportunities. It offers the chance to learn from experts in the field through:

  • workshops
  • discussions
  • one-on-one interaction with:
    • peers
    • industry leaders
    • thought leaders

Accounting conferences are perfect meet-up venues for like-minded individuals interested in issues that may impact practices and policies in this field. Professional organizations sponsor these conferences at different times of the year in different locations. It should be easy to find one that is most suitable to an undergraduate majoring in this field.

1. Acctg and Auditing Student Conference or AASC

The AASC is an annual event held in Minneapolis, Minnesota sponsored by the Minnesota Association of Public Accountants. It is a one-day event that brings together:

  • students majoring in this field
  • CPA firms and other employers
  • test preparation services

Attendees are encouraged to:

  • dress professionally
  • bring copies of their resume
  • prepare an elevator pitch for potential employers

The event features a “Behind Closed Doors” session that allows attendees to ask experts about possible interview questions.

2. EDGE Career Development by AICPA

The national organization for CPAs is the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. It sponsors several conferences throughout the year. EDGE career development conferences are focused on up-and-coming accountants and financial professionals. This four-day event covers:

  • communication strategies
  • management skills
  • other topics directly related to industry practices

It is held in Las Vegas, Nevada with an option for online participation.

3. AICPA Women’s Global Leadership Summit

This is a leadership summit for women CPAs and others in related professions. It provides many opportunities to interact and network with women leaders in the industry according to AICPA. Attendees and presenters include professionals from various fields such as:

  • business
  • nonprofit organizations
  • government agencies
  • academia

Participation provides an opportunity to earn continuing professional education credits. Attendance can be onsite or online.

4. NABA National Convention and Expo

The National Association of Black Accountants holds regional conferences that brings together:

  • students
  • faculty
  • corporate representatives

The event aims to focus on the issues facing minority students majoring in this field. Annual conferences are held in each of these NABA regions:

  • southern
  • eastern
  • central
  • western

Conferences usually run three days with topics covering:

  • interviewing techniques
  • dressing for success
  • transitioning from student to professional

Scholarships are available for qualified students.

5. Acctg and Finance Show New York

This is billed as the largest gathering of professionals involved in the financial and accountancy sectors. There is no fee to attend this two-day workshop and exhibition organized by Terrapinn. There are:

  • workshops
  • demonstrations
  • exhibitions

The event showcases digital and technology solutions for challenges faced by today’s financial professionals. The event features more than 150 speakers, sponsors and exhibitors with opportunities to earn CPE credits. A similar event is held in Los Angeles for West Coast attendees.

Students majoring in accounting should jump at opportunities to attend accounting conferences as a way to expand their understanding of the issues of the day. These conferences provide opportunities to:

  • start building a network of peers and professionals
  • explore career opportunities
  • learn survival strategies to help them thrive as professionals in a competitive environment.

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