| On Monday, February 10, 2020, the North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants (NCACPA) hosted a student night for the Hickory area. There was a great turnout of students and professionals. Attending students represented high schools from the surrounding counties, along with Appalachian State University, Lenoir Rhyne University, and Catawba Valley Community College. Gold sponsor, Martin Starnes & Associates, CPAs, P.A. (MSA), was one of the five local businesses and firms represented at this event. The evening started with an introduction by each of the sponsors with Erica Brown, Partner, and Justin Allen, Manager, speaking briefly about MSA and their experience in the accounting field. A panel discussion began the main portion of the event and the panel consisted of four professionals and a moderator. The professionals represented the fields of education, federal, private, and public accounting. Students gained valuable understanding of several topics involving the accounting profession by submitting questions to these panelists and their experiences. The event wrapped up with a networking opportunity for students and the sponsors. Of the sponsors, MSA had the most representatives. MSA took pleasure in engaging with the upcoming accountants while providing key insights of public accounting and all it has to offer. Raffle giveaways concluded the event as well as a special thanks to everyone in attendance. The NCACPA provides this opportunity on an annual basis to accounting students interested in learning more. MSA always appreciates being involved and looks forward to what the future holds for these students in the accounting profession. Submitted by: Beau Hildebrand |
Director of Accounting & Business Administration
at Catawba Valley Community College, and Kristin