Global travel or all the comforts of home?

     The 2008 edition of the Accounting Roundtable gave College of Business students considering careers in accountancy a chance to compare opportunities around the world with some just outside their back door.

     Representatives from 22 companies that included the Big 4 public accounting firms, Fortune 500 companies and Louisville-based organizations were on campus to help qualified students explore what the profession has to offer.

     The annual event coordinated by the Ulmer Career Management Center and the School of Accountancy drew more than 75 students.

     "This was a great opportunity to expose students to what we do in a comfortable, informal environment," said Lisa Alexander, a 1993 UofL graduate who is now a recruiter with YUM! Brands. "I saw some great candidates."

     Alexander had two-year internships and full-time positions to offer, and found solid prospects for both. The company offers entry level salaries in the $40,000 range, with some in the $30,000s, depending on qualifications. "We're in over 100 countries," she said. "So being bi-lingual is huge for us."

     Junior Accountancy major Jesse Kenney came to the event considering just such a corporate position, but after sitting in with three different companies discovered additional opportunities in public accounting.

     "I spoke with a smaller company that seemed to have a great mentor program," he said. "A more personal approach could be interesting." He planned to talk with three more companies in the afternoon sessions. "I'm still learning about the industry," he said.

     School of Accountancy Director Bill Stout believes Kenney's experience was exactly the kind of insight the event was designed to produce.

     "This is the first year we've invited corporations other than accounting firms," said Stout. "We wanted to give students a real taste of what's out there."

     According to Steve Daniels, a recruiter with Crowe Chizek and Company, campus visits help identify "the cream of the crop" of potential candidates.

     "The quality of students we're seeing is great," he said. "We have offices in all 50 states, so you can go anywhere with us."

      In addition to accountancy students, Daniels said the company was also interested in prospects with "non-traditional backgrounds."

     "We're looking for CPA candidates," he said. "So you could be a finance major or in another area and still find what we're offering has appeal."

     Crowe-Chizek rep Kristin McDonner said the visits help the company target candidates up to two years in advance. “It really helps us forecast our recruiting needs. We like to have a good idea of who’s out there,” she said.
     The company had paid internships and full-time positions available, with entry level salaries “in the high $40s.”

     “This format is great for us,” she said. “The Career Center here has done a good job of helping us improve students’ awareness of the profession and our company.”

Photos of Accounting Roundtable Event