The Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MassCPAs) recently partnered with Suffolk University to host its Accounting Careers Exploratory (ACE) Leadership Program from July 29 to August 1. The event underscores MassCPAs’ commitment to advancing diversity and inclusion within the accounting profession. This year’s program brought together 21 students from 13 high schools across Massachusetts, representing backgrounds typically underrepresented in the field. Enhancing the experience, the program featured an immersive residential stay on-campus.

ACE students spent the week learning about accounting careers and other business-related professions. Highlights included:

• Case studies led by staff members from BDO USA, LLP and Pipeline Partner LGA, LLP
• Presentations by Pipeline Partners LGA, LLP on networking skills and Floyd Advisory LLC on forensic accounting
• Trip to Macy’s where each student received a $100 gift card to purchase interview outfits
• Free professional headshots by the Better Business Bureau
• A Visit to Deloitte LLP for a tour and workshop about different career paths
• A tour of Fenway Park and a presentation by Tim Zue, CFO of the Boston Red Sox, along with volunteers from Wolf & Company, P.C.
• An evening of bowling and arcade games at Kings Boston Seaport, hosted by BerryDunn

The program concluded with students presenting their case studies to a panel of judges from Baker Newman Noyes (BNN), Deloitte LLP, Floyd Advisory LLC and LGA, LLP. The top case study winners, Ronan Kelly from Milton High School and Susanna Bie from Sharon High School, were each awarded a $100 Visa gift card and MassCPAs swag.

All 21 students also received a certificate for completing the program.

“At MassCPAs, we have a long-standing history of empowering aspiring accounting professionals,” says Zach Donah, CAE, President and CEO of MassCPAs. “Our ACE program is designed to provide students with a thorough exploration of the diverse opportunities within the accounting field. With a firm commitment to increasing diversity in the industry, we believe that ACE participants will make substantial progress in their educational and career paths. We take great pride in their achievements and look forward to witnessing their continued success in the profession.”

ACE is a key initiative by MassCPAs to broaden and diversify the accounting talent pool in Massachusetts by introducing high school students to various career opportunities. Throughout the year, MassCPAs supports these students with resources, events, mentoring, scholarships and free membership to foster their development and strengthen the future of the accounting profession in the state.

Susanna Bie, a senior at Sharon High School, says she joined ACE because she was interested in accounting but lacked personal connections to the field. “The program helped debunk negative myths about accounting and introduced me to the diverse opportunities it offers. Plus, it was a great way to learn, build connections and create lasting memories!”