Accounting students had an opportunity to engage with accounting and auditing firms at the annual Accounting Professions Day hosted by the College of Law and Management Studies.
The information sharing session organised by the College’s Student Support Services and the School of Accounting, Economics and Finance, took place on the Pietermaritzburg and Westville campuses. Companies attending included Ernst and Young, Stephen and Moore BDO, PKF and many more.
BCom (Honours) in Management Accounting student, Mr Ntando Phewa, said that the event left him better informed about full time and vacation employment, training contracts, learnerships and personal development opportunities.
‘It was good to not only talk to human resources personnel but also to graduates who are doing their articles to get their perspective on the working world and what to expect. Learning the theory is very different from what happens in practice which requires a shift in mind-set and different skills. As the event grows, we hope that more professional bodies such the South African Institute of Professional Accountants (SAIPA) will join as we would like to hear from them as well,’ he said.
Second-year BCom Accounting student, Ms Keziah Jones, who was attending the event for the first time described it as an eye opening experience.
‘It was good to find out what prospective employers expect from us so that we can start planning now. The company representatives were very friendly and receptive,’ she said.
Colenbrander Inc’s Human Resources Manager, Ms Melanie Sanders, said that the firm is always looking for new talent.
‘We are very impressed by the turn out. It is great to see first-years also coming through even though they are still unsure about the path they want to take and it is equally impressive to hear from third-year and honours students who know what they want,’ she said.
Words: Thandiwe Jumo
Photographs: Khumbulani Myeni
