Nonprofit Blog

Many people start construction businesses because they want to control their own destinies. They’re willing to work hard and put in long hours, knowing their efforts will directly influence their companies’ success and their own financial rewards. Some are inspired and mentored by business owners they’d worked for earlier; others go out on their own to escape incompetent or oppressive managers.

Smith & Howard’s 10^th Annual Leadership Institute for Accounting Students was held July 16-17, 2015. Event attendees included 19 accounting students and 13 professors from colleges and universities from around the Southeast.  The day and a half event included Day in the Life panel discussions, team building exercises, networking, dinner, a strength assessment, Becker CPA exam tips and a Q&A lunch panel with partners, managers and staff from Smith & Howard.  Students also enjoyed a tour of our office with views 16 stories above the new Mercedes-Benz stadium that is under construction, the Skyview ferris wheel and views of the Midtown, Buckhead and Downtown skylines. 

Students who attended said the Leadership Institute was “an amazing experience: and that the “knowledge gained was invaluable”.  Several students indicated that through this experience, they were able to clearly see that accounting was the right career path for them and were able to determine if audit or tax was the best fit for them.

When asked why they would recommend the Leadership Institute to others, students responded that it is a great opportunity to get a first-hand look inside a public accounting firm, to meet and network with experienced accountants and a great way to build communication and leadership skills.

Smith & Howard’s 11^th Annual Leadership Institute for Accounting Students will take place July 14-15, 2016.  Attendees will benefit from a day and a half of networking, leadership skill building and an opportunity to get an inside look at the accounting world.  The event takes place at our office in Midtown Atlanta.  Lodging and meals are provided by Smith & Howard.  This is an exciting learning opportunity that will help students succeed.   

The following is part two of a two-part article written by David Lee, CPA of Smith & Howard from an interview he had with Julie Ray, the CFO of Mount Paran Christian School.

The following is part one of a two-part article written by David Lee, CPA of Smith & Howard from an interview he had with Julie Ray, the CFO of Mount Paran Christian School.