Tobin Students Mingle with Mid-Sized Accounting Firms

September 28, 2011

On the evening of Wednesday, September 14, 2011, the Department of Accounting
and Taxation in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business hosted its seventh annual “Meet
the Mid-Sized Firm Night,” introducing over 200 Tobin students to representatives
from nine New York City accounting firms.

Andy Cohen, a partner at WeiserMazars LLP, served as master of ceremonies and
chaired a panel of professionals representing Berdon, Margolin, Winer & Evens, Marks
Paneth & Shron, McGladrey, Mitchell & Titus, Novogradac & Company and Protiviti,
Schwartz & Company.

Dr. Adrian Fitzsimons, accounting and taxation department chair, noted that “the
Department’s Accounting Circle, consisting of over 50 mid-sized public accounting
firms, agreed to support this event in order to educate accounting majors about the
many career opportunities they provide.”

The partners, managers and staff representing their respective firms discussed the
many internship and employment opportunities the mid-sized firms have to offer
and provided insight into the work environment, training and international student
sponsorships available. The visiting professionals also spent valuable time meeting with
the students individually.

“I believe it is imperative that students are made aware of the myriad of career
opportunities that are available to them, especially in a time of economic uncertainty.
Many students feel that the accounting field is limited to jobs in the field of auditing or
tax. That is simply not true,” highlights Maria Pirrone, assistant professor of accounting.

The resounding impression left with the students is that these mid-sized firms provide
new hires with diverse experience in a variety of businesses and accounting services
including audit, tax and consulting services. Some clients include Securities and
Exchange Commission (SEC) clients, privately-held businesses, and even some large
family-run businesses.

Tax Professor, Biagio Pilato, points out that “accounting students should make every
effort to attend events like this one. This is a student’s opportunity to learn about the
firms on-campus recruiting and the nature of their practice. Students have a chance
to meet and ask questions of the firm representatives, many of whom are St. John’s
alumni.”

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The Peter J. Tobin College of Business has provided a high-quality business education
for over eighty years, offering individuals from throughout the world the opportunity
to study in New York’s dynamic business environment. The innovative curriculum
emphasizes an analytic and hands-on understanding of business practice that prepares
graduates to excel in today’s global marketplace.

For additional information about the Peter J. Tobin College of Business, please contact Asia Hauter at (718) 990-6218 or via e-mail at hautera@stjohns.edu.