A Career You Can Count On

If you don't think accounting is the most exciting career out there - you just need to learn more about it!

There is a huge shortage of accountants, and Siena is reaching out to high school students to educate them about secure, challenging and well-paying careers in the field. The College hosted Accounting Day on October 25, bringing nearly 100 potential Saints from seven different school districts to campus to hear from faculty, students and working accountants about what it takes to succeed in the profession. Local offices of the accounting firms KPMG, UHY, The Bonadio Group, and MMB+CO served as event partners and sponsors.

"Accounting Day was a fantastic opportunity to introduce high school students to the world of accounting and give them a real sense of what the profession is all about," said Elena Isaacson, Ph.D. associate professor of accounting and event organizer. "We wanted to show students the range of career paths available in accounting and address the ongoing talent shortage that has impacted the industry. My hope is that students walked away excited about what they learned and with a clearer picture of how rewarding a career in accounting can be."

The event featured a panel of current Siena accounting students, who shared their experiences with the program, curriculum, and extracurriculars. There were also accounting games, course sessions, an Admissions Office presentation, and a panel of professional accountants from the four sponsoring firms. Attendees were able to network with faculty and professionals during breaks, lunch, and the concluding ice cream social.

"Events like this are all about inspiring the next generation and giving them a taste of the community and opportunities they'll find at Siena," said Isaacson.

Kayla Waters CPA, teaching assistant professor of taxation and accounting, and Elaine Phelan CPA, teaching instructor of accounting, also took part in the event, which was the first accounting-specific outreach of this size done by the College.

"We were thrilled to welcome high school students from our community to explore accounting as both a major and a rewarding career path," said Waters. "From interactive sessions with our inspiring professors, to panels where college students shared their journeys and employers discussed career growth and the CPA exam, students left with new connections, and a clearer vision for their future."

"Through direct discussions and networking with faculty and professionals, students gained valuable insights into various career paths, the high demand for accounting talent, and the competitive salaries that make this field both challenging and rewarding," added Phelan.

Current Siena accounting students shared their insights about studying in the major, as well as their career prospects.

"Being able to communicate to high schoolers about what distinguishes accounting from other majors and why it's such a rewarding field was a wonderful and fulfilling privilege," said Tia Trang '25. "I hope they now have a greater awareness of what accounting entails and what an accounting class at Siena is like."

Blake Powers '25 said he was a bit hesitant to present because he came to his major in an unorthodox way.

"I didn't know exactly what major I wanted when I enrolled here, so I 'spun the wheel' on some potential majors I would like to try, and I happened to like accounting so I stuck with it," Powers explained. "I hope the students realize they can forge their own paths and learn at their own pace. College is a lot more adaptable than high school. The more you make it your own the better it will be."

Katie Szalda, director of admissions, said in-person opportunities like Accounting Day are a great way to introduce potential students to career options - and to Siena College.

"The day was planned perfectly!" said Szalda. "Students had the opportunity to experience academics, explore career opportunities and enjoy chicken nugget Friday - I'm certain it was a memorable experience for each of them!"