Master of Accountancy Program Gives Back to Future Graduates

The Haslam College of Business’ 2015 Master of Accountancy class raised $28,800 in gifts to support future accounting students. More than 71 percent of the students pursuing a MAcc at the college participated.

Carly Sain, a graduating MAcc student, chaired the “1,2,3 for Tennessee” campaign with support from fellow students Thomas Allen, Nick Baxter, John Belenfant, Tara Davis, Jack Robertson and Molly Thessin. As part of the campaign, students pledged to donate $100 during the year in which they will graduate, $200 the year after graduation and $300 the third year.

According to Sain, some classes had as much as 96 percent participation. “I believe it really says something about the program and how much success students attribute to it,” Sain said. “Everyone who pledged to donate understands how important it is to give back to future MAcc students.”

Committee members held various events for those who contributed to the fundraising campaign, including a lunch catered by Moe’s and a shrimp boil. Students who donated also received a commemorative t-shirt.

Proceeds will be used to fund Master of Accountancy scholarships, as well as to sponsor the Becker CPA Review for students whose future employers do not underwrite the cost.

“Many MAcc students come into the program with full-time job offers from big four [PwC, Deloitte, EY and KPMG], regional and local accounting firms that pay for CPA exam preparation,” said Sain. “For those students who do not receive CPA exam aid, the MAcc program does everything it can to completely cover the cost of CPA exam preparation, which can run upwards of $4,000 per person.”

The Haslam College of Business’ Master of Accountancy program the seventh highest CPA exam pass rates in the country. Sain says that the contribution of the classes demonstrates their commitment to continuing this achievement.

“We as students understand that the value of our degree only increases with the success of future students,” she said.