Stockton Students Reflect on Attending National Accounting Convention
Several students from across New Jersey, including twenty Stockton University students, attended the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJCPA) Convention and Expo on June 4 in Atlantic City. Two students, accounting majors Elizabeth Jafolla (second row, center) and Stella Beliaeva (back row, left) shared their experiences in a story on the national convention's website.
Galloway, N.J. – Twenty Stockton University students got the chance to look at “Accounting for the Future” by attending the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA) Convention and Expo on June 4 in Atlantic City.
The Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa hosted the convention, which was attended by students from 11 different institutions of higher education in New Jersey.
In addition to networking, attendees had the opportunity to listen to five different keynotes and attend industry breakout sessions.
According to Associate Professor of Business Studies Barry Palatnik, Stockton’s Accounting and Finance Society student club has represented the university at the convention since 2017.
“This event bridges the gap between accounting practice and academics,” said Palatnik, who is the advisor for the society. “The students get exposed to hundreds of CPAs and vendors and create networking opportunities. Most importantly, bringing students to the convention helps the pipeline for the CPA profession.”
Two Stockton students who attended the collegiate sessions on June 4 reflected on their experiences in a story on the national convention’s website. The students gained insight into navigating the professional accounting world through keynote speakers Crystal Washington, a certified public speaker and futurist, and John Garrett, author and host of the “What’s Your ‘And?’” podcast.
For Accounting majors Elizabeth Jafolla and Stella Beliaeva, attending the convention also allowed them to connect with emerging leaders in the field, ask questions and learn more about the evolution of public accounting.
“Overall, the NJSCPA Convention provided a valuable blend of professional development, networking and fun experiences,” said Jafolla, who serves as the society’s president and NJSCPA’s student ambassador. “It was a fantastic way to learn, get inspired and connect with leaders in the field.”
“This convention was more than just a one-day event. It was an experience that gave us clarity, direction and inspiration,” Beliaeva said “It showed us what we’re capable of becoming and reminded us of why we chose this path in the first place. We left Atlantic City more motivated than ever and already excited about the possibility of returning next year.”
– Story by Loukaia Taylor
Business Faculty Take Students to NJCPA Convention
July 25, 2023
Galloway, N.J. — Barry Palatnik and Carla Cabarle, associate professors of Accounting; along with retired faculty member Leo Previti, brought ten students to the New Jersey Certified Public Accountant (NJCPA) Convention held June 13-16 at the Borgata in Atlantic City.
The convention is an event Stockton students have been attending annually for six years and is made possible by Stockton alumnus Dan Barbera, who set up a fund to cover their attendance costs.
Nina Fatima Argayoso '23 assisted Palatnik in organizing the event by getting students registered and creating a communication list.
Argayoso, who wrote a blog about her convention experience, hopes to work for a public accounting firm after graduation.
"I'm currently interning as an auditor, but I really enjoy working with taxes and conducting audits," she said. "In addition to that, I also have an interest in data analytics which can also help with auditing. With that, I still have not yet decided which area I would like to pursue in the long term."
Reported by Mandee McCullough
