Seminar to highlight accounting's attractive side

Students from across the Darling Downs will learn that accounting's not all tax talk and number crunching when they visit the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) tomorrow (February 7 2008).

Around 200 students and their teachers from 11 regional schools have registered to attend The CPA Australia and USQ Accounting Students' Careers Day.

Head of the Accounting, Economics & Finance School, Professor Peter Best, said a number of local and visiting accountants will speak about the unconventional journey their accounting careers have taken.

'Students will be offered an alternative view on a career in accounting and the conference will highlight possible career paths,' Professor Best said.

'During the seminar students will hear about an accounting degree's career potential from a number of professionals in the field.

'The seminar will challenge the negative accountant stereotypes that might prevent high school students from studying accounting and choosing a career in the field.'

Professor Best said the initiative has grown and developed since the first accounting careers day in 2003 and feedback from the attending schools was always very positive.

'Hosting the careers day allows the University to develop new ties with the community and strengthens our relationship with the schools on the Darling Downs.

'Students are often looking for careers that provide lots of variety and opportunity, and the chance to work overseas or even start their own business.

'An accounting degree fits well into that picture, and so shedding light on accounting as a profession will help open doors to potential budding young accountants.'

What: The CPA Australia and USQ Accounting Student Careers Day
When: Thursday February 7 2008
Where: Alison Dickson Lecture Theatre

Media Contact: Connie-Louise Alexander, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977