Accounting Students Gain Real-World Knowledge at a Local Accounting Firm

12/13/2013 1:28 PM

By Lindsay Anderson

The Accounting Department, along with its student organizations, regularly bring speakers to campus and take field trips to learn more about opportunities open to accounting majors.

Recently, the Accounting Department traveled to the brand new office of Heinold-Banwart, Ltd. to meet with Bradley Alumni and other members of the accounting staff.

The firm’s staff provided a tour of the office so students could better understand an actual work environment for public accountants. 

“Their office is on the third floor of the new Morton Community Bank building in East Peoria,” Accounting Department Chair and Professor Dr. Simon Petravick said.  “In my opinion, it is as up-to-date as anything you will see in any CPA firm.”

Staff members also discussed the myths versus facts surrounding public accounting so that students could gain a better perspective on both the challenges and rewards of a career path into accounting. 

Some topics discussed included:

• Conducting audits
• Preparing tax returns
• The importance of people skills
• The significance of research
• On-the-job travel
• Conducting fraud investigations
• Assessing the value of businesses
• Evaluating the quality of work done by other CPA firms

“I really enjoyed visiting Heinold Banwart, Ltd.,” Kristina Korwin, a senior in the Accounting 3:2 program, said.  “My favorite part was being able to take the tour of the new office.  It had a nice layout, was very modern and looks like a great place to work.  I also appreciated how many staff members took the time to meet with us.”

The field trip concluded with dinner, and each student had an opportunity to talk one-on-one with staff members about their work.