Thank you for your interest in our Minority Summer Residency Program. We are cancelling our program for Summer 2013. However, please check back for future programs and events.

“When I was first accepted into the FICPA Minority Summer Residency Program, I did not know what to expect”, expressed student Rummesa Abrar of Miami Dade College. I thought, “Am I going to learn only about accounting?” I was not even sure this program was for me, as one of the few students already studying Accounting.

“But when I arrived at USF, I felt right at home. I was able to share experiences with people from different backgrounds. When you have students from Pakistan, Mexico and Africa sharing a dorm suite, you get a firsthand view of how diverse Florida is becoming. Every CPA we met had a different story. This program was amazing.”

The 14th annual Minority Summer Residency Programs (MSRP) was held June 10-14 at the University of South Florida in Tampa.  Thirty-seven students attended the program, which is aimed at minority students who are interested in exploring the profession. More than 80 students from throughout Florida applied for the program.

This year, the FICPA expanded the MSRP to include current high school seniors and two-year college students – recognizing that they are at a similar stage in career exploration – looking at obtaining a four-year degree and considering accounting. At the end of the week, 85 percent of students said they were more interested in exploring accounting than when they first arrived.

The program, which included classroom sessions and field trips, focused on accounting careers; financial literacy; business and finance; leadership; and the college experience. The students visited Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Caspers Company. They enjoyed a special etiquette dinner at the Columbia Restaurant. Students attended educational sessions each day at the USF School of Accountancy, dined in the cafeteria, and lived in campus housing. Student teams worked on a business ethics case study and presented their case solution in competition.

“Honestly, this was one of the best weeks of my life,” said Jennifer Caba from Southeast High School in Bradenton. “I loved everything we did, from the speakers to the Zumba, case study and free time, “I learned a lot about accounting and how to prepare for college.”

“Initiatives such as the FICPA’s MSRP are critical for getting high-ability minority students interested in accounting careers,” said Uday S. Murthy, PhD, ACA, Interim Director of the USF School of Accountancy. USF and the School of Accountancy are pleased to host this program. It helps students build a foundation for academic and career success while also bolstering the future supply of accounting professionals."

CPA guest speakers discussed the diversity of the profession and modeled the diversity of professionals within the profession. CPAs in various stages of their careers, and representing many ethnic groups, gave tips on pursuing accounting careers and becoming a CPA.

“The FICPA MSRP is truly an experience I will never forget!” said Steven Kuzma of Hagerty High School in Oviedo. “Not only are you exposed to the ins and outs of accounting and what it truly means to be a CPA but you establish lasting friendships and network with the top business professionals in the accounting field. This program has solidified my decision to major in accounting become a CPA.”

 “Having the opportunity to go to USF, experience college campus life and meet real life CFOs and CPAs has been truly amazing,” said Ana Parra of Palm Bay High School in Melbourne. “Before this program I did not know one thing about the Accounting field. Now I’ve changed my mind about what I want to do with my life. The FICPA has helped me decide my future, and it has given me opportunities to achieve success. Thank you all so much!

Our Speakers

Thank you to our FICPA members who shared their expertise with the students.

Azuree Ashby; Ashby Consulting, LLC; St Petersburg
Donna Blaes; Crippen, Trice, Ford, Torres, LLP; Ocala
Thomas Daly; CliftonLarsonAllen; Tampa
Mamie Davis, CPA, Esq.; Jacksonville
Celina Jozsi; University of South Florida; Tampa
Kathleen Masterson; Flagler College; Tallahassee
Scott Meckley; Hunt Real Estate Service, Inc; Tampa
Charles Peterson, Jr; Caspers Company; Tampa
Thais D. Rodriguez-Caez; Ernst & Young LLP; Tampa
Michael Sapp; Girl Scouts of West Central FL; Tampa
Terry Seaton; Seaton Financial Advisors, LLC; St Augustine
Beatriz Viamontes; Tampa General Hospital; Tampa

Our Sponsors

We especially thank our sponsors whose donations made the Minority Summer Residency Program possible.

Presenting Sponsor - Ernst & Young LLP
Becker Professional Review
Columbia Restaurant
Flagler College
Florida Institute of CPAs
FICPA Educational Foundation/ 1040K Race
FICPA Central Florida Chapter
FICPA Jacksonville Chapter
FICPA Sandspur Chapter
FICPA South Dade Chapter
FICPA Suncoast Chapter
Publix Super Market Charities, Inc.
University of South Florida - School of Accountancy

For more information on this program, please contact AccountingCareers@ficpa.org, or call (850) 224-2727, Ext. 419 or Ext. 220.

MSRP students attended classroom sessions on careers, personal finance, accounting, leadership, and college life each day at the USF School of Accountancy.  Students were from throughout Florida.

Students learned how accounting is applied in business and career opportunities through visiting the Tampa office of Ernst and Young LLP as well as PricewaterhouseCoopers and the Caspers Company McDonald’s Restaurants.