School students learn from leading accounting firm

Date: 15 December 2009

High school students were given an insight into how they might 'earn while they learn' while taking part in USQ’s recent Head Start Summer program.

Twelve students enrolled in the course ACC1101 Accounting for Decision Making, from Christian Outreach College, Dalby SHS, Faith Lutheran College Plainfield, Harristown SHS, Oakey SHS, St Joseph’s College, St Mary’s College and St Saviour’s College.

As well as intensive teaching, students were taken on a class excursion to leading, national accounting firm WHK.

WHK provided students with an introduction to the range of career options available to accounting graduates, including auditing, superannuation, financial planning, business services and taxation.

'In addition to the presentation by senior practitioners, WHK provided speakers for this visit who were trainees, studying towards their degree while working for the firm, and recent graduates,' School of Accounting, Economics and Finance Head, Professor Peter Best said.

'This gave the Head Start students some insight into how they might ‘earn while they learn’, as well as what it is like to join the firm as a graduate.'

USQ’s Head Start program gives high-achieving Year 10-12 high school students the opportunity to experience university studies and get started on their accounting degree, without potential conflict with normal school studies.

Participation in this program is free, unless the student had already completed a Head Start course. The program provides guaranteed entry into the Bachelor of Commerce for students who successfully complete the course and have completed Year 12 and met program prerequisites.

'WHK is a strong supporter of USQ, being the primary sponsor of our WHK Financial Analysis Challenge – a competition for accounting students in high schools in Queensland', Professor Best said.