Guest Speaker Shares Accounting Experiences

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Kevin Sims
Sports Editor

Photo by Kevin Sims

Jones explains what a CPA does.

   The University of Arkansas-Monticello student chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants meeting featured a guess speaker Feb. 14.

   Jay Jones, vice chancellor for Finance and Admission, spoke to the IMA about his experiences as a certified personal accountant. 

   “An accounting degree opens up many different avenues,” Jones said. “You can use accounting as a tool of management.”

   He said that his first job was a “grass roots” or basic accounting job at a small firm and advised the students on how to pick their first job.

   “I would take my first job as a continuation of my education,” Jones said. “You feel very inadequate when you first start out.  Some things you have to learn just by doing them.”

   Jones gave students tips on what to do when you apply for a job. He stressed eye contact during the interviews and dressing appropriately

   “Always overdress. You only have one opportunity to project your image,” Jones said.

   Cody Tornberg, a senior accounting major and member of the IMA, attended the meeting to learn more about the field he chose as his major.

   “He was very informing,” Tornberg said.  “What he said will be very helpful when I go into the job market.”