Seton Hall Presents CPA Pathway Pilot Results at NJCPA Meeting

As Seton Hall approaches the end of the first year of an impactful corporate partnership with Withum in the field of accounting, our university and corporate team leaders were invited to share their experiences, outcomes and recommendations with accounting professionals from across the state at the May NJCPA (New Jesey Society of Certified Public Accountants) meeting. Expert panelists featured at this session include Withum’s Chief Talent Officer Theresa Richardson, CPA; Engagement and Retention Specialist Ottaviana DeRuvo, MBA, CPA Pathway Apprenticeship participants Michael Lombardi and Amaury Flores Jr.; and faculty leader and program advisor, Danielle DiMeglio.  Ed O'Connell, CPA CGMA CFF CFE, who wears the dual hat of Withum's Chief Talent Officer and NJCPA President, was also a featured speaker on this innovative partnership program, one of the first in the country to launch in an effort to re-shape the future of the accounting profession.

Seton Hall University's CPA Pathway Apprenticeship Program with Withum offers aspiring accountants a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience while completing their final credits for CPA eligibility. And now, with the success of its pilot program, Seton Hall and Withum announced the renewal of the program for its second cohort, commencing in Fall 2024.

This apprenticeship program isn't just a typical internship; it's a transformative experience that bridges the gap between classroom theory and professional practice. Participants receive a full-time professional salary while studying to pass the CPA exam, completing the 150-credit educational requirement, and meeting the one-year experience requirement.

What sets this program apart is its strategic partnership with Withum, a firm renowned for its commitment to excellence and innovation in the accounting industry. Withum's expertise, resources, and industry connections provide participants with a learning environment that transcends traditional classroom settings. As the first cohort of six participants finishes out their first year, Seton Hall is poised to announce the talented members of the second cohort of participants, who will begin their program in September.

During the NJCPA panel discussion, the panelists emphasized that central to the program's success is its emphasis on real-world experience. Participants work closely with Withum professionals on actual client projects, gaining invaluable hands-on exposure to the complexities of the accounting profession and at the same time, they meet with Seton Hall accounting faculty to provide feedback and insight on their workplace learning experiences. This practical experience not only hones their technical skills but also enhances their ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a professional context. Another significant benefit to the program is that participants gain access to a vast network of industry professionals through networking events, mentorship, and collaborative projects.

Seton Hall and Withum’s CPA Pathway Apprenticeship Program represents a paradigm shift in accounting education, offering students an innovative model that integrates academic rigor with real-world experience, and it was great to be able to share initial findings and outcomes from the first year of the program with industry professionals at the NJCPA's Accounting Educators Workshop.

As an exciting culminating project for the first Cohort of apprentices, Seton Hall is hosting a Summer Pre-College Accounting workshop, led by our current Apprentices. Interested high school students can apply using this link. Click here to apply.

Categories: Business