Accounting for Change Scholarship

Funded by
$2,000
2 winners, $1,000 each
Awarded
Application Deadline
Oct 15, 2023
Winners Announced
Nov 15, 2023
Education Level
High School, Undergraduate
Eligibility Requirements
Education Level:
High school or undergraduate student
GPA:
3.0 or higher

There is growing concern about a decline in the number of students pursuing accounting.

This decrease in students, coupled with a rising number of current accountants leaving the field, has the potential to create a crisis. Accountants are crucial to ensuring public trust in companies and guaranteeing the accuracy of the information being shared. 

This scholarship seeks to support students pursuing degrees in accounting to address the potential shortage in the field. 

Any high school or undergraduate student pursuing accounting with at least a 3.0 GPA may apply for this scholarship.

To apply, tell us why you’re interested in accounting and why you think accountants are important for others.

Selection Criteria:
Ambition, Drive, Passion
Published May 23, 2023
Essay Topic

Please describe why you are interested in becoming an accountant and why you think accountants are important to businesses and the broader public.

400–600 words

Winning Applications

Daniel Oldham
Highland Community CollegeTopeka, KS
As an accounting major, my passion for numbers and financial analysis has driven me towards pursuing a career as an accountant. The field of accounting appeals to me on multiple levels, offering a unique blend of analytical challenges, ethical responsibilities, and opportunities to make a tangible impact on businesses and the broader public. The meticulous nature of accounting, with its emphasis on accuracy and attention to detail, aligns perfectly with my skill set and personality. I find satisfaction in reconciling financial records, identifying discrepancies, and ensuring that all transactions are recorded correctly. Accounting is not just about numbers; it's about interpreting the financial story of a company. I enjoy the challenge of deciphering financial statements, understanding how different factors impact a company's performance, and using this knowledge to provide meaningful insights and recommendations. Beyond the technical aspects, I believe that accountants hold a significant ethical responsibility. In a world where financial mismanagement can lead to severe consequences, accountants serve as gatekeepers of financial integrity. They play a crucial role in upholding ethical standards, maintaining accurate financial records, and ensuring that businesses adhere to regulatory requirements. This ethical dimension of accounting resonates with me, as I value honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. Accountants are not just stewards of financial information; they are also key advisors to businesses. They help organizations make informed decisions by providing insights into their financial health and performance. Whether it's budgeting, forecasting, or investment analysis, accountants contribute to strategic planning and contribute to a company's growth and sustainability. This advisory role excites me because it offers the chance to actively participate in shaping a company's future. From a broader perspective, the role of accountants in society cannot be understated. They contribute to economic stability and growth by ensuring financial transparency and accountability. Accurate financial reporting builds trust among investors, creditors, and other stakeholders. This, in turn, promotes investment and economic activity. During times of financial uncertainty, such as the 2008 financial crisis, accountants played a critical role in assessing the risks and communicating the financial health of businesses, helping to restore confidence in the market. Accountants also play a crucial role in regulatory compliance. Businesses must adhere to various financial reporting standards and regulations. Accountants ensure that these requirements are met, reducing the risk of fraud, mismanagement, and non-compliance. This compliance aspect is not only vital for the well-being of individual companies but also for maintaining the overall integrity of financial markets. In recent years, the accounting profession has evolved due to technological advancements. The rise of automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence has transformed the way accountants work. While some fear that automation might diminish the role of accountants, I view it as an opportunity for growth. Automation can handle routine tasks, allowing accountants to focus more on analysis, interpretation, and strategic decision-making. This shift aligns with my interest in using technology to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the field. In conclusion, my interest in becoming an accountant is rooted in my fascination with numbers, my commitment to ethical responsibility, and my desire to make a meaningful impact on businesses and society. Accountants are essential to businesses as financial interpreters, advisors, and ethical gatekeepers. They contribute to economic stability, transparency, and growth, and their role has become even more crucial in an era of technological advancement. I am excited about the potential to excel in this dynamic field, leveraging my skills to contribute to businesses while upholding the highest ethical standards. Through my journey as an accounting major, I am confident that I can contribute positively to the field and the broader community.
Cameron Martin
Dillard UniversityKenner, LA
Since I can remember, numbers have held a special attraction for me. I always found comfort in the accuracy of numbers, whether I was categorizing my toy cars by size or painstakingly keeping track of my weekly allowance. This interest naturally made me think about becoming an accountant. In this essay, I'll explain why I'm interested in becoming an accountant and how important it is for businesses and the general public to have accountants on staff. My path to become an accountant started with a deep admiration for precision and order. With its organized processes and thorough record-keeping, the financial industry seemed like a place where I might flourish. It was alluring to think about managing financial data, keeping accounts in balance, and solving complex financial conundrums. For me, accounting is a craft that necessitates constant precision and close attention to detail rather than just a profession. Accounting is rigorous, but what really grabs my attention is how art and science are woven together. There is leeway for interpretation and innovation even though there are unwavering rules and standards like Generally Accepted Accounting rules (GAAP) and International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). It takes a special combination of analytical prowess and storytelling to create financial reports that clearly and insightfully communicate a company's financial health. But accountants are more than simply mathematicians. We serve as trusted consultants, providing direction on risk management, tax planning, and financial strategy. Our knowledge goes beyond the balance sheet to assist businesses in making decisions that will determine their destiny. With this active and varied job, we can be sure that every day will bring new difficulties and chances to use our skills. The security and adaptability of an accounting career are two appealing qualities. Financial knowledge is essential regardless of economic changes. Accounting is a profession that is resilient and in high demand since both businesses and individuals depend on accountants to appropriately handle their finances. The result is a stable job market and the opportunity to work in a variety of industries. There is no way to exaggerate the importance of accountants to businesses. We act as the watchdogs of financial integrity, making sure that companies follow the law, uphold transparency, and effectively use their resources. Our work protects stakeholders' interests and averts financial mismanagement, which may otherwise put a company's prosperity in jeopardy. However, accountants also have a significant impact on society at large. By ensuring that tax revenues are accurately and fairly collected, we help economies run. We encourage fiscal prudence and support the delivery of crucial public services by helping people and companies understand complex tax rules. In conclusion, my ambition to become an accountant stems from my intrinsic love of accuracy, my interest with the craft of financial storytelling, and my wish to have a significant influence on both company and society. Accountants support both the orderly operation of economies as well as the success of enterprises as the silent defenders of financial well-being. We serve as the link between numbers and reality, which elevates our line of work to the status of a calling with great responsibility.

FAQ

When is the scholarship application deadline?

The application deadline is Oct 15, 2023. Winners will be announced on Nov 15, 2023.