By Lori Wright, Media Relations

The Whittemore School of Business and Economics has formally partnered with the New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants, a relationship that will provide accounting students greater access to accounting professionals who can offer employment opportunities, career advice and practical accounting applications. New Hampshire accounting professionals will benefit from increased direct access to Whittemore School accounting and other graduate programs.

The Whittemore School’s three-year agreement with the NH Society of CPAs (NHSCPA) means the school becomes the preferred provider for the society’s 1,100 members, encouraging access to UNH business and accounting programs for appropriately qualified candidates.

“The alliance recognizes the growing importance of the academic accounting and business disciplines to the further enhancement of the accounting profession, as well as the need for a strong academic education as a foundation for a successful professional career in accounting. This partnership will provide our faculty and students with more significant access to accounting professionals in the state for mentorships, career assistance, and practical accounting opportunities,” said Steve Bolander, dean of the Whittemore School.

According to Marlene Gazda, executive director of the NH Society of CPAs, the partnership agreement provides an opportunity for the society and its members to align with an institution offering graduate programs that compliment the CPA credential. “Critical in our choice of schools was the AACSB - International accreditation. Also the choice of programs -- the master’s in accounting, MBA and Executive MBA -- offers our members the opportunity to engage in a challenging educational experience that enhances their careers whether in the practice of public accountancy or in the business and industry environment,” Gazda said.

The Whittemore School offers a bachelor’s in business administration with concentrations in accounting and finance, a master’s in accounting, and a master’s in business administration (MBA) with specializations in accounting and financial management.

“Our members who are graduates of the school have developed successful careers as CPAs and attribute their successes to their relationships with the accomplished faculty and curriculum. The school’s strong alliance with the corporate community enhances the educational experience at the school and contributes to the value of the program,” Gazda said.

Faculty will have opportunities to work more closely with colleagues in the accounting profession. The Whittemore School will invite the NHSCPA president (or nominee) to sit on the MS in Accounting Advisory Board. In a reciprocal agreement, NHSCPA will provide for the appointment of a Whittemore School faculty member as an ex-officio member of the Society who will serve on one of the NHSCPA’s standing committees. The agreement also provides for joint marketing and publicity of Whittemore School degree programs to NHSCPA members, and opportunities to sponsor joint UNH/NHSCPA educational and management development events and programs.

“A valuable resource for the society will be the opportunity to develop joint sponsorship of management development programs as well as identify faculty who may participate in the society’s Continuing Professional Education (seminar) program. We anticipate a relationship that will provide other resources and opportunities that will enhance the value of membership in the NHSCPA,” Gazda said. “The NHSCPA is very proud to be associated with the Whittemore School.”