(Cherry Hill, NJ) During the last several years, as career opportunities for Certified Public Accountants have expanded dramatically, accounting has become one of the fastest growing majors in American colleges and universities. That’s what students at Gateway Regional High School and Kingsway Regional High School discovered on November 16, 2010 when speakers Julie Strohlein, CPA, and Mark Thomas, of Alloy, Silverstein, Shapiro, Adams, Mulford, Cicalese, Wilson & Company, visited to discuss the exciting, well-paying career opportunities that are available to students who study accounting.

The presentation was part of the statewide “Pay It Forward” campaign initiated by the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA) to alert students to the rewarding career opportunities available to those who pursue an accounting degree. This fall, more than 140 CPAs are headed back to the classroom to discuss careers in accounting with more than 8,000 high school students. As working professionals, these NJSCPA members are able to give students a realistic picture of what it takes to succeed in accounting and the rewards accounting professionals can expect.

Even in today’s uncertain economy, there’s still a strong demand for new accounting graduates. A recent CNNMoney.com report ranks "CPA" as the sixth best job in America, based on qualities such as great pay, superior growth prospects, and meaningful work.

As an increased benefit and to encourage students to enter the accounting field, the NJSCPA operates New Jersey’s largest professional scholarship fund. In 2010, the NJSCPA Scholarship Fund awarded more than $310,000 in scholarships to 76 high school and college students to support their studies in accounting.

The “Pay It Forward” presentations include videos that allow students to learn about the rewarding career of a CPA, fun facts, and an overview of the range of career choices available after graduation.

Alloy, Silverstein, Shapiro, Adams, Mulford, Cicalese, Wilson & Co. provides a wide range of services including accounting, auditing, tax planning and preparation, management consulting, financial and estate planning, business valuations, litigation support, Eldercare, payroll processing, and information technology consulting.

Securities offered through 1st Global Capital Corp. Member FINRA, SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through 1st Global Advisors, Inc. Insurance services offered through 1st Global Insurance Services, Inc.

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