The Culverhouse School of Accountancy

Professional Development Path

As you prepare for your internship and job searches, see below for steps to take each year:

  • GBA 146: Exploring Your Path
  • Create a college resume and submit for review
  • Attend Meet the Firms and/or the General Business Career Fair to grow comfortable with the environment and conversation topics
  • Intro to Accounting (AC 210 or 211) and GBA 246: Choosing your Path
  • Update resume and remove high school activities
  • Attend Meet the Firms and/or the General Business Career Fair to inquire about opportunities and network with employers
  • Schedule mock interview through Handshake
  • Financial Reporting & Analysis of Business Activities I & II (AC 310 & 311) and GBA 346: Pursuing Your Path
  • Update resume
  • Attend Meet the Firms and/or the General Business Career Fair to discuss internship and full-time opportunities
  • Apply and interview for internships
  • Update Resume for full-time positions and graduate school applications
  • Attend Meet the Firms and/or the General Business Career Fair to inquire about full-time positions
  • Interview for full-time positions
  • Study for and take the GMAT during the summer prior to or fall semester of Senior year
  • Apply to the MAcc or MTA program
  • Complete Winter/Spring Internship
  • Study and sit for the CPA exam
  • Mentor undergraduate accounting students
  • Work as a Graduate or Teaching Assistant
  • Complete coursework designed to help with the CPA exam and work to be encountered as a new associate

Accounting Ambassadors - 2025-2026

Margarita Alfaro, Junior San Diego, California
Morgan Beckler, Senior Brunswick, Ohio
Ben Brueggeman, Senior Saint Louis, Missouri
Joseph Dollard, Senior Huntley Illinois
Drew Hovestadt, Senior Kalamazoo, Michigan
Mary Foster King, Junior Huntsville, Alabama
Genesis Pritchett, Senior Mobile, Alabama
Rachel Weaver, Senior Huntsville, Alabama

Student Organizations

Accounting Student Association

  • The Accounting Student Association is an organization for freshmen and sophomore accounting majors to come together to network and learn more about the major/department as well as how to prepare for the recruiting process. Junior and Senior accounting majors who are still searching for internships or full-time positions are also welcome to apply!
  • The Fall 2026 application will open in August. For questions, contact Sydney Simmons, ASA Advisor.

Beta Alpha Psi

  • Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) is an international honor and service organization that promotes and supports students majoring in accounting, finance, and information systems. The UA chapter of Beta Alpha Psi accepts applications at the beginning of the Fall and Spring semester. To apply to Beta Alpha Psi, you must have taken AC 210 and earned a grade of B+ or higher, and you must have an overall GPA of 3.0. If you have already taken upper-division classes, you must have a 3.0 GPA in your major courses and a 3.0 overall GPA (minimum grade in AC 210 is not required if you have already taken major classes). Beta Alpha Psi hosts professional development activities, networking opportunities, and service events throughout the semester.
  • The Fall 2026 application will open in August.
  • If you have questions about the organization or would like to join, please email alabama.bap.president@gmail.com.

Accounting Ambassadors

  • The Accounting Ambassadors are the student representatives of the Accounting Departments. Responsibilities include: hosting departmental and department-sponsored events; meeting with prospective accounting majors; assisting with departmental efforts to promote accounting-related events, activities, and initiatives; and educating business students about the major and opportunities it provides post-graduation.
  • Great applicants will be junior-level students who have completed AC 310, comfortable with public speaking and willing to share their experience as an accounting student, willing to dedicate time during the academic year and prioritize ambassador responsibilities and commitments, and savvy with social media and active on LinkedIn.
  • The 2027-2028 Application will open in December. For questions, contact Sydney Simmons, Accounting Ambassador Advisor.

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners

  • The ACFE is the world’s largest anti-fraud organization and a premier provider of anti-fraud training and education. ACFE’s mission is to reduce the incidence of fraud and white-collar crime around the world and assist the Membership in fraud detection and deterrence.
  • The only membership requirement for the chapter is that you join the ACFE as a student member and provide proof of membership. Our ACFE chapter has no GPA or attendance requirements, and you may send your proof of membership to our chapter email.
  • The primary benefits that you realize as a member of the ACFE are networking, résumé-building, and professional resources. Once you become a student member, the national office will supply you with information, magazines, and prep materials that can supplement your interest in the field or prepare you for the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) exam. 
  • Questions? Contact Faculty Advisor – Dr. Todd DeZoort, CFE

Accounting Masters Association

  • AMA is a student organization providing group events throughout the year to foster community between MAcc and MTA students. The association hosts monthly events at various locations throughout Tuscaloosa.
  • You must be a current MAcc or MTA student to become a member.

Professional Licensing

CPA:

  • Visit the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy website to learn more about the exam process and locate your state’s jurisdiction website.
  • For the state of Alabama, visit the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy website:
    • From this link, scroll down and click the “Online Exam Application” tab.
    • Create an account and complete the application.
CMA:
  • Interested in taking the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) Exam?
    • Scholarships are available for study materials and registration fees, as well as 3 years of IMA membership fees. You must be nominated by an accounting professor to be considered for the scholarship. Applications are accepted year-round, and most scholarships are awarded from April through June.