What drew you to the business industry?
Growing up as a child of Mexican immigrants in the small town of Lonoke, AR was a unique experience on its own. As I watched my parents take manual labor jobs, I knew from an early age that my career simply couldn’t end after high school. My ambitions were further fueled after learning that they had given up their careers in Mexico to provide me with a better education here. The inspiration they radiate to me is indescribable. I knew my passions would lead me to the right path and right school.

Watching them come home every day with the emotional toll of the prejudice and barriers they faced every day, it was devastating, to say the least. There were days when my mom would come home in tears from the comments made towards her because of her broken English. It made me wonder how I could become part of that change and how could I make an impact to those in the workplace, especially in labor-intensive jobs. It really fed this passion of being able to make the workplace a safer and more desirable place for everyone.

Seeing as my passions involved the workplace and those that make up the workforce, an education in business fit those needs perfectly. I wanted to understand the challenges that arise in a working environment. The college of business was the right fit for me as it truly gave me the resources to not only understand business dynamics but also how to manage different personalities and cultures within those dynamics.

Give us some highlights of your experience in the business environment.
I have been in HR for about 3 years now with experience mainly in the manufacturing industry. In those years, I have led projects in benefits, recruitment, employee relations, etc. I most recently led and coordinated a BT天堂Instagram Takeover on behalf of Danfoss for the BT天堂Career page. I was able to showcase different features as a Danfoss employee such as our safety standards, benefits, and career advice. It was a new and innovative way to change how we recruit prospective employees. It led me to other opportunities within the company. I was brought in to help prepare and present training material as we integrated to a new payroll and timekeeping system.

Being in this role with Danfoss has connected me with different communities and purposes, such as the ASU Beebe Adult Education program. I have accepted the invitation to become a member of their advisory board and it has already been such a rewarding experience in knowing that I can make an impact on the workplace environments not only at Danfoss but in the community as well.

Applicable Awards, Achievements, & Accolades
I have had a list of achievements and recognition for the different projects I’ve been involved in. Here are a few achievements and where I completed them:

Dewafelbakkers (Food manufacturer) – Senior HR Specialist/Benefits Administrator –

• I led two open enrollments within a 3-month period due to carrier changes. I presented the new carriers in both English and Spanish to the entire plant population.
• I created and implemented a new safety policy and procedure for workplace accidents.
• I handled the entire EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) project for all benefit carriers.

Danfoss (Hydraulic Manufacturer) – Senior HR Generalist

• I led the BT天堂Instagram takeover for the BT天堂Career page. I was recognized and asked to create a template for others who want to have a different approach to talent acquisition.
• I prepared and presented training material for the implementation of a new payroll and timekeeping system for the entire North American region.
• I supported another site in Shawnee, OK while we recruited a new HR manager for the facility. I spent 3 weeks there helping onboard the new HR manager while providing training to the people leaders.
• I was invited to be a part of the ASU Beebe Adult Education Advisory Board because of the relationship I have developed with the staff and the dedicated hours I spent at various events for them.

Why was the BT天堂College of Business so valuable to you?
The courses that the College of Business provided were invaluable to me and my success in my career. Advanced organizational behaviors helped me explore the business dynamics and the challenging issues in an evolving work environment. Labor relations helped me learn the importance of balancing empathy while advocating for the company. Furthermore, the professors were very supportive and provided very real examples of how the real workforce works. It exposed me to situations like possible layoffs, performance management, and how to tackle retention. We had plenty of guest speakers come to different classes and share their journey from the classroom to the work field. It really motivated me to find my own path through networking with those already in my field.

Joining the HR club, I was able to create a relationship with Dr. Laci Lyons which was pivotal to my journey in pursuing HR courses. She was patient as I was always asking her questions about HR or volunteering for the HR convention in Hot Springs. That visit to L’Oreal and their HR team instilled that desire to focus on an HR career in the manufacturing industry.

The staff at the BT天堂Foundation also provided another sense of support as they were always friendly faces at different events. They included in me in one of their magazines and their media to highlight my story and how I received the Baxley Family Scholarship. They also invited me to the stage and ceremony of their $100 million campaign which inspired donors to give to those students pursuing education at UCA.

What tips or advice would you give to new, current, or prospective business students?
My biggest piece of advice would be to really pay attention to what truly makes you excited or passionate to learn about. Be open to changing paths through your journey. Consider the different majors and minors you could pursue as they could enhance or provide depth to the focus of your studies. Explore all the resources that BT天堂has to offer. The BT天堂Foundation scholarships changed my life when I was selected as a recipient of the Baxley Family Scholarship. Being a part of the HR club gave me the opportunity to visit the L鈥橭real facility and further inspired me to seek an HR career in the manufacturing industry.

!

Claire Gunter Coon

Major: Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Minor: Economics
Graduated December 2023

Activities:
鈥� COB Student Ambassador, 2 years
鈥� President of BASCOM – Bears Advancing Supply Chain & Operations Management
鈥� Peer Notetaker with the Disability Resource Center
鈥� Rising Star Faculty-Student Mentor Program
鈥� ACRE reading group for 2 semesters
鈥� ACRE Undergraduate Research Fellow 2023
鈥� 8 month operations internship

Why did you choose your major?
My initial attraction to the business world was and still is the direct, real world applications of the field. From my first two classes in business, microeconomics and the global environment of business, I was able to take things out of class and straight away use them to better understand everyday events in my life.

After doing some research, I decided that within business, logistics and supply chain management sounded like a good fit for me as I鈥檝e always been a person concerned with the execution and rationale behind operations, large or small. After taking my two core economics classes, I decided economics was something I couldn鈥檛 leave behind, so I added it as a minor. I believe it is a great pairing for my major and regardless, it is a beneficial subject for any person to have a working knowledge of in order to be a better citizen.

What are you doing in 2024 after your graduation from UCA?
Starting in January I will be working full time as a real estate agent for Homeward Realty here in Conway. This new year I look forward to serving Conway and the greater Central Arkansas region as a real estate agent by applying skills and knowledge I鈥檝e acquired during my time at the BT天堂College of Business (COB).

What are some things you will remember most about your time at UCA?
The BT天堂COB, its faculty, and supporters have done so much for me, and I know the impact they have had on me will not soon be forgotten after I graduate. They have supported me while I found a field that genuinely piqued my interest, helped me learn about and get started in that field, and I trust they will always be there for me even as I represent them as a BT天堂COB alumna. I strongly desire for other students, no matter their background, to receive the support I feel. This kind of support is empowering, and when someone is empowered by such a positive force, good is created not only in their life, but also in the communities around them.

It was exciting to walk across the stage at graduation & super sweet to reflect back on all the memories made over the last three and a half years. I鈥檓 thankful for the support of my family, friends, & professors who helped me reach this point.

See some of Claire’s , written in Dr. McGarrity’s Modern Political Economy class.

Dr. Chen with Jessica Kao

Jessica Kao is an exceptional alumnus of the Management Information Systems (MIS)* department at the University of Central Arkansas (UCA). Since January 2020, she has been working for Qualcomm Semiconductor Inc. in Taipei, where she has demonstrated her commitment to her work and the skills she developed during her studies at UCA.

As part of her role at Qualcomm, Jessica is responsible for identifying key inefficiencies and issues across different projects. She develops user guides and training materials and conducts training sessions for both internal and external clients. She collaborates with multinational teams to develop and test various programs and projects. Additionally, she leverages her system analysis skills to work on supply chain operation and procurement systems for clients across APAC, the Americas, and Europe.

Jessica credits her success in the professional world to the rigorous training she received from UCA’s outstanding faculty members, particularly those in the *, Marketing, and Management departments. She believes the College of Business at BT天堂provided her with a balanced, practical, and valuable education, which equipped her with the necessary tools to excel in her field.

Working alongside colleagues who mostly hold master’s degrees from prestigious universities in Taiwan and the United States, Jessica’s exceptional performance and professionalism have earned her the respect and trust of her teammates. She has also received substantial raises for her outstanding achievements. To learn more about Jessica’s achievements, check out on LinkedIn.

* When Jessica graduated in 2019, the department and program were named Management Information Systems; in 2021, the name was changed to Computer Information Systems & Analytics to reflect updates to the program.

Staff Accountant 鈥� FCA CPAs (Little Rock)

Apply by Dec 31

Staff will be hands on in the role of preparing audited, reviewed, and compiled financial statements, as well as prepare individual and business tax returns. The staff is expected to perform routine engagement procedures in a timely and professional manner. Individual must be able to meet assigned deadlines.

To apply:听

Auditor 鈥� Little Rock Airforce Base

Apply by May 31, 2023

The Air Force Audit Agency (AFAA) is looking for Full-Time Auditor, GS-0511-07 Target 12. This position requires a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree with 24 semester hours of accounting of which 6 hours can be in business law. Serve as an Auditor in a developmental capacity, performing assignments designed to further develop applicable analytical and evaluative skills and techniques. Perform continuing assignments involving the analysis of audit data, preparation of conclusions and recommendations, preparation and coordination of reports, and presentation of findings. Carries out special projects designed to facilitate the full use of and to further the auditor鈥檚 training and development.

To apply:听

Looking for more internships (all over the State and country)?

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• Or check out these听.

Apply by Oct 14

The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), a preeminent prudential supervisor of national banks and federal savings associations (collectively, banks), seeks highly motivated, dynamic individuals with advanced analytical and communication skills interested in working in a team-oriented environment. The OCC, an independent bureau of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, is hiring for assistant national bank examiner positions in many cities across the United States. As an assistant bank examiner, you help the OCC achieve its mission by ensuring that banks operate in a safe and sound manner, provide fair access to financial services, treat customers fairly, and comply with applicable laws and regulations. Upon joining the OCC, you are assigned to a training team for six to 12 months. You receive on-the-job and formal classroom training and learn the basic procedures and practices of the OCC鈥檚 supervisory process. After completing training, you work alongside experienced bank examiners and continue to develop your bank examination skills.

To apply:听

Tax or Audit Staff 鈥� Frost, PLLC (Little Rock and other locations)

Apply by Oct 15

Frost, PLLC is a full-service accounting firm currently providing tax, assurance, small business, advisory, animal welfare, business valuation, and litigation services in 47 states. Frost services a range of clients, from individuals to billion dollar organizations. We have offices in Little Rock, AR; Fayetteville, AR; Scottsdale, AZ; Yuma, AZ; and Raleigh, NC. Our satellite offices are located in Denver, CO; Naples, FL; and LaBelle, FL.

To apply:听听辞谤听

Audit Staff 鈥� Forvis (Little Rock)

Apply by ASAP for January Start

FORVIS, LLP is a professional services firm providing assurance, tax, and advisory services. Created by the merger of equals of BKD, LLP and Dixon Hughes Goodman, LLP (DHG), FORVIS is driven by the commitment to use our forward vision to deliver Unmatched Client Experiences™. Ranked among the top 10 public accounting firms in the country, FORVIS has 5,500 dedicated professionals who serve clients in all 50 states as well as across the globe.

To apply:听Send your resume to Rob Gordon at听Robert.Gordon@forvis.com

Staff Auditor 鈥� PricewaterhouseCoopers (Little Rock or Rogers)

Apply by ASAP for January Start

PricewaterhouseCoopers, or PwC, is one of the Big4 Accounting firms (4 largest in the world). Their Little Rock office has opportunities audit staff starting in January. A career within External Audit services, will provide you with the opportunity to provide a range of Assurance services and business advice to a variety of clients from small, fast growing clients to large entities. Our clients are often well known brands and many have broad international reach. We focus on using the latest technology to reduce the level of manual testing ensuring you鈥檒l focus on the most valuable areas of client service and on enhancing corporate governance and the reliability of our clients鈥� information.

To apply:听Send your resume to Devin Gilbert at听devin.gilbert@pwc.com

Staff Accountant 鈥� Crain Automotive Team (Sherwood, AR)

Apply by ASAP 鈥� Current Job Seekers and December Grads

The Crain Automotive Team is Arkansas’ largest family owned and operated dealer group. We provide Arkansas with the best shopping experience for new & used vehicles and provide certified auto repair, service and maintenance for all makes and models, as well as, collision centers for body repairs. We are seeking an experienced Staff Accountant to join our team! You will perform a variety of general accounting support tasks in an accounting department. Qualifications include an accounting degree and 听competency in Microsoft applications. MAcc students, December graduates, and anyone who can start full-time soon are encourage to apply.

To apply:听

Full-time Accountant 鈥� W&W AFCO Steel (Little Rock)

Apply by ASAP鈥� Current Job Seekers and December and May Grads

W&W | AFCO Steel is the largest, most capable structural steel fabricator and erector in the United States. They are looking for and accountant. Those who have already graduated and those graduating in December or May are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will be involved with preparing financial reports and statements, bank reconciliations, and conducting cyclical audits. Moreover, the candidate must have strong interpersonal skills and possess a strong business acumen. See attached flyer for more information.

To apply:听HR office located at 1423 East 6th St. Little Rock or call 501-340-6266

Accountant 鈥� Burton Eddington Jr CPA Inc. and Hulsey Capital Management (Heber Springs AR)

Apply by ASAP 鈥� Current Job Seekers and December Grads

We are a firm in Heber Springs that offers full service planning, trust and estate work, income tax and investment services to a select set of clients. We are looking for a CPA or CPA candidate who would like to join our companies. Our business model is to provide high quality services to a limited number of clients thus allowing us to provide greater customer service and higher firm value. From the accounting side, we provide monthly client services and year end reporting, plus personal and corporate income tax services for a wide range of businesses. On the investment side, we manage client鈥檚 funds to maximize investment returns and minimize where possible, the income tax consequences. We believe our blending of both tax and investment philosophies sets us apart from other firms that cannot offer both services in a complimentary fashion and timely. Candidates will need strong accounting and communication skills. Knowledge in QuickBooks and Ultra Tax software is preferred but not required. Our goal for the candidate is for them to interact directly with our clients thus strengthening the bond between our company and their business and family.

To apply: email me a resume at听burted@suddenlinkmail.com.

Staff Accountant 鈥� Pinnacle Structures, Inc. (Cabot AR)

Apply Now 鈥� Current Job Seekers and December Grads

Pinnacle Structures, Inc. – Cabot, AR Manufacturing/Steel Building Systems and Components has an opening for a staff accountant. Duties include Customer billing, inventory/job costing, general accounting duties. Bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting or similar field or a candidate with at least two years of general accounting experience with a background in manufacturing/construction accounting preferred.听 This is an opportunity for someone looking to get a foot in the door of a great local company! Salary range $50k- $60k DOE. Excellent benefits including company paid health insurance and a generous 401K match.

To apply:听Send your resume to VP Micah Bard (micah@pinnaclestructures.com) or CFO Matt Muller (mmuller@pinnaclestructures.com).

Accountant 鈥� Welspun (Little Rock Manufacturer)

Apply by Oct 31

We are looking for a dynamic Accountant to join our team in a manufacturing business that is global. This position will be onsite at our location in the Little Rock Port area. Successful candidate must be able to prioritize, be able to work on multiple projects and be a team player.

Job Summary: Handles general accounting functions including some or all of the following: processing of general ledger, accounts payable, accounts receivables, and cash and bank accounting.

To apply:听

Staff Accountant 鈥� FCA CPAs (Little Rock)

Apply by Dec 31

Staff will be hands on in the role of preparing audited, reviewed, and compiled financial statements, as well as prepare individual and business tax returns. The staff is expected to perform routine engagement procedures in a timely and professional manner. Individual must be able to meet assigned deadlines.

To apply:听

Auditor 鈥� Little Rock Airforce Base

Apply by May 31, 2023

The Air Force Audit Agency (AFAA) is looking for Full-Time Auditor, GS-0511-07 Target 12. This position requires a Bachelor鈥檚 Degree with 24 semester hours of accounting of which 6 hours can be in business law. Serve as an Auditor in a developmental capacity, performing assignments designed to further develop applicable analytical and evaluative skills and techniques. Perform continuing assignments involving the analysis of audit data, preparation of conclusions and recommendations, preparation and coordination of reports, and presentation of findings. Carries out special projects designed to facilitate the full use of and to further the auditor鈥檚 training and development.

To apply:听

Looking for more internships (all over the State and country)?

• Log into Handshake at听, click Jobs, and start searching.
• Or check out these听.

]]> /business/2022/10/10/acct-jobs-now-and-after-graduation/feed/ 0 /business/2022/10/10/acct-job-with-experience-required/ /business/2022/10/10/acct-job-with-experience-required/#respond Mon, 10 Oct 2022 15:00:40 +0000 /business/?p=8072 Senior Manager or Director

Apply by ASAP for January Start

ATA Employment Solutions is helping their client search for a high level Sr. Manager and/or Director seeking a Partner path w/ a local CPA firm. Ideal candidates must possess a high level of Tax expertise, excellent client relationships skills and the ability and willingness to coach and train staff. The ultimate goal for this role is to find a candidate who can move into a Partner role within 12 months. Position requirements include:

• Bachelor鈥檚 degree and strong academic achievement required; Master鈥檚 degree preferred in Accounting, Taxation, MBA or related field
• 5- 10 years of relevant experience in public accounting or directly relevant industry experience
• 2-5 years of supervisory experience
• CPA certification
• Strong project execution skills necessary to manage deadlines, work on multiple assignments and prioritize each assignment as necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate verbally and in writing throughout all levels of organization, both internally and externally.
• Proficient use of applicable technology.
• Must be able to travel based on client and business needs.

Pay: $85,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year plus benefits (more details in link below)

To apply:听听

Pinnacle Structures, Inc. 鈥� Cabot AR

Industry Accounting

Apply Now

Pinnacle Structures, Inc. – Cabot, AR Manufacturing/Steel Building Systems and Components has an opening for a staff accountant. Duties include Customer billing, inventory/job costing, general accounting duties. Bachelor鈥檚 degree in accounting or similar field or a candidate with at least two years of general accounting experience with a background in manufacturing/construction accounting preferred.听 This is an opportunity for someone looking to get a foot in the door of a great local company! Salary range $40k- $45k DOE. Excellent benefits including company paid health insurance and a generous 401K match.

To apply:听Send your resume to VP Micah Bard (micah@pinnaclestructures.com) or CFO Matt Muller (mmuller@pinnaclestructures.com). Job posting soon at听

BT天堂Grants and Contracts Accounting

Managerial and/or Governmental Accounting

Apply Now

The Accountant I is responsible for analyzing financial information and preparing reports related to the financial activities of awarded grants. This position is governed by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), state and federal laws, and institution policy.

To apply:听

Ability to analyze budgets and provide support for the campus, assist in providing budget training in a small group setting, and exceptional leadership, communication, organizational, and customer service skills. This position will supervise one full time employee along with two students. This position is governed by Generally Accepted Accounting Principles, state and federal laws, and agency/institution policy.

Learn more or apply:听https://jobs.uca.edu/postings/11003

LEARN MORE OR APPLY:听

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