The fall 2017 board of Cal State Fullerton’s chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, which was recently honored with Superior status. “We find that students involved in BAP are more engaged in the classroom, and when they graduate, they are prepared to lead in their field,” says Vivek Mande, interim chair of the Department of Accounting.

The Mihaylo chapter of the finance and accounting fraternity Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) was recognized with superior status for last academic year. The ranking is the second-highest honor available to chapters in the international organization, which has 300 chapters on university campuses worldwide.

From preparing the next generation of accounting professionals to providing professional development opportunities to alumni and others in the industry, Mihaylo College’s accounting program is on the cutting-edge of one of the most in-demand fields in the contemporary economy.

Crucial to the Department of Accounting’s outreach to students is its three clubs – Beta Alpha Psi, the Accounting Society and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

This summer, the executive director of the international Beta Alpha Psi organization notified the Mihaylo branch of their achievement of Superior status for the 2016-2017 reporting year, the second-highest recognition that the organization bestows. The status is based on professional activities and service hours per member, as well as chapter outreach activities. The club’s greatly appreciated faculty advisors are accounting lecturers Glen Hatton and Randy Hoffman.

“I am very proud of our BAP students, who due to their hard work and academic achievements were selected for this honor,” says Vivek Mande, interim chair of the Department of Accounting and a Mihaylo accounting professor.  “The award also serves as a testimony to the excellence of Mihaylo’s accounting program, which provides opportunities for our students to grow both personally and professionally. We find that students involved in BAP are more engaged in the classroom, and when they graduate, they are prepared to lead in their field.”

In honor of the recognition, the KPMG Foundation will bestow a $500 monetary reward on the Mihaylo club, while a personalized letter from BAP President Sandra Richtermeyer will be delivered to Mihaylo Interim Dean Morteza Rahmatian.

Beta Alpha Psi is an honor association made up of financial information students and professionals. Established in 1919, membership is open to students with a concentration in accounting, finance or information systems. Members must participate in professional and community service hours designed to give the financial industry a reputation for giving back to the community.

Together with the Accounting Society, the club hosts Meet the Firms, which connects students with accounting companies. The next event will be held on Thursday, Sept. 28 at the Irvine Marriott. BAP also offers review sessions at the end of each semester for ACCT 201A – Financial Accounting and ACCT 201B – Managerial Accounting, two courses that can act as roadblocks toward timely completion of the accounting undergraduate program.

From the innovative instruction offered by accounting professors and lecturers to sponsored career development events such as the Accounting Expo (which will be next held on Wednesday, Sept. 13 at 10 a.m. at TSU Pavilions), Mihaylo’s accounting program offers both undergraduate and graduate students a world-class opportunity to achieve success in the field.

For more information, visit the department at SGMH 4313 or online. To get involved as an accounting professional, reach out to the Center for Corporate Reporting and Governance (CCRG) at SGMH 4357 or online.