Y.E.S. Program Explores the World of Accounting, Visits Local Firm
Nov. 15, 2022 | John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation News
By John Anderson III
The Young Executive Scholars (Y.E.S.) from The Jones Leadership Academy of Business (JLAB) visited a Toledo accounting firm, Gilmore Jasion Mahler (GJM), on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
The University of Toledo’s Y.E.S. Program is a collaboration between UToledo’s John
B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation and Jones Leadership Academy
of Business.
The program was established in 2017 to help cultivate the academic potential of underrepresented students, preparing them for success in higher education.
The Y.E.S. students’ time at GJM was spent learning about the firm, various career paths in the accounting field and how accountants investigate fraud and solve problems.
The students also participated in an accounting Jeopardy competition and a simulation project, where each student applied critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving skills to determine the culprit in a mock fraudulent case.
“They did an exceptional job, so much engagement and fun. This has inspired some of the students to look further into the accounting field,” said Craig Turner, director of the Y.E.S. Program.
Some of the students enjoyed their experience at Gilmore Jasion Mahler so much that they requested to return to the firm to job shadow.
Accounting students and faculty members from the Neff College of Business and Innovation were in attendance as well to aid in the educational activities and provide their own insight into accounting and its numerous career paths.
Also at the impactful event was Valerie Walston, UToledo’s Special Assistant to The President for Community Engagement and Strategic Partnerships.
“A highly engaged student is predicted to be a successful employee who displays grit as a self-starter,” she said.
“UToledo faculty, staff and Toledo Public Schools administrators, along with the employees of Gilmore Jasion Mahler were all in one room today in the name of career exploration, leadership development and engaging our future change agents. This experience was amazing.”