The Accounting Society offers a wide variety of events, programs and activities for members to enjoy. We offer so many benefits that the society can be useful for someone of any grade or major (including graduate students). There is so much below you do not want to miss.
Here is the long list of membership benefits we provide:
- Guest Speakers: We invite at least four guest speakers each semester (typically CPAs who are Baylor alumni). In the past, this has included CFOs, Big 4 associates, credit managers, Baylor staff accountants and more. Our guest speakers are an amazing way to network with professionals and discover new career paths.
- Debate: You can apply to compete in a debate about accounting topics each semester that is judged by Baylor accounting faculty. Each member of the winning team receives $50 and everyone improves their public speaking and critical thinking skills.
- Pitch Competition: You can compete in our pitch competition. This is an investor pitch in the fall and pitching a new event or program for the society in the spring. The winner receives $100.
- Free Food: We typically offer free food at our social events, including the end of semester banquet. We also usually have donuts or other food at tabling events.
- Faculty Advisor: Don Carpenter is our faculty advisor.
- Leadership Opportunities: With a large leadership team, we provide opportunities to become officers every semester and even brand-new freshmen are welcome to apply. We also offer the Distinguished Fellows program, which is an exclusive leadership and professional development program for our most promising members. You can also get involved in smaller ways as well, such as joining our recruiting team or becoming a public speaking scholar.
- Scholarships: We award points for almost everything you do in the society. The top three members with the most points each semester receive scholarships ($500, $250 and $100). If you are in the Distinguished Fellows program, you can also apply for a textbook scholarship in the fall.
- Community: The society is a community, and we take including everyone and building a welcoming culture seriously. We meet every week at 5:30pm on Wednesday and have opportunities for connecting with other accounting students outside of meetings as well. You can meet amazing people you would never find elsewhere.
- Professional Headshots: We have a Photographer in our officer team and do professional headshots at least once a year.
- Service Activities: We cooperate with campus partners and student organizations to provide opportunities for you to serve the community.
- Mock Interviews: You can gain valuable interviewing practice by participating in our mock interviews each semester.
- Writing Contests: We will soon start publishing our own publication, the Cash Flow Courier. To support this program, we have two writing contests each semester. The best article for each contest receives $50.
- Mentorship: We offer a mentorship program, pairing younger students with more experienced students who can guide them through starting the accounting core and recruiting.
- Scholarly Research: If you want to conduct academic research, we have a program to help you do it. You will receive support, encouragement and recognition as you pursue your research goals.
- Public Speaking: We offer many opportunities to improve your public speaking skills. You can give presentations at our general meetings, create educational videos and participate in tabling.
- Rebates: You can earn $5 for every new member you recruit. Terms and conditions apply.
- Workshops: We occasionally offer resume/LinkedIn workshops. If you are new to this, there will be a more experienced student ready to help you.
- Tax Deductibility: The society is a 501(c)(3) organization. If you donate to the society, your contributions can be tax deductible. We will provide tax receipts.
- Voting Rights: The Accounting Society is a democratic organization. Every member in good standing has the right to vote in our annual board elections and at our semesterly business meetings. Members also have the right to make motions at business meetings to change how the society operates. You can learn more about our governance here.
- Candidacy: Any member in good standing can run to be a board member in our annual elections. And if elected, you can participate in the Board’s internal election of President and the other principal officers. It is also customary for the society to endorse and support any members who are seeking election in the Student Government spring elections.
- Resume: Adding the Accounting Society to your resume and LinkedIn is a great addition. And if you serve in officer positions, it will give you something to talk about in interviews with public accounting firms.
- Support: And above all else, we are here for you. You can always schedule office hours with someone on our leadership team for guidance and support (such as about internships, class selection, professional growth, leadership opportunities, etc.). And we have a Chaplain on our team to look after your spiritual wellbeing.
It is very easy to obtain these benefits. Our attendance/point requirements are very flexible and accessible. And our dues are some of the lowest dues among all business student organizations and have not increased since our founding. You do not even have to major in accounting; everyone is welcome. To join, fill out our interest form.