Accountants teach financial skills to elementary school students

For the second year, Beers + Cutler is lending its support to Westlawn Elementary School through the firm's participation in Junior Achievement's "JA in a Day" initiative -- a unique program that allows volunteers to teach all seven units of Junior Achievement's (JA) elementary school programs in an intensive one-day experience.

More than 100 Beers + Cutler partners, staff and interns spent June 11th at Westlawn introducing students to the fundamentals of financial literacy including saving, budgeting and banking. Additionally, Beers + Cutler donated $2,000 to Westlawn's technology program for the purchase of new equipment for teacher and student use.

"Budget constraints have significantly limited our ability to obtain much-needed technology equipment. Beers + Cutler's gift will allow us to purchase new projectors and SMART boards which are key teaching tools in today's classroom. The entire staff at Westlawn Elementary truly appreciates the firm's contribution of their time and financial resources to support the community," said Kim Dockery, principal, Westlawn Elementary School.

According to research conducted by JA Worldwide, one-in-ten teens has access to credit cards. During the course of JA in a Day, students learn about the responsible use of credit, as well as other aspects of financial literacy. For example, second graders learn how money moves through a community, creating jobs and generating tax proceeds that pay for schools, parks and streets. In fifth grade, students begin to learn about economic concepts such as opportunity cost and supply and demand.

"The concepts of the JA curriculum can be readily applied in a student's day-to-day activity. It is amazing how quickly they are able to apply these new ideas. The energy of the students combined with the enthusiasm of 115 Beers + Cutler volunteers makes for a truly rewarding day for everyone involved," said Ed Offterdinger, managing partner, Beers + Cutler.

About Beers + Cutler

Beers + Cutler is an accounting and consulting firm in the Washington, DC region with over 300 employees providing tax, assurance, and consulting services to many of the area's top companies and institutions. Beers + Cutler blends technical expertise with in-depth industry experience in real estate, commercial business, professional services, and government contracting.

Beers + Cutler ranks as a "Top 50 Firm" nationally according to Accounting Today and is an independent member of Baker Tilly International, an international network of accounting and business advisory firms.