A survey by The Black Collegian magazine of more than 2,300 African, Asian, Hispanic, and Native American undergraduate and MBA students found that corporate diversity is a critical factor for minority students in deciding upon employers, and several major accounting firms are among the companies that excel in this area.The accounting firms that were ranked among the top 50 are listed below, along with links to their diversity policies and rankings by The Black Collegian:

Despite the restless economy and the resulting challenges for fundraisers, the New Jersey Society of Certified Public Accountants (NJSCPA) not only continued to reach for, but surpassed its $1Million Millennium Scholarship Campaign goal.The campaign, which ran for only 15 months and ended in January, raised more than $1,015,000 to increase the number and dollar amount of scholarships awarded to accounting students and to increase awareness about the benefits associated with a CPA career path.

With all of the talk about Enron and the role of Andersen as its auditor, students around the world are rightfully confused about whether to accept positions with the Big Five firm.In the first move to answer questions and calm the concerns of the entry level candidates, Joe Berardino, Andersen's CEO, will be hosting a conference call on Friday, February 15 at 2:00pm EST with key faculty & career center personnel of targeted universities around the country to discuss the Enron situation and communicate the firm's message regarding this issue.Several Andersen offices across North America

Tired of putting in 12-hour days, 7 days a week? Think there ought to be a law against mandatory overtime? Well, you’re not alone. The Japanese, known for long work hours, even have a word – karoshi – to describe death from overwork. Now, at last, there are products in the U.S. legislative pipeline that may actually cure this sickness without the expected side effects. The SicknessA study released in January 2002, by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI) confirms there are a few U.S.

Job worries and career concerns are uppermost in the minds of today’s accounting students. Tarnished images, low starting salaries, and declining enrollments are symptoms of the times. But help is on the way.College Reactions“Business Students Fret Over Job Prospects” (New York Times, January 26, 2002) describes college reactions to the Enron collapse and ensuing calls for reform of the accounting profession. A few highlights:Job prospects. Most students appear to be worried most about their job prospects.

Irvin Gleim, Professor Emeritus at the University of Florida and prolific CPA Review author, recently sat down with AccountingWEB to share his perspective on the coming changes in the CPA Exam.February 4, 2002 is the grade release date for the November 2001 exam. With that date coming up, it is a reminder that only three paper and pencil CPA exam opportunities are left before the conversion to a computerized exam. May 2003 will be the last CPA exam as we currently know it. Mr. Gleim encourages all current CPA candidates to finish up before November 2003.

Accepting that transfer to your company’s Paris office could have far-reaching career benefits, according to a recent survey. Fifty-six percent of chief financial officers (CFOs) polled said international experience will be at least somewhat necessary for accounting and finance professionals five years from now.

Malcolm Finney of Management Dynamics looks at the ground rules for getting an interview with a prospective employer.Much has been written about the interview process. Books and articles abound offering advice to potential interviewees; how to sit; how to answer questions; how to ask questions; what to wear; and so on.The clear presumption is, of course, that an invitation for interview will naturally be forthcoming. However, sadly, it may not happen.

Robert Half and Accountemps have released their new 2002 Salary Guide, designed to provide comprehensive data on average starting salaries for accounting and finance professionals.Salary ranges for 2002 are based on actual starting compensation in 2001. the information in the guide is derived from the job searches, negotiations, and placements conducted by Robert Half International's U.S. offices.Salaries projected in the guide reflect salaries at the time of hire and exclude bonuses and other factors that may be included in a starting compensation package.