Professional networking and career development opportunities were "on the ledger" as the School of Business played host to its annual Accounting Career Fair on October 21, 2026.
With recruiting and other representatives from 14 area accounting and professional service firms lining the Multipurpose Rooms of the Student Union, junior and senior Accounting students had the chance to develop real-world connections with professionals and to discuss potential observational visits, internships and future employment.
“This is one of the first opportunities for our students to interact with potential employers,” said Ken Winkelman, chair of the Accounting Department. “How do you interact with potential employers? What do you talk about? How do you hand in your resume? It builds life skills for our current students.”
In a world where I think we're all very connected online with LinkedIn and all these social media apps where you are constantly 'connecting with people,’ I think being in person and practicing interactions with employers is really important.”
- Casey Dunn, people team administrator at HBK CPAs & Consultants
Students in attendance noted the value of practicing their conversational, listening and presentation skills.
Raphael Guillaume ‘27 highlighted the importance of “trying to give them something different.” For him, that was his knowledge of the Intuit QuickBooks platform.
The event serves as a key link between academics and industry, providing an interactive space where students can connect directly with firm representatives. Throughout the afternoon, students practiced their professional pitches, shared their resumes and engaged in meaningful dialogue to explore internship and career opportunities across Long Island and the broader regional business community.
The professionals in attendance valued the face-to-face interactions they experienced at the event.
“In a world where I think we're all very connected online with LinkedIn and all these social media apps where you are constantly 'connecting with people,’ I think being in person and practicing interactions with employers is really important,” said Casey Dunn, people team administrator at HBK CPAs & Consultants. “I think that in-person conversations are a lot more meaningful, memorable and impactful."
The firms participating included: Cerini and Associates, LLP; Frankel Loughran Starr & Vallone; HBK CPAs & Consultants; JTS Associates CPAs, P.C; LaLuna, Cohen & Lampert; Nadler and Associates, LLC; Novak Francella LLC; Rost & Company, CPAs, P.C.; Sasserath & Co.; Schultheis & Panettieri, LLP; Sheehan & Company, CPA, PC; UHY LLP; Ultimus Fund Solutions and SMG ABA, LLC.
Emily Zevallos '27 was excited about the chance to connect with SMG.
“When I first started applying for schools, I wanted to major in accounting or hospitality,” she said. “So, once I found out that they did a lot of accounting work with hospitality, I found that really interesting and wanted to see what career options they have with that.”
Among those representing the local firms were six SUNY Old Westbury alumni who were eager to mentor the next generation of business leaders.
“I think the people that have come up have been pretty engaging,” said Patrick Stines '98, partner at Novak Francella LLC. “All of them would be somebody that I would consider working in our company.”
Jessica Bhalla '25, tax accountant at Nadler and Associates, LLC., shared a piece of advice she received as a student that she would pass on to others:
“Not everyone is born with a great deal of confidence, but it is something you can develop over time. It’s important to invest your time in activities and experiences that help build your confidence so you can put your best foot forward.”