High School Accounting Events
HIGH SCHOOL CASE COMPETITION
The Fall 2025 High School Competition will be held on November 7, 2025.
Each year, the 51±¬ÁÏ Department of Accounting hosts a unique case competition designed to spark interest in accounting careers and showcase current events and real-world issues shaping the profession. The event is generously sponsored by accounting firms and the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA), who provide cash prizes for participating high schools and winning teams. This innovative event was nationally recognized by the American Accounting Association for its impact with the KPMG Program Innovation Award in 2025.
During the competition, high school students work in teams to:
Research a timely accounting topic
Develop creative, engaging presentations
Share their findings with a panel of judges, faculty and peers
Previous topics highlight accounting workforce trends, including the shortage of accountants and the impact of technology on the profession. Accounting professionals and faculty members volunteer as the judges for presentations, as well as network and share information about their career experiences.
A total of $3,000 in cash prizes is awarded for each year’s competition. Every participating high school receives a $500 Accounting Excellence Award, and students on winning teams also receive cash prizes. To learn more about the event, visit /business/news/booming-accounting-job-market-attracts-high-school-students-kent-state-case.
CPA CAMP | CAREERS IN PROFESSIONAL ACCOUNTING
The Department of Accounting is dedicated to promoting accounting education and the profession among high school students. The department hosts the annual high school accounting case competition in the Fall, and the CPA Day and CPA Camp in the Spring and Summer with the Ohio Society of CPAs.
Admission to the camp includes:
- Discussion of Opportunities in Accounting: What is accounting all about? What kinds of jobs can you get and what are possible salaries?
- Overview of Public Accounting: What is a typical day in public accounting like? Work/life balance? How do you navigate public accounting as a business professional?
- Virtual Field Trip: Get a glimpse into the world of accounting by experiencing a virtual tour of a local organization! You’ll also have the opportunity to hear from employees about their job, office culture and work environment!
- Lunch & Campus Tour
- City Highlights & Opportunities: Learn from local professionals about why they chose to stay in town after graduation & what your city has to offer personally and professionally
- A Day in the Life of a CPA Working in Corporate Accounting: What is a typical day in corporate accounting like? How is this role different than that of public accounting?
- College Panel: Learn from various students & faculty members about college life as an accounting major.
- Meet the Recruiters (Mix & Mingle): Meet & network with recruiters from various local firms & companies.
- Closing Reception: Celebrate your successful completion of CPA Camp! Mingle with firm & company representatives. Scholarship & award presentation will take place.