become part of an elite, highly

recognized and respected

honor’s society in the fields of

Accounting, Finance and MIS.

Sincerely,

Eduard Aiello

Welcome to Beta Alpha Psi,

Eta Iota “Superior” Chapter.

We are the international hon-

orary organization for financial

information professionals.

Since 1986, we have been

committed in helping FIU’s top

Accounting, Finance and MIS

students fulfill their dreams of

transitioning from students to

professionals. At the Eta Iota

chapter, we recognize excel-

lence in academic achieve-

ments and encourage diver-

sity. We promote a sense of

responsibility towards ethical

behavior, in addition to social

and community involvement.

Our Fall 2012 executive board

has been working thoroughly

to plan events to assist our

new candidates and returning

members, in becoming profes-

sionals. These events include

weekly firm presentations by

national, regional and local

firms. We will also conduct

mock interviews, resume cri-

tiques, community service,

networking socials, profes-

sional development work-

shops, and tutoring.

With our successful Beta

Buddy Program, our candi-

dates also have a one-on-one

mentor, who helps prepare

our candidates for these

events and socials.

We encourage you to join us

this Fall 2012 semester and

Message From the President I N S I D E T H I S

I S S U E :

Fall Executive

Board 2

Grant Thornton 3

PwC 4

Ernst & Young 4

Ahead of the

Game 5

Deloitte 6

KPMG 6

Mcglarey

7

Cherry, Bekaert &

Holland 7

E T A I O T A

“ S U P E R I O R ” C H A P T E R

The Disclosure F A L L 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E V , I S S U E I

P A G E 2

Fall 2012 Executive Board

Mr. Eduardo Aiello is the President of BAP. “Eddy” is majoring in accounting and graduating Summer 2013. With his leadership, he has made our semes-ter successful for every-one involved.

Ms. Vivian Carrasquero is the new President-Elect who is majoring in ac-counting. “Vivi” has taken the lead on “Ahead of the Game: Accounting and Business Expo.” She will assume the presidency in the Spring of 2013 and will be graduating this Spring.

The new VP of Profes-sional Affairs is Ms. Caro-lina Jaramillo. Carolina is a senior majoring in ac-counting who will be graduating this Summer. She is our external rela-tions liaison and responsi-ble for ensuring our candi-dates are able to network and learn from the top accounting firms. She is also in charge of Fund-raising along with our Webmaster.

Ms. Jessica Arbella is the VP of Membership who is majoring in ac-counting and will be graduating in the Sum-mer. She is responsible for ensuring our candi-dates fulfill pledges, are aware of the point sys-tem, and communicates with all members/candidates through weekly emails.

Our trusted new Treas-urer is Ms. Jenna Wal-ters. She is a senior ma-joring in accounting, who is graduating this Fall. With Jenna as treasurer, we can rest assured that Beta will have sufficient funds to run efficiently this semester. Addition-ally, she is responsible for organizing the food and drinks at Beta’s gen-eral meetings and events. Mr. Luis Daniel Vega is our Secretary. He is ma-joring in accounting and will be graduating this Summer. He ensures

that everyone is on the same page and the de-tails are being ad-dressed. Luis also planned the Executive Board’s National’s trip and organizes the com-munity service events for the benefit of our mem-bers.

Mr. David Cruz is our Webmaster who will be graduating this Fall with his Bachelor’s in Ac-counting. He is responsi-ble for maintaining the website (bapfiu.org), the newly created “Beta Store” and communicat-ing important information and news on BAPFIU’s social media outlets. He is also in charge of pub-lishing Disclosure news-letter.

From left to right:

Luis Daniel Vega,

Jessica Arbella,

David Cruz,

Jenna Walters,

Abraham Grimaldo,

Vivian Carrasquero,

Carolina Jaramillo and

Eduardo Aiello

T H E D I S C L O S U R E

P A G E 3

“Inclusive,

motivating,

challenging, and

positive”

Grant Thornton was the first firm to visit our student body at FIU. Their representatives spoke about their corporate cul-ture, core values, and internship opportunities during the current Fall 2012 semester. Grant Thorn-ton has always been a firm to command attention with their great reputation and approach-able aura. Many of the interns, professionals, and partners flooded the auditorium to speak on the unique experiences and opportunities offered through GT’s motivating and dynamic en-vironment. As everyone shared their personal journey, there was a distinct parallel in the collective thoughts of all the profession-als. Throughout the presentation, words such as “inclusive,” “motivating,” “challenging,” and “positive” resonated among the audience, who actively responded with many questions and engag-ing feedback. This demonstrates

how impactful the Grant Thornton

experience is.

Another great talking point was their promise to provide excep-tional service to their clients while promoting professional growth within the company. This combina-tion has catapulted the GT brand to the next level. After the presenta-tion, our eager students rushed the floor to interact on a more personal level with the representatives to ob-tain a deeper perspective of the company. There was a tremendous energy in the room, with resumes being passed around and many students getting their first look into their futures as accounting profes-

sionals.

Grant Thornton was excit-ing, captivating, and outgoing which allowed the students to respond well and open themselves up to the

new opportunities before them.

T H E D I S C L O S U R E

Luis Daniel

Vega,

Bachelor of

Accounting

Summer, 2013

P A G E 4 V O L U M E V , I S S U E I

Pricewaterhouse Coopers’ presentation exposed students to the various opportunities available to them and challenged students to think globally instead of locally. One of the key highlights of the night was the message PwC wanted to relay – “There are plenty of opportunities for students outside of Florida, and we have the tools for you to access them.” To emphasize the message, the presentation featured key indi-viduals in the PwC family across the nation - Rick Moyer, a partner from DC, Farah Bernier, the NE Diversity Leader from Boston, and Carly Williams, PwC’s National Diversity Leader - shared their thoughts and experiences about how PwC has helped them grow and realize their potential. PwC also offers two very dis-tinct gateways for students to get an early exposure to its people and culture – START Internship and xTax Case Competition. They are both remarkable experiences

that allow you to develop your lead-ership, teamwork, communication, and professional skills. In fact, David Cruz, Beta Alpha Psi’s current Webmaster; gave a firsthand account of his experience as a START Intern this past sum-mer in Boston. “The START Internship is a great way for you to take charge of your career,” he said. “It allowed me to experience things I could never do in Miami.” In no way was the presentation meant to take away from students looking for opportunities within Florida, rather, it was meant to educate students of the existence of possibilities often overlooked. Overall, the presentation was very informative and everyone at PwC was very helpful in answering any and all of the questions voiced.

Hector Tundidor, the Manag-ing Partner for Transaction Advi-sory Services, took the lead when it came to educating stu-dents about how E&Y could help them realize their potential. “E&Y allows you to be yourself,” he said. “It will help you achieve your fullest potential.” Some ways that E&Y specifi-cally provides those opportuni-ties are through EYU (Ernst & Young and You) which is de-signed to foster development through learning, experiences, and coaching. Online courses, complex client experiences, mentorships, performance re-views and various other pro-grams allow you to take full con-trol of your career. E&Y also takes a lead in cor-porate social responsibility by coordinating with various chari-

Ernst & Young’s panel dis-cussion introduced students to the firm, its people, and its cul-ture; while encouraging partici-pation through a question and answer segment. The presenta-tion highlighted three key com-ponents that set E&Y apart as a global leader: Flexibility, Achiev-ing Your Full Potential, and Community Service. Flexibility is something that each member of E&Y seems to value – from top management to first year associates. The term was echoed throughout the presentation with each E&Y member sharing a moment that highlights the firm’s commitment to flexibility. It was good to see that even during busy season, each team works as a close knit unit and does its best to accom-modate each other.

ties and volunteering. Their larg-est community service event is called EY Connect Day and this year employees partnered with United Way to build a soccer field at a school in Homestead, FL. In a nutshell, E&Y truly does achieve quality in everything it does, whether that may be through its clients, its employ-ees, or its community.

Stephin Janis,

Bachelor of

Accounting

Spring 2014

P A G E 5

“I perfected my

resume, wore my

best business

professional

outfit, and on my

face was the

most important

thing of all, my

smile. “

Ahead of the Game Ahead of the Game was an ac-counting and busi-ness expo hosted by Beta Alpha Psi and ALPFA on Friday, September 21, 2012. Before attending this event, I was ad-vised on many differ-ent tips and guide-lines to follow. I was overwhelmed and nervous. I perfected my resume, wore my best business pro-fessional outfit, and wore the most impor-tant thing of all, a smile. With my positive-attitude, I entered the expo and proceeded to speak to smaller firms than gradually progressed on to the bigger firms. To my surprise, I was nervous for no reason and every-thing went smoothly. Everyone was ex-

tremely friendly and generous. I learned so many different things, improved my communication skills, and enhanced my ability to speak to a variety of different firms. I know that is what I loved the most about the event—the diversity of the firms. One minute I was talking to State Farm Insurance, the next, I was speaking to the Securities and Ex-change Commission about opportunities in the government sector.

All the valuable

information I gained

from this experience

has made me realize

the next steps that

are needed, such as

applying to intern-

ships through Career

Management Ser-

vices.

As a junior, I have

to decide on whether I

want to do audit or tax.

I have to narrow the

firms I am interested

in. But I know that this

event is going to help

make those decisions

easier.

Rummesa Abrar,

Bachelor of Accounting

Spring 2014

T H E D I S C L O S U R E

P A G E 6 V O L U M E V , I S S U E I

Deloitte’s Plugging into Bril-liance presentation highlighted 10 ways students and professionals can build their personal brand and successfully network. Just one week before Ahead of the Game, Florida International University’s premiere accounting and business expo, Deloitte’s representatives offered helpful hints on ways stu-dents could distinguish them-selves among the crowd.

The event was attended by more than 100 members and can-didates of Beta Alpha Psi and ALPFA at FIU and offered a glimpse into the firm, its culture and its people. Many current and former FIU students now working for Deloitte attended the presenta-tion and shared both their experi-ences working for firm and the recruiting process leading up to their hiring. Deloitte has hired more FIU stu-dents than any other accounting firm and one reason for that, said Katrina Livengood, campus re-

cruiter for Deloitte, is the diverse range of talent. Tony Giro, FIU alum and current audit partner for Deloitte, gave his candid take on the type of people he’s looking for. One message be-came clear: It’s important to present the best possible you. Every detail, from the way a candidate is dressed to their body language to even their sense of self-confidence is being scrutinized as he and his team de-cide who they will invest in. Deloitte’s commitment to its peo-ple extends beyond just words. Deloitte University, a 712,000 square-foot facility in Westland, Texas, demonstrates the firm’s com-mitment to train the best profession-als. The $350 million facility is a mix of luxury hospitality and academia. “Deloitte University offers a great investment in its people,” Mr. Giro said. “It’s a place where the top tal-ent can be developed. It’s a place where CEOs and students intermin-gle.”

Rebecca Sproul, an audit partner for the firm, led the dis-cussion. Ms. Sproul relied on the collective experience of her and her team and major accounting scandals to highlight potentially troublesome situations and the consequences of poor choices within the accounting industry. “A function of the accounting profession is to maintain order in the financial world,” Ms. Sproul said. “Failure on the part of one diminishes the whole. In one particular scene, a senior audit manager pressures a new audit staffer to report less time working on a client’s audit than actually performed. In an-other, a staff member dodges responsibility and passes off her work on to a colleague, noting that it would be wise for the col-league to show she’s a team

KPMG’s presentation at Flor-ida International University last month included a discussion on ethics as well as interactive role-playing performed by the firm’s staff and our very own FIU stu-dents. The presentation was given to the members and can-didates from Beta Alpha Psi and ALPFA in attendance and ad-dressed the ethical issues ac-countants routinely face. The Ethical Compass presentation is part of the firm’s initiative to fa-miliarize accounting students with the issues and decision-making process that goes with working at a major accounting firm like KPMG. In determining the appropriate action, the firm stressed reliance on both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ and their own code of conduct.

player and help out. Finally, members from Beta Alpha Psi got into the action and acted out their own scene provided by the firm. The scene, which showed a senior executive recruiting a staff member from the external auditor, drew laughs and jeers from the audience. In the end, each scene was

dissected to determine ethical

lapses—from conflicts of interest

to lack of independence and

objectivity. The goal: to guide

students to make smarter, more

ethical decisions.

Deloitte

Audit Partner,

Tony Giro

Ronnie

Figueroa,

Bachelor of

Accounting

December

2013

With that level of commitment and promise, it’s no wonder why Deloitte remains so successful in attractive FIU’s most talented stu-dents.

P A G E 7 V O L U M E V , I S S U E I

On October 5th 2012, McGladrey, the U.S 5th largest provider of assurance, tax and consulting services conducted a presentation for FIU members and candidates of Beta Alpha Psi and ALPFA. The students in atten-dance definitely enjoyed a very interactive and informational meet-ing. McGladrey provided informa-tion about the many tools that can be used to have a successful in-terview, as well as a successful and professional career. They discussed the importance of ver-bal and body language, even the importance of a good handshake. We enjoyed various activities such as role playing with our peers dif-ferent interview scenarios by pointing out some do’s and don’ts. Some students even had an op-portunity to practice their Elevator Speech in front of students and the firm’s associates, recruiters, and partners. McGladrey lead the meeting showing what they are mostly

known for; their personal touch and how much they care for those that they service. We want to thank them for taking the time out of their busy schedule to come and assist students with tools that will help them improve their cur-rent and future careers. This goes a long way as we will use what was taught as stepping stones to improve ourselves as we continue our paths towards a professional career.

and accounting firms. With over 850 personnel, and a profit in-crease of 13% in the past year, CB&H is very optimistic in its future plans to expand opera-tions and continue its upward trend in profit. Following CB&H’s advanta-geous presentation, the firm provided an entertaining and engaging round of Jeopardy, in which 4 BAP candidates exclu-sively competed for a $100 visa gift card. The game proved to be both fun and educational. The entire audience was exuberantly on their feet, as they inconspicu-ously attempted to give the com-peting candidates hints to the correct answers. Ultimately, all four competitors received at least a $50 gift card, and six $10 starbucks cards were raffled off to the audience, consequently

On the evening of Friday, October 26, BAP candidates and members were truly hum-bled in having the highly es-teemed CPA and consulting firm, Cherry, Bekaert, & Hol-land, L.L.P. (CB&H), provide an insightful presentation regarding the firm’s unique position in the accounting realm. CB&H was formed in 1947, and has since provided high-quality financial and management services to a diverse range of successful mid-market clients. CB&H is recog-nized as one the largest regional CPA firms headquartered in the Southeastern United States. In addition, CB&H is able to stretch its resource network nationally and internationally through their alliance with Baker Tilly Interna-tional ltd., which is an associa-tion of independent consulting

supplying much needed caffeine to students pre-paring for mid-term exams. For BAP, it was truly an honor to have CB&H pro-vide such a beneficial and amusing evening worth remem-bering.

Sean Colon,

Bachelor of

Accounting

Spring 2013

Marisa Guia,

Bachelor of

Accounting

Spring 2013