January 24, 2020

RI Society of CPA’s RealJobs RI Accounting & Financial Collaborative Training Program celebrated the completion of its second cohort with a graduation luncheon for students held January 17th. . The Collaborative provides training to students to enhance workforce skills and leadership potential for college juniors and seniors pursuing financial sector jobs in Rhode Island. The program, which has been very successful, creates a pipeline of talent to fill a critical shortage of jobs in the accounting and financial services industries in Rhode Island.

Cranston Mayor Allan Fung was the guest of honor at the luncheon and students were thrilled to have the opportunity to interact with him and demonstrate the professional skills they learned throughout the training.

Paulette Hamilton, Lt. Governor McKee’s Deputy Chief of Staff, also attended and surprised the students with an offer to visit Lt. Governor McKee at the State House to celebrate their achievement. Treasurer Seth Magaziner provided special citations and once again served as a “VIP” trainer during the session to discuss issues including financial literacy and student loans. RISCPA would like to thank Pat Thompson, Partner, Piccerelli Gilstein & Co., Karl Wadensten, CEO, VIBCO for volunteering his time as a “VIP trainer” and would like to recognize Dave Chenevert, Executive Director, RI Manufacturers Association and Carmen Diaz, Strategic Initiative Officer, RI Foundation for their support for the program. In addition to an anonymous donation made to each student, all students received honorary memberships to RI Society of CPAs to further their career development and mentorship opportunities.

RISCPA has received an overwhelming amount of correspondence from students who have completed the program and the impact it has had on their future and career potential. We are grateful to everyone who made this program possible including Scott Jensen and Jessica Mayernik and the team at the RI Department of Labor & Training.