The Georgia Society of CPAs Hosts Annual Rising Professionals Program to Inspire Future Accounting Leaders

ATLANTA, GA -– The Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants (GSCPA) proudly hosted its annual Rising Professionals Program, an immersive, hands-on event designed to inspire high school students to explore the many opportunities within the accounting profession.

Since its inception in 2015, known then as SHARP by Smith & Howard, the Rising Professionals Program has evolved into one of GSCPA’s cornerstone initiatives for workforce development and career awareness. GSCPA has hosted the event at its Atlanta headquarters since 2016, offering students a first-hand look at the exciting and wide-ranging world of accounting. This year’s program was held on-site at the Forvis Mazars building in downtown Atlanta.

This year’s program stood out as the strongest yet, welcoming nearly 80 students from 13 high schools across Georgia. Selection for the program was based on teacher recommendations, emphasizing each student’s interest in accounting and demonstrated leadership and community involvement.

The day began with a welcome session led by Evelyn Rosier of T.O.P. Solutions Group, Khari Rosier of EY, and Jon Tomberlin of Forvis Mazars, who emphasized the importance of integrity, mentorship, and representation in the accounting profession.

Students then heard from Josh Sanders of PwC, who offered an engaging “Day in the Life of a CPA” presentation that walked students through the dynamic nature of accounting work in a global firm.

The event also featured an interactive “Pins and Straws” leadership activity led by Kendra LaFleur of Forvis Mazars, where students learned the importance of collaboration, communication, and adaptability in problem-solving.

During the Lunch and Panel Discussion, students heard personal career stories, lessons, and advice from an accomplished group of professionals:

  • Miranda Coleman, Windham Brannon
  • Payton Thompson, Forvis Mazars
  • Saniah Middlebrooks, Student at Kennesaw State University
  • Evelyn Rosier, T.O.P. Solutions Group
  • Khari Rosier, EY
  • Gabe Santos, Wipfli

Throughout the day, students were evaluated by Chris Conrad of Smith & Howard and Theresa Treadwell Scales of the Robert W. Woodruff Library at the Atlanta University Center, who recognized those demonstrating exceptional leadership, teamwork, and engagement during the program. The success of this program is made possible through the generous support of our sponsors:

  • Aprio
  • Cromwell Baun
  • Forvis Mazars
  • Mauldin & Jenkins
  • McNair, McLemore, Middlebrooks & Co.
  • PwC
  • Smith & Howard
  • The Georgia Society of CPAs
  • Wipfli

GSCPA continues to expand outreach to Georgia high schools and strengthen its pipeline initiatives to attract the next generation of accounting professionals. For future Rising Professionals events, GSCPA is seeking volunteers, speakers, and scholarship sponsors.

For more information, contact Callie Hammond at chammond@gscpa.org or 404-504-2953.

About The Georgia Society of CPAs (GSCPA)
The Georgia Society of CPAs is the premier professional organization for CPAs in the state of Georgia. With nearly 12,500 members throughout the state, the purpose of GSCPA is to achieve excellence by providing superior advocacy, leadership, service, lifelong learning, and personal and professional development opportunities. For more information, visit www.gscpa.org. 

 

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