Ernst & Young Representatives Speak to National Association of Black Accountants at UA
Members of the global accounting firm Ernst &Young were recently on campus to speak to The University of Alabama chapter of the National Association of Black Accountants about the importance of diversity in the workplace and what to expect in the ‘real world.’
Allen Boston and Ken Bouyer of Ernst & Young were the speakers at the meeting for UA students.
Boston, a partner at Ernst & Young in charge of minority recruitment and an employee of 37 years, spoke about the need for diversity in the workplace. Boston also spoke about the importance of thinking globally.
“We need to be focused on finding new talent in places we have not looked before,” Boston said, “We aim to be an inclusive organization that better serves our clients.”
Boston advised the students to focus on the global economy. “The minute you leave these walls [UA] your mindset has to be global,” he said, “The action is abroad in places like India and China.”
Bouyer led the second part of the presentation by giving the NABA chapter a pep talk and giving them advice about the ‘real world’ of accounting.
Bouyer is a National Director for the Business Risk Services at Ernst & Young and the immediate past president of Beta Alpha Psi, an honorary organization for financial information students and professionals.
Boyer told the NABA chapter that their organization is important and that they should focus on the legacy they hope to leave future members.
Boyer told the group that he was willing to donate $5,000 to the UA chapter if they were able to come up with a strategy to make their chapter better. “We are professionals and it is important that we do what we can to give back,” he said.
The crowd went silent after the news of the donation and some members cried out of joy.
“I was overwhelmed by Ernst & Young’s efforts to come down. We are so grateful for their interest and time. Allen Boston and Ken Bouyer are phenomenal people and very supportive of UA. We are currently writing a proposal to take advantage of the $5,000 offer,” said Lisa McKinney, UA accounting faculty member and adviser to NABA.
Ashley Allen, a UA senior from Prattville majoring in management information sciences, said that she was excited to see the speakers because she plans to work for Ernst &Young after graduation.
“NABA is not just for accounting majors. All black students from the business school are welcome to join,” added Deandra Taylor, a senior accounting major from Birmingham.
UA’s chapter of NABA is 2 years old and has some 40 members.