Why CPAs matter in the classroom

It was the 1980s, and 12-year-old Damon DeSue sat in a California classroom listening to a CPA talk about their career. The accountant’s career didn’t scare Damon, but rather piqued his interest in the profession. He learned about the lack of minority representation, the benefits, and how he could use his middle school math skills in his future job.

Ever since that career day, Damon knew he wanted to be an accountant. He earned his bachelor’s in accounting from East Carolina University and his master’s from the University of Georgia. His now 28-year career has spanned stints in public accounting as well as corporate; he previous served as director of tax financial reporting and compliance for Dollar Tree Stores and is now global tax controller at PRA Group in Hampton Roads. He even served as VSCPA chair of the Board of Directors in 2011–2012.  

The career day accountant had such an impact on Damon that he now wants to pay it forward through the VSCPA’s CPAs in the Classroom program. Damon has been a VSCPA member for almost two decades and found himself wanting to share his knowledge other students, just like he experienced decades ago.

In the CPAs in the Classroom program, VSCPA members visit middle or high school spaces to share information and ask questions students have about the profession. CPAs can request to reach out to their local school to host a visit or schools can request a visit from the VSCPA.

Damon worked with VSCPA staff members to get the visit started between him and a school in Hampton Roads. Through a six-month process, Damon was able to find himself in a classroom again, although not in the way he might have initially expected.

The visit did not mirror what Damon experienced in California, but he enjoyed the interactions and was surprised, nonetheless. The school he visited had prepared a game-like presentation, where Damon and his colleague were the judges. This game emulated Quiz Bowl, which according to the National Academic Quiz Tournaments, is a game in which two teams compete head-to-head to answer questions. The groups of students were instructed to pick a company and analyze their finances, to see if and why they would be a good company to invest in.

Damon was very impressed with Natalie Rice, who instructed the group of students to create the presentations. Natalie, a business and information technology teacher at Hampton City Schools, came into teaching with a few years of previous accounting experience.

“It’s all about if teachers have energy,” Damon said. “Natalie Rice had energy … she’s very focused on students and getting them exposed early.”

Damon believes that everyone can positively affect future generations and the CPA profession.

“I don’t believe it's just a reliance on the professors at universities to be responsible for the profession’s pipeline as a whole,” said Damon. “It’s going to require those who are out in practice today who need to be involved and engaged.”

Damon said it’s no different than going out and trying to find a new client and building a relationship.

“We need those professionals who are willing to go out of their normal day-to-day and build these relationships,” Damon said. “You need to sell the profession.”

Interested in volunteering with CPAs in the Classroom? 

Through CPAs in the Classroom, middle and high school students can hear firsthand from professionals like you about the exciting world of accounting. Learn more and see how you can speak to a class of students near you!