May 22, 2024

Ferris State Accountancy students give to community, receive learning opportunity as volunteer tax preparers

Fifteen Ferris State University Accountancy students put their learning to good use during the Spring 2024 semester serving the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program based at the Big Rapids MichiganWorks! office. 

Assistant professor of Accountancy Emily Zoet guided the students as they met with senior citizen clients and low and moderate-income residents who qualified for assistance filing their returns. 

“Our ‘Federal Income Tax-Individual’ course is offered each fall,” Zoet said. “This is the fifth year I have sought students’ assistance as VITA volunteers the following semester. They understand the value of applying their learning in a ‘real world’ circumstance.” 

Zoet said these volunteers recognize they can offer a significant service to the community. The experience might be an attractive addition to their resumes. 

“This program also offers the students an opportunity to experience interaction with clients,” Zoet said. “It is their responsibility to explain their work, have professional exchanges with the person about their return and follow through on the process to its conclusion. Through this effort, they experience and develop ‘soft skills’ before they hire into an accounting firm or start their own tax business.” 

Ferris State offers Accountancy studies through an Associate of Applied Science curriculum, a Bachelor of Science degree, an Accountancy minor, and dual majors with Accountancy/Computer Information Systems and Accountancy/Finance. Computerized Business Applications and Forensic Accounting certificates are available through the College of Business.