Westminster College Hosts Accounting Professional Speaker Series, Welcomes Jennifer Cidila of Carbis Walker Firm

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Jennifer Cidila, CPA and partner at Carbis Walker, LLC, spoke to Westminster College senior accounting students as part of the Westminster Professional Speakers Series in March.

The series was held to inform students of professional opportunities and broaden their knowledge of the public accounting field.

"Mrs. Cidila is a role model for all women who want to be successful in certified public accounting," said Abigail Schulz. "She described to us how she balances her work and family life. She was very encouraging with tips and advice for our first year on the job."

Schulz, an accounting and business administration major, is a daughter of Richard and Susan Schulz of Saxonburg and a graduate of Hampton High School.

"Jennifer was able to connect with our students in a unique way on the pertinent issue of work-life balance and its importance to long-term career satisfaction," said Jesse Ligo, Jr., professor of accounting and 1982 Westminster graduate.

"It was a privilege to be asked to speak to this year's accounting capstone class," Cidila said. "I hope I was able to provide valuable insight of what a rewarding career public accounting can be and how through hard work, diligence, and flexibility your goals can be achieved."

The students are from the "Auditing II - Emerging Issues in Financial Reporting and Auditing" course. The course is a study of regulatory concepts, statements, and opinions regarding the measurement and presentation of financial information. Issues related to the practice of professional accounting are explored through research and presentations. The course also includes preparation for the CPA exam, information on requirements for registering for the CPA, information on graduate school, and field trips to experience various business settings. This course serves as the capstone for the accounting major.

The final component of liberal studies is the senior capstone course. The capstone is at least a four-semester-hour course within the major designed to provide an opportunity for students to evaluate and assess the strengths and limitations of their major field. Additionally, the capstone experience permits opportunity for structured reflection on the value of education in and beyond the major and provides another chance to strengthen communication and problem-solving skills.

Contact Ligo at (724) 946-7167 or email for additional information. 

Jennifer Cidila speaks to senior accounting students