ShawU biz school students developing practical skillset

RALEIGH — There’s a crew of Shaw University students with a practical skill for such a time as this.

April 15 — the deadline for filing income taxes — is approaching. Student after student after student in the Shaw University Department of Management and Accounting don’t sweat that, because most of them emerge from their course of study having passed the Internal Revenue Service’s test to become certified tax preparers.

It’s a handy piece to have in the toolkit.

In fact, a team of students has prepared 2023 income tax returns for taxpayers in the community as volunteers at Shaw University’s official Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) site. VITA is an IRS initiative supporting free tax preparation for underserved individuals. Those whose household income is $64,000 or less and need their taxes done should email vita@shawu.edu or call 919-719-1995 to set up an appointment. Shaw University students prepare returns on Tuesdays and Thursdays through April 4. Certified public accountants review what the students prep.

“Some clients have had their taxes prepared by our students three years in a row,” said Lynette Wood, Ph.D., dean of the Shaw University School of Business and Professional Studies, which includes the Department of Management and Accounting. “Though the curriculum is rigorous, this department consistently houses the largest major at the university. The faculty in that area are committed to preparing students for successful careers, consistent with the mission of the business school.”

Cassandra Burney, who has a doctorate degree in business administration, teaches the tax course at Shaw University and coordinates the VITA site.

“The students participating in the VITA program have three certifications: the standard of conduct, quality review and the basic level, which covers tax topics such as deductions, credits, retirement income and investment income,” Burney said. “Their commitment to accuracy and attention to detail is truly impressive, ensuring that each client receives the best possible service. The VITA program not only benefits those receiving assistance but also provides valuable real-world experience for the students involved.”

Shaw University junior Janiyah Hagood, who is majoring in business administration-management, said, “Obtaining the VITA certification has impacted me by allowing me to be exposed to and explore the opportunities in the tax-preparer profession. It has helped me grow as a young woman in the professional and real world.”

Tax prep is just one component of the business administration-management major at Shaw University. Students learn the full spectrum of business, and the education puts them on the path toward becoming financial analysts, accountants or entrepreneurs. The department’s faculty combine academic and experiential learning with strategic partnerships and active civic engagement.

“They regularly go outside of the classroom and office to connect with their students,” Wood said. “The sacrifice is resulting in more competent and confident business majors who are securing coveted, high-paying internships at some of the largest firms in the world.”

Those firms include Deloitte and KPMG.