At Goodman, the Brock University Accounting Students’ Association (ASA) serves as the headquarters for all things accounting. The club coordinates and hosts events, conferences and competitions that help Goodman accounting students prepare for a future in the accounting profession. We chatted with ASA President Neil Bourque about all things ASA, including clubs, conferences, and what it is really like being a club president.
Why did you decide to get involved with ASA?
It was not until my second year at Brock that I discovered I wanted to focus my studies on accounting. Upon realizing this, I began researching what my options were for extracurricular involvement and the ASA emerged as an option. However at the time I was unable to make any sort of significant time commitment due to co-op placements and going on exchange. Therefore I attended a couple of ASA run events which were very informative and provided more insight on the accounting profession. Returning for my final year I wanted to be involved in the ASA so that I could give back to the students beginning University at Brock.
What skills have you developed as the president of a student club?
I have developed a variety of skills over the year through the role of ASA president. Time management was a crucial skill I needed to perfect as I had to manage an executive team, my courses and any additional extra-curriculars. Communication was a skill that came from learning more about time management. As I learned more about my position and the ASA portfolio of events it became clear that I needed to establish effective methods of communication with my team in order to function as efficiently as possible together. There are a variety of other skills I developed over my year as president but none as significant as time management and communication.
The ASA’s flagship event is the annual Brock University Accounting Conference that is held each fall semester. What made this year’s edition such a success?
This year’s Accounting Conference was a great success thanks to our organizing committee and all of their tireless efforts. It was their hard work and dedication that brought 15 strong accounting teams from all over Ontario to compete for the title in the Junior and Senior divisions. Having Goodman win the Junior division of this competition is a great accomplishment for our accounting program. This year we added a networking feature to the event which the delegates enjoyed. The organizing committee invited the sponsors to attend the event to have a chance to meet some of the brightest accounting students in the province. This feature was a great addition to what BUAC has been in the past. Going forward we hope to see this competition grow to a larger capacity.
What should first and second year Goodman students know about March 29th’s Break the Case- the Junior Case competition?
Case competitions provide an opportunity to take the skills learned in the classroom and apply them to real life situations. Break the Case is a great introduction to case competitions for all business students in both first and second year. First and second year BAcc and BBA students can expect a day where they get to know their fellow peers while competing in an engaging and entertaining environment.
The Goodman School of Business attends a variety of different external case competitions annually nationwide. Those who participate in Break the Case this year will have an advantage over their peers when applying for external case competitions next year.
Applications for the competition will be posted on CareerZone as of February 10th.
It is your last year at Goodman and you’ll be graduating very soon. Looking back, what was the highlight of your time as ASA president?
Looking over the year I believe the highlight was attending the Distinguished Leader event held in October with Ned Goodman. Every year a leader from the business community is highlighted in an event at Brock University for students to learn from them. As ASA president I had the opportunity to sit in on an exclusive lecture given by Mr. Goodman. Listening and learning from such a business leader was an experience I will not forget.
