USM School of Accountancy Alumnus Kasal Wins Bronze Medal on CPA Exam for State of Mississippi

Wed, 01/24/2024 - 01:33pm | By: Van Arnold

University of Southern Mississippi (USM) alumnus Joseph Kasal was among the top three highest scorers in the State of Mississippi and joined a distinguished list of USM medal winners when he received the Silas M. Simmons Bronze Medal for his performance on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination, as administered by the Mississippi State Board of Public Accountancy.

Kasal, a native of Mobile, Ala., earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree in accounting from USM in 2015, graduating with honors. He joined HORNE’s Mobile office in 2016 and currently serves as a senior assurance manager in HORNE’s Construction group. He specializes in offering consulting and advisory services to contractors, bonding agents, attorneys, and sureties.

Kasal notes that during his time studying accounting at USM he gained practical skills that proved invaluable in tackling real-world challenges.

“Winning the Bronze Medal for passing the CPA exam is a testament to the solid preparation I received from the professors in the program,” said Kasal. “USM not only equipped me with knowledge, but also instilled the confidence to apply it effectively. This achievement is a reflection of the professors’ and program's effectiveness in preparing students for success in the accounting field. I am excited about the opportunities ahead in the financial world.”

While at USM, Kasal was a member of Beta Alpha Psi accounting academic honor organization and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Kasal began his USM career as a construction engineering technology major and took several related classes before ultimately completing a degree in accounting. Kasal is currently a member of the Alabama Association of General Contractors and the Alabama Associated Builders and Contractors organizations.

“We are so proud of Joseph for achieving this outstanding accomplishment and for being such a great representative of the USM School of Accountancy,” said Amber Hatten, Professor of Practice and Kasal’s accounting teacher. “Joseph was a pleasure to have in class. His experience while a student at USM allowed him to pursue two of his interests simultaneously, completing classes in both accounting and construction, and he has been able to provide his clients in HORNE’s construction practice with the highest level of professional service as a result. We are happy that his academic foundation at Southern Miss prepared him for success within his professional career and on the CPA exam, and we look forward to great things for him in the years to come.”

The Silas M. Simmons Bronze Medal is awarded each year by the Mississippi Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA). Founded in 1920, the MSCPA is the largest professional organization serving the needs of Mississippi CPAs and aspiring CPAs. With a membership of more than 2,700, the MSCPA represents the majority of Mississippi CPAs in public practice, business & industry, government, and education.

The USM School of Accountancy takes pride in preparing its students for professional careers in accounting and success on the CPA exam and holding separate accounting accreditation by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), placing the accounting program among only one percent of schools worldwide offering a degree in business that hold separate AACSB accounting accreditation. The School of Accountancy offers both the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting undergraduate degree and the Master of Professional Accountancy (MPA) graduate degree.

To learn more about accounting degrees at USM, contact the School of Accountancy with the College of Business and Economic Development at 601.266.4659.