Southern Miss School of Accountancy Event Connects Students with Employers

Mon, 09/21/2026 - 09:35am | By: Michela Guidali-Sexton

The School of Accountancy at The University of Southern Mississippi welcomed 30 accounting firms, businesses, and professional organizations to the Hattiesburg campus for its annual Meet the Firms event held Thursday, September 10. The event gives students direct access to professionals recruiting for internships and full-time positions while introducing them to the range of career paths available with an accounting degree.

More than 250 people participated, including close to 170 Southern Miss accounting students.

“We are grateful to the firms and organizations for investing their time in our students’ futures,” said Dr. Blaise Sonnier, director of the School of Accountancy. “These employers do more than recruit talent; they help students explore career paths, build professional relationships and take important steps toward internships and full-time employment. We deeply appreciate their partnership and the confidence they place in the talent and preparation of Southern Miss accounting students.”

Held early in the fall semester, Meet the Firms allows students at different stages of their academic careers to begin building relationships with employers, learn more about organizations and career opportunities, and gain experience navigating the professional recruiting process. For participating employers, the event provides an opportunity to identify and connect with Southern Miss talent.

“Meet the Firms is such an important event because it brings students and employers together in a meaningful way and helps students see the many opportunities a career in accounting can offer,” said Karen C. Moody, CPA, CGMA, president and CEO of the Mississippi Society of CPAs and a Southern Miss alumna who attends the event annually. “For employers, it is an opportunity to meet talented students who will become the future of our profession.”

“As a proud Southern Miss alumna and someone who has the privilege of serving the accounting profession through the Mississippi Society of CPAs, I know firsthand how important it is to invest in the next generation,” said Moody. “I am proud to see the Southern Miss School of Accountancy creating these connections and giving students meaningful opportunities to build relationships that can shape their careers.”

The event is coordinated by Julia Bradley, instructor and director of Firm Relations, and Amber Hatten, professor of practice.

Participating Firms/Organizations included:

• BDO USA
• Becker
• Beta Alpha Psi
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi
• BMSS, LLC
• Carr, Riggs, & Ingram
• Community Bank
• Ergon, Inc.
• Ernst & Young
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Forvis Mazar
• GranthamPoole LLC
• Hancock Whitney
• Harper, Rains, Knight & Company
• Hol-Mac Corporation
• Holt & Associates, PLLC
• LBMC
• Matthews, Curter & Lindsay, P.A.
• Mississippi Department of Revenue
• Mississippi Office of the State Auditor
• Mississippi Power
• Mississippi Society of CPAs
• Parish Tractor Company
• Piltz, Williams, LaRosa & Company
• Renasant Bank
• Silas Simmons, LLP
• TMH
• Warren Averett
• Watkins, Ward and Stafford, PLLC
• Wilkins Miller

Learn more about the programs and faculty in the School of Accountancy at Southern Miss.

About the College of Business and Economic Development 
The College of Business and Economic Development at The University of Southern Mississippi prepares students for success through applied learning, leadership development and nationally recognized academic programs. The AACSB-accredited college offers undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs, including an MBA program that has been consistently ranked among leading programs by U.S. News & World Report and Fortune. Experiential learning is central to the college’s approach. Students gain real-world experience through client-based projects, internships, and employer engagement, supported by industry partners and an active alumni network. Located in Scianna Hall, the college provides access to specialized resources including the Center for Entrepreneurship, App Development Lab, Finance Lab, and Professional Sales Lab, where students develop in-demand skills through hands-on application and national competition.