The demand for accounting graduates is growing across the U.S., and the same trend exists here in Thibodaux.According to a survey done by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), accounting is one of the top 10 degrees in demand and USA Today says that accounting is one of the hottest jobs on the market.

“I would say that there’s a high demand for qualified accounting graduates,” Dana Mauldin, head of the accounting and business law department, said. “We’re constantly being called because of the increase in activity. Although there’s a strong demand locally, there’s an even stronger demand in larger metropolitan areas.”

Michelle Croney, who graduated this past December from Nicholls, says that Nicholls has helped her tremendously with her accounting career.

“The accounting staff at Nicholls is a great group of individuals. There are plenty of times I had a question about either school or work and another accounting teacher who I was not in a class with would help me regardless,” Croney said. “Dr. (Michael) Chaisson and Dr. (Kevin) Breaux were always good candidates to bounce ideas off of. I also felt like they were looking for ways to help me make my future count and get Nicholls recognized as producing great accountants.”

According to Mauldin, there are several different departments in which an accountant can work. Some of those departments include auditing, taxation, internal auditing and management advisory services. Mauldin added that there is an increase in demand, especially for auditing professionals.

“The increase in auditing professionals is a direct result of recent audit failures such as Enron, WorldCom, etc.,” Mauldin said.

Approximately 210 students at Nicholls are accounting majors and 70 percent of Nicholls accounting graduates go into public accounting, working for CPA firms, Mauldin said.

The demand for accountants is not the only factor in why people are choosing the profession.

“I like math and it’s a stable, solid job,” Colwell said.

“I always liked playing with numbers, and I like a little detective work, and with accounting you get to do both,” Croney also said.

“It was through Nicholls that I had the opportunity to intern at Entergy, which the experiences I got there were invaluable,” she said. “Dr. Mauldin spoke to the Director of Postlethwaite & Netterville, Lonnie Stockwell, about me graduating (and asked) if he could send my resume. I can’t thank Dr. Mauldin or God enough for putting me in touch with Lonnie Stockwell. I think the main thing is that all the accounting staff really wants everyone to succeed, and they go above and beyond to help make that happen.