Monash students make it count at global competition
August 29 2024
Accounting students from Monash's Xi Epsilon chapter.
Accounting students from Monash Business School dazzled at a prestigious global competition, returning with a trio of awards in highly competitive categories.
Monash’s Xi Epsilon chapter outclassed delegates from top universities worldwide at the annual conference for Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) - an international honour society for high-achieving accounting, finance, and information systems students and professionals.
Co-presidents Aditya Jain and Mitchell Dorling, incoming presidents Patrick Kewin and Smriti Soni, and team member Alyssa Giuliano represented the chapter at the three-day event in Orlando, Florida.
Their crowning achievement was securing the coveted KPMG Platinum Challenge Award, BAP’s highest recognition, earned by just 10 out of more than 300 competing chapters.
Lecturer and Xi Epsilon faculty advisor Dr Daniela Juric said Monash Business School had now clinched the award an impressive four times.
“This achievement is even more remarkable considering our chapter was only established in 2017,” she said.
Outstanding community achievements recognised
Beta Alpha Psi Xi Epsilon president Mitchell Dorling said this year’s win celebrated the chapter’s outstanding community engagement efforts, highlighted in a compelling five-minute video showcasing their social impact initiatives.
He said the group had focused on initiatives they knew members would value.
“Interest in volunteering through our partnerships with Mums Supporting Families In Need (MSFIN) is at new heights, and events like our Oracle workshop series and our successful inclusive leadership series came from member demand,” he said.
“Aditya and I could not be prouder of the Xi Epsilon committee, especially our Competitions Director Jeremiah Galabadaarachchi, for all the hard work that went into our successful submission.”
Professional development podcast
The chapter’s commitment to professional development was also acknowledged with a second-place finish in the Deloitte Best Practices Competition for their ‘Make it Count’ Podcast - a platform focused on empowering professional relationships.
Dr Juric said the student-led podcast challenged traditional perceptions of accounting.
“Accounting is no longer just about the numbers; it’s about participating in the decision-making process - we’re not just the bean counters anymore,” she said.
“We are so fortunate at Monash Business School to have the resources to support such initiatives. Many smaller universities can’t provide the level of professional development we offer.”
International student workshops
The chapter also earned third place in the EY Inclusive Leadership Award for its innovative workshops for international students.
“These were a multitude of workshops designed to improve understanding of biases and boost employability, concluding with a celebration of diversity where students shared treats from their homeland with one another,” Mr Jain said.
Dr Juric said the team’s success was the result of months of hard work.
“The students work tirelessly throughout the academic year to create workshops that offer fantastic professional development opportunities,” she said.
“They are so dedicated and it’s great to see their efforts rewarded.”
Head of Accounting, Professor Michaela Rankin, praised the team’s achievements.
“I would particularly like to acknowledge the ongoing leadership and support provided to our Beta Alpha Psi Chapter by Daniela Juric, whose guidance and dedication to the program and our students played a significant role in the continued success of the team,” Prof Rankin said.
Learn more about Monash Business School’s Department of Accounting