Olivia Bischoff ’09, M’10 excels at working with numbers, and where her performance is concerned, those numbers are off the charts.
Bischoff took the four-part uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam between February and November 2014. She was working at Westfield State as a staff assistant in the business office at the time, but since earning her CPA designation, she was promoted to payroll manager.
Bischoff’s high scores on the very difficult examination qualified her for the Elijah Watt Sells Award, bestowed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and considered the most sought-after and respected award given in the accounting profession.
Only about half those who take the four-part CPA exam pass. And only five ten-thousandths—or .05 percent—of those who pass earn the Elijah Watt Sells Award. In 2013, only 55 out of 94,000 exam takers won the award.
To be award eligible, exam takers must complete all four sections within a calendar year and pass each section on their first attempt. Bischoff did just that. Her results were so impressive, in fact, that she also was acknowledged as the highest scorer in Massachusetts and was recognized with first honors by the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accounts.
“I knew that the exam was incredibly difficult, so I put all of my energy into studying for it,” says Bischoff, who earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting at the University in 2009 and a master’s in accountancy in 2010.
The Monson native studied at Westfield State because “I wanted a quality education that I could afford,” she says.
She began as a social work major but quickly changed direction once she took her first accounting course. “I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers, so I thought I’d try an accounting course,” she recalls. “After my first accounting class with Professor Christine Irujo, I knew it was the field in which I belonged.”
Irujo, associate professor of economics and management, says she was pleased to hear that Bischoff won the award, but it did not surprise her.
“I always knew she had it in her,” she says.
“Olivia had the maturity to know how important a good education would be in helping her succeed in her chosen career,” Irujo adds. “She took advantage of everything we had to offer her at Westfield State so that she would be well prepared when it was time for her to take the CPA exam.”
While a student at the University, Bischoff was a tutor and a graduate assistant in the Disability Services Department. In addition to being the president of the accounting club during her master’s program, Bischoff also provided tutoring to other accounting students.
“I also participated in the accounting mentoring program for two years, and it was a great resource,” says Bischoff. The program pairs students with accounting professionals, which provides students with an opportunity to ask questions and make networking connections. Bischoff has come full circle—she has recently been asked to be an accounting mentor herself.
“While many of my friends opted for private colleges, I am a big supporter of public education. I think success is all about what you put into your education, no matter where you receive it,” Bischoff says. “I had great professors and a lot of resources, support and opportunities. I want future students to know that you can get a top-notch education at a public university. I know I did.”
Bischoff’s love of accounting may someday lead her to teaching.
“I love accounting. In any sector of accounting, you’re going to become specialized, but I enjoy all aspects of accounting,” she says. “If I were to teach, I’d be able to stay connected to a variety of accounting subjects. I also love working with students. Tutoring was very rewarding when students’ eyes would light up, and they understood what they had been struggling with.”
Bischoff says professors Michelle Maggio and Erin Moore, Ph.D., were also key in her ability to achieve.
“Their classes gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to be successful on the CPA exam and in my career,” she says. “They provided me with guidance over the years when I needed direction. I am fortunate to call these women my teachers, mentors and friends.”
