Accounting Student Evgeniia Belajac Named PICPA Outstanding Senior Student Profile

Meet Evgeniia Belajac '22

Job Title & Employer

Bank reconciliation accountant , Allegheny County Treasurer Office

Major

Accounting

College Activities

Treasurer of the Student Accounting Association

Hometown

Chelyabinsk, Russia

Now Living In

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Hobbies & Interests

Photography, fitness, reading and movies

Point Park University's Student Accounting Association recently welcomed Jennifer Cryder, CEO of the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), to campus for a discussion about accounting careers and to award student Evgeniia Belajac the honor of PICPA Outstanding Senior. 

"To be selected to receive such a prestigious award is a true honor," said Belajac, who was chosen based on her academic achievements and interest in the accounting profession. "With this award, I welcome the responsibility of continuing the legacy of Point Park University, and I hope to continue to do my best in the accounting field." 

During her visit, Cryder joined President Don Green and accounting students for a tour of Point Park and was impressed by the campus culture and dedicated faculty and staff.

Evgeniia Belajac '22 and Jennifer Cryder, PICPA CEO

"The CPA profession is eager to see talented students like those at Point Park University join their ranks," Cryder said. "It is a varied and dynamic profession that plays a vital part in everyone’s financial security by providing the trust and clarity we need to make good decisions. Wherever there are families and businesses who need expert advice and sound judgement, CPAs are there serving others."

In the Q&A below, hear from Belajac about how Point Park is setting her up for career success in the accounting field.

Why did you choose Point Park's accounting program?

I knew Point Park would help me succeed academically and socially. The University has many connections with local businesses, making it easy to acquire internships and possible job opportunities. It also has an outstanding academic quality and reputation. Another reason why I chose Point Park is its location in Downtown Pittsburgh. West Penn Hall, home to the Rowland School of Business, has a prime location in the city's center. It is very convenient.

How has the accounting program prepared you for the field?

The accounting program offers courses that are critical to preparing for tomorrow's world, covering many facets of the field. Throughout my time at Point Park, I was able to master critical thinking, apply accounting skills to various business challenges and gain valuable team-based experience. Constant communication with professors has also accelerated my progress. The Point Park accounting program has helped me advance in my role with the Allegheny County Treasurer Office. The skills and concepts I learned in the classroom helped me demonstrate that I could fulfill a variety of job responsibilities, and I was promoted to bank reconciliation accountant.

Are there any specific faculty members who have had a positive impact on your Point Park experience?

I cannot fully express my gratitude to the professors for all the knowledge and support I received throughout my educational journey at Point Park. Professors Elaine Luther, D.Sc., Margaret Gilfillan, CPA, MBA, and Richard Neish, CPA, MBA, all had a tremendous impact on me. Professor Jayne Olshanski, CPA, MBA, has done a great job of supporting, guiding and educating me. I don't think there are many universities where you can forge such valuable, personal relationships with faculty as you can here at Point Park.

How did your participation in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance course enhance your education?

VITA was an amazing experience! I always advocate for giving back to the community through volunteering, and VITA was the perfect choice for me. The program offers a crash course in basic tax law, practice with professional tax software, interaction with taxpayers and more. After completing VITA, I was very confident in my knowledge of tax law, soft skills and especially in my ability to work in a team and manage team members.

What are your career goals?

More About: Student Accounting Association, success story, accounting, Rowland School of Business, faculty