Tax Day had just passed. Accountants had had just about enough, so it was well past time to blow off a little steam.
Snacks, cold beverages and an afternoon at the driving range was just what the lawyer ordered.
An organization of younger – newly licensed or about-to-be licensed – accountants met for networking and fun at Top Golf on Guilford College Road in Greensboro, with Bennett Guthrie picking up the tab.
Mackenzie Williams, membership and engagement coordinator for the Cary-based NC Association of Certified Public Accountants, said that the event was done by design.
“We’ve been intentionally finding ways to make networking more interactive, alongside our more traditional networking events at breweries or similar venues,” she said. “Events with an activity can make networking feel more approachable and natural, especially for younger professionals who may have less experience with professional networking opportunities.”
She added that pairing young accountants with business lawyers makes sense.
“From the accounting perspective, these events are important because they help young professionals build relationships, strengthen their local professional community, and create connections outside of just the workplace,” said Williams.” Sponsors play a big role in making interactive events like this possible from a budgetary standpoint, and I believe the sponsorship value comes from bringing together a group of engaged professionals.
“This event also highlighted the importance and value of cross-professional networking by bringing together both lawyers and accounting professionals. There is so much overlap between the professions, and building a network beyond your own profession can be incredibly valuable.”
In all, 20 young accountants, some from big firms, some from solo practices and some from N.C. A&T State University and High Point University and a few from the accountants’ association, joined the fun, as did Rebekah Morrison, Erik Harvey, Savannah Williamson and Elizabeth Lawson from Bennett Guthrie.
All had a good time but judging by the relative rarity of the number of shots that went straight down the fairway, all are best advised to keep their day jobs…
