GAAP Organizes Alaska Native Corporations Seminar
On February 4, the Great Alaskan Accounting People (GAAP) student organization hosted the Alaska Native Corporations Seminar. Speakers Aaron Schutt, CEO of Doyon Limited, Charlie Kozak, CFO/EVP of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation, and Laura Edmondson, Consulting Department Manager of Mikunda & Cottrell, Co. Inc., spoke to students and accounting professionals about Alaska's native corporations, 8(a) contract issues, and the future of these corporations.
Candace Crews, accounting student and GAAP member, organized this event and answered the following questions.
What sparked the idea for the Alaska Native Corporations Seminar?
In Ken Abramowicz's income tax class, he asked how many of us were aware of how Alaska Native corporations operate and what the term "8a" meant. I had to admit I knew very little beyond the basic history of ANCSA. After doing a bit of research and reading past issues of Alaska Business Monthly, I realized how big a slice of the Alaska economy Native corporations form. I recognized that if I work as an accountant in Alaska, I needed to know a lot more.
What do you think students took away from this seminar?
When students go to work in accounting firms - really in any business in Alaska - they need specific information on Alaska's economy. The learning curve in the early years of a new job is steep. If students can learn the basics of how Alaska's economy works by learning about Alaska Native corporations, as well as other major industries in our state, then this can help them be prepared.
What did YOU take away from this seminar?
I learned a great deal organizing this event because I had to research the topic in order to understand the basics of what we wanted seminar panelists to discuss. In fact, I felt that by the time of the seminar the speakers probably would not provide me any new information - was I wrong! The panelists shared the basics and, helped by questions from the audience, they moved into topics I had not researched: tax basis issues, 7(I) funds, and the future visions held by many of the corporations. I can't stress enough more how useful all of their discussions were for the students and professionals in attendance.
How has your experience with the Great Alaskan Accounting People (GAAP) been so far?
GAAP is a great organization. It has a clear mission - to prepare accounting students for their careers. I am a non-traditional student and I have prior degrees and experience at two other universities. While I belonged to clubs and student organizations at those universities, I can say that no other group comes close to the professionalism and dedication in preparing students for their future career field. The more speakers GAAP can share with students in weekly meetings and special events like the Alaska Native Corporations Seminar, the better UAF students will shine in the professional world.