Howard Community College is Building the Next Generation of Accounting Professionals
Release date: 5/28/2025
COLUMBIA, MD – Howard Community College (HCC) is proud to announce the launch of a new Registered Apprenticeship Program, Accounting Specialist. It’s the ninth program of its kind managed by the college and facilitated in partnership with local companies striving to grow their workforce.
“At Howard Community College, we are committed to meeting the evolving needs of our community and economy,” said Dr. Daria J. Willis, president of Howard Community College. “The Accounting Specialist Apprenticeship Program exemplifies how we are building bridges between education and industry—empowering students with real-world skills and helping businesses grow a strong, local talent pipeline. This is how we prepare the next generation of accounting professionals to thrive.”
HCC’s Accounting Specialist Apprenticeship allows aspiring business professionals to pursue entry-level positions in accounting firms or within accounting departments that are part of larger organizations. Students complete the program over a period of 12 to 18 months, gaining a strong academic foundation through the completion of a comprehensive course curriculum at HCC and in tandem practical, hands-on experience through employment with a local business partner.
Research shows that the number of students who completed accounting degrees in the United States decreased by 17 percent between the 2017 to 2018 and 2021 to 2022 academic years. At the same time, approximately 75 percent of today’s Certified Public Accountants are nearing retirement. Collectively, these statistics equate to a projected shortfall of accounting professionals by 140,000 by the year 2027. In the state of Maryland, the trajectory is already being felt; the state’s accounting workforce shrank by 5 percent from 2022 to 2023.
"While we are seeing a decrease in the number of people pursuing careers in accounting, the need for accounting professionals has not changed and if anything, is increasing,” said Minah Woo, Vice President of Workforce, Innovation, and Strategic Partnerships at HCC. “Programs like this are needed to grow the talent pipeline and assure that local companies have access to educated, skilled, and well-prepared professionals who can join their businesses, grow, and become future leaders.”
Apprenticeship programs forge mutually beneficial partnerships between HCC and local businesses, who benefit from the availability of people who are passionate about their intended career path and are looking for ways to merge into their respective industries. HCC is launching its Accounting Specialist Apprenticeship Program with two partnering financial services firms: UHY Advisors, Inc., located in Columbia, and Rubino, located in Bethesda.
“This program creates great opportunities for those eager to start an accounting career with hands-on experience,” said Meggan Irvin, HR Specialist at Rubino. “We will encourage our apprentices to be open and eager to ask questions, because we believe an engaged apprentice will be a successful apprentice. We are incredibly excited about this opportunity.”
Additionally, leaders at Rubino view the apprenticeship program as an avenue for solid staff recruitment. “The apprenticeship will make it possible for us to meet and guide a new generation of accountants,” said Irvin. “Our hope is that by opening our door to an apprentice, we will be attracting someone who will be eager to learn and grow here and be interested in a long-term position with our firm after their apprenticeship program has concluded.”
Leaders at UHY share these sentiments, noting that their decision to partner with HCC stems from their commitments to community development and workforce growth. “HCC’s focus on providing relevant, hands-on learning aligns with our desire to offer real-world experiences and build a pipeline of skilled workers who are well-prepared for the challenges we face in our industry,” said Shelley Romano, CPA, Managing Director at UHY. “By partnering with HCC, we can provide our employees with the support they need to prepare for future roles within our firm, and to succeed in their careers.”
Apprentices hired by UHY will work directly with the client accounting services team. UHY apprentices will be supported and mentored by senior accountants who will help them grow technically and professionally.
“We believe the apprenticeship program will have long-term positive impact that will help us develop a strong, loyal workforce that understands our culture and values,” said Stephanie Refo, CPA, Accounting Principle at UHY. “By nurturing talent from the ground up, we can ensure that our future employees will possess the right skills and attitudes to succeed, while making our firm more adaptable and resilient in the face of industry challenges.”
With the launch of the Accounting Specialist Apprenticeship, for the first time, HCC will also function as an employer through its own apprenticeship program. The college plans to hire an apprentice to work as part of its accounting team.
HCC’s Division of Workforce, Career, and Community Education is working to recruit additional employer partners to participate in its new Accounting Specialist Apprenticeship Program, as well as many of its other active apprenticeship programs, including Biomedical Equipment Technology; Child Care Professional; Construction Management; Electrical; Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVACR); Plumbing; Cybersecurity Support Specialist; Hospitality Management; Information Technology (IT); Licensed Practical Nursing; and Surgical Technologist.
To learn more, visit HowardCC.edu/AccountingApprenticeship. For answers to specific questions, prospective apprentices and prospective employer partners are encouraged to begin a conversation with HCC by e-mailing Apprentice@HowardCC.edu.