James King '23 M'24 has become the fifth Trinity graduate to secure a sought-after Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Postgraduate Technical Assistantship. This highly selective program admits only about seven students nationwide each term. Over the course of the one-year term, participants gain extensive experience in the accounting standards-setting process and develop a deep understanding of the roles of preparers, auditors, and users of financial information.
James’ qualifications are exceptional, largely due to his proactive approach in becoming the first among his cohort of 24 master's students to complete all four parts of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Typically, students in Texas have to wait until after graduation to sit for the exam. After doing thorough research, James discovered that New York regulations permitted him to take the exam earlier based on his credit hours. Taking a calculated risk, he pursued licensure in New York ahead of his classmates. This decision not only set him apart from his Texas peers but also enhanced his competitiveness against nationwide peers, many of whom also would only be eligible to sit for the exam after graduation in their respective states.
James' interest in and dedication to his accounting career began long before it was time to take his CPA exam. A Dallas, Texas native, James came to Trinity as an undergraduate with a clear goal of pursuing a career in accounting. His inspiration stemmed from his father, who had a distinguished career in public accounting and at the SEC. After his father passed away during James's teenage years, accounting became a meaningful way for him to maintain a connection with his father’s legacy.
During his undergraduate years, James was involved on campus as a residential assistant, member of the Academic Honor Council, and president of the accounting association. He also studied abroad in Germany and interned at Deloitte in Houston, all of which he believes contributed to his success in acquiring this position.
James’s extensive involvement and diverse experiences during his undergraduate years were well-supported by Trinity’s robust accounting program. Trinity offers a five-year accounting program consisting of a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Science in Accounting (M.S.A.). While state laws mandate additional education beyond a traditional undergraduate degree for CPA eligibility, Trinity's accounting major goes above and beyond in preparing students for their future careers. Starting in their junior year, students actively engage with the accounting profession through firm/student events and special topics courses, which introduce them to various opportunities within the field.
James shared that the support he received in the M.S.A. program included valuable mentorship from faculty members. Jared Koreff Ph.D., Julie Persellin, Ph.D., and Sunita White, M.B.A. were among the mentors who guided him throughout his journey at Trinity and helped him prepare for the FASB process.
Reflecting on his journey, James said, “Trinity provided the tools to start building my career from zero. I learned from my dad that the important thing is not how long you live, but what you accomplish with your life. The world of accounting is ever-evolving, so taking initiative was key to reaching a position where I can make an impact. Every step has prepared me to fulfill my dream of serving the public, honoring my father's legacy while making my own mark."
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