Public Employee Press

Union CPA classes open the door to opportunity

Of the dozens of courses provided for union members by the DC 37 Education Fund, one is targeted at Accountants who want to take the giant step up to Certified Public Accountant.

The state-licensed CPA designation opens wide the doors of opportunity for career advancement with significant increases in salary, job responsibilities and public respect.
The six-month class readies students to take one of the country’s toughest examinations. The DC 37 students — who work during the day in a variety of city agencies, from the Health Dept. to the Police Dept., and may have spouses, children and family responsibilities — are up for the challenge.

“The students are very good and they always come prepared for class and work hard,” said Carmine Nogara, who teaches the Thursday evening course at the St. John’s University campus across the street from union headquarters. Keith Roy Nanton teaches the other CPA course that meets Thursday nights at DC 37.

One of those hard-working students is Michael Headley, who works at the Dept. of Health and already has a master’s degree in finance and accounting. “It’s a great class, just excellent,” he said during a break.

Taken elsewhere, the course could cost students $2,000 or even more. For DC 37 members it’s free. “We’re lucky that we can take this class here at the union,” said Shital Biswas, an Associate Accountant who works at the Dept. of Transportation.

“I feel honored to be representing these members who are preparing to become CPAs and thankful to those who agreed to offer such an important course,” said Maf Misbah Uddin, president of Local 1407, who also serves as DC 37 treasurer.

The next session begins on April 24. All students applying for the preparation course must have a college degree in accounting. Starting in 2009 candidates for the CPA test will be required to have 150 college credits, the equivalent of a master’s degree. For more information on the Certified Public Accountant preparation course call the Ed Fund at (212) 815-1674 and speak to Helen Lowe-Chappell.