KRP LLP announces new scholarship for U of A accounting students

Every working accountant knows that some commonly held views of their profession are wildly out-of-date. A new scholarship created for accounting students at the Alberta School of Business by KRP LLP (Kingston Ross Pasnak LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants) aims to help them know that, too.

“Accounting is no longer the stereotypical number-cruncher-working-alone-in-a-cubicle type of job,” says Danysia Tash, talent acquisition specialist at KRP, the largest local, independent full-service accounting firm in Western Canada.

“The job requires well-rounded interpersonal skills and the ability to appeal to people in many industries.”

In addition to traditional public practice accounting services — such as personal and corporate income tax filing, forensic accounting, audits and reviews, and estates and trusts — today’s accountants are increasingly taking on business consulting and advisory roles. At a firm like KRP (with 18 partners and 210 employees), accountants are involved in mergers and acquisitions, risk management, business valuations, financial litigation support and more.

They also engage with almost every industry sector. KRP has clients from agriculture, energy, construction, technology, healthcare and hospitality, as well as from government (including First Nations) and non-profits, just to name a few. The firm’s accountants are trained in how to speak credibly with a range of clients, including consumers, manufacturers, land developers and retailers.

So, in addition to awarding $2,500 to a second- or third-year University of Alberta student earning their bachelor of commerce degree while majoring in accounting, the new KRP LLP Rising Stars in Accounting Scholarship offers several other significant benefits.

The annual scholarship recipient will be invited to a coffee chat with a member of the people operations team to learn about the firm's services and the diverse career opportunities available to young accountants, after earning their Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) designation. During the conversation, they will gain insight into what the firm looks for in potential employees and how it supports recent graduates as they dedicate two-and-a-half to three years of study for their CPA, while fulfilling the necessary practical experience requirements on-the-job at KRP.

“It’s never too early to start educating yourself and networking — putting yourself out there and seeking answers to your questions,” says Tash.

The scholarship recipient will also have the opportunity to interview with the firm, allowing them to showcase their professional skills to date and practice highlighting their strengths. “Effectively promoting oneself is a crucial aspect of building a successful career in the business." says Tash.

KRP’s commitment to supporting Alberta School of Business accounting students is a core part of its mission as an Alberta-based firm. Since 2023, it has also offered the Kingston Ross Pasnak LLP Chartered Accountants Indigenous Award in Business.

“We take great pride in serving the local market and supporting local businesses,” says Tash. "We also are equally dedicated to supporting students beyond their roles as KRP employees, assisting them throughout the recruitment process by offering opportunities like mock resume reviews and interview nights to help ensure their success."

Offering the scholarship and its perks also has a solidly practical purpose for a firm that was founded in 1990 through the merger of two legacy accounting companies: Kule Peach & Co (established in 1945) and Brown and Ross (established in 1976).

“Supporting accounting students, opening doors and encouraging them to get their professional designation prepares KRP to thrive in the future, too,” says Tash.

“Accounting is the bread and butter of what we do. It sets that strong foundation to groom well-rounded business professionals…our business model relies on these new accounting grads.”