Accounting Students Serve the Community

Posted March 17, 2000

University of Saskatchewan accounting students are volunteering their time and skills to the community by helping prepare tax returns for seniors, the disabled, and low-income earners.

"Part of being a professional is volunteering your time to the community as well as dealing with clients," said John Brennan, accounting professor. "This program helps prepare the students for both."

This is the 13th year this program has run, and each year over 800 tax returns are completed, saving the community over $40,000 in accounting fees.

Approximately 100 third- and fourth- year students are completing tax forms at 26 locations throughout the city, which include seniors residences, the Abilities Council and Cosmopolitan Industries.

Brennan added that the clients are grateful for the company as well as the services, and often show their gratitude by offering many thank-you's and, sometimes, cookies.

"The students enjoy spending time with their clients," said Brennan. "Some will stay and visit, maybe enjoy a game of cribbage, after the work is done."

The students are not alone: many commerce-accounting faculty and 75 Saskatchewan chartered accountants volunteered to work with the students, ensuring the accuracy of the prepared tax returns.

For more information, please contact:

John Brennan, accounting professor
College of Commerce
University of Saskatchewan
(306) 966-4788

105 Administration Place
Saskatoon, SK, Canada