The award is bestowed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is considered the most sought after and most respected award given in the accounting profession. In 2013, only 55 out of 94,000 individuals or .05% that sat for the examination won the award.
Westfield State University alumna Olivia Bischoff of Westfield received the prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award for earning a top score on the Uniform Certified Public Accountant Examination. "Olivia Bischoff, Payroll Manager at Westfield State University"
WESTFIELD - Westfield State University alumna Olivia Bischoff, of Westfield, received the prestigious Elijah Watt Sells Award for earning a top score on the uniform certified public accountant examination.
The award is bestowed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is considered the most sought after and most respected award given in the accounting profession. In 2013, only 55 out of 94,000 individuals or .05% that sat for the examination won the award.
Bischoff also had the distinction of achieving the highest score in Massachusetts. For her efforts, she was recognized with first honors by the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants.
The Elijah Watt Sells Award honors accountants who obtain a cumulative average score above 95.50 across all sections of the exam. To be eligible for the award, exam takers must complete all four sections of the exam within a calendar year and must pass each section on their first attempt.
Bischoff received her bachelor degree in business management, concentration in accounting, in 2009 and her Master degree in accountancy in 2010. Both degrees were completed at Westfield State University.
Erin Moore, associate professor and master of science in accountancy program administrator, taught Bischoff at the graduate level and was impressed by her aptitude for accounting.
“Olivia was an outstanding student,” said Moore. “She possesses excellent critical thinking and problem solving skills, and has a genuine enthusiasm for accounting. Winning the Elijah Watt Sells Award and earning the highest score on the CPA exam in the state of Massachusetts are extraordinary accomplishments. We are very proud of Olivia.”
Bischoff said when deciding which college to attend, Westfield State was the obvious choice.
“I came to Westfield State because I wanted a quality education that I could afford,” said Bischoff.
Originally a social work major, Bischoff came to the realization that accounting was her calling after taking an introductory course.
“After my first accounting class with Professor Irujo, I knew it was the field I belonged in,” Bischoff said.
In addition to being an alumna of the university, Bischoff began working at Westfield State in 2013 and was recently promoted to payroll manager.
Michelle Maggio, associate professor of economics and management, said she noticed a passion in Bischoff’s schoolwork that has continued into her career.
“Olivia was dedicated to her studies throughout her tenure as a student at Westfield State University,” Maggio said. “She is showing that same dedication and commitment to the accounting profession in her career.”
Christine Irujo, associate professor of economics and management, said she was pleased to hear that Bischoff won the award, but it did not surprise her.
“Olivia had the maturity to know how important a good education would be in helping her succeed in her chosen career,” Irujo said. “She took advantage of everything we had to offer her at WSU so that she would be well prepared when it was time for her to take the CPA exam. I was not surprised to find out she achieved the top score in the state of Massachusetts. I always knew she had it in her.”
As for Bischoff, she says she owes her high scores and overall success in the accounting field to her professors, particularly Christine Irujo, Michelle Maggio, and Erin Moore.
“I owe this accomplishment to my professors,” Bischoff said. “Their classes gave me the knowledge and skills I needed to be successful on the CPA exam and in my career. They have also provided me with guidance over the years when I needed direction. I am fortunate to call these women my teachers, mentors, and friends.”
While Bischoff enjoys her current position, she said that her professors at Westfield State have motivated her to consider transitioning to education later in her career.
“Their dedication and teaching styles have inspired me to pursue teaching in the future,” Bischoff said.