Beta Alpha Psi Students Gain Insight into Accounting Applications at Hydro Aluminum Factory

The College of Business at East Texas A&M University recently organized a field trip to the Hydro Aluminum factory in Commerce, Texas, offering students a hands-on learning experience about accounting beyond the classroom. The event, held on Monday, November 18, brought together nine Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) prospects and two faculty members, Dr. Robert Rankin and Instructor Matt Cremeans, CPA.

The primary goal of the event was to expose students to real-world applications of managerial accounting, highlight diverse career paths in the field and provide an opportunity to interact with East Texas A&M alumnus Kyle Taylor, CPA, Finance Manager at Hydro.

Attendees toured the factory, observing processes such as smelting in a 1,200°F furnace, pouring molten aluminum and forming aluminum rods. Following the tour, Taylor shared insights into his accounting career and the role of CPAs in industrial settings.

“This event was just the first step to restoring Beta Alpha Psi and showing the different careers available in Accounting and Finance,” said Cremeans, CPA and Instructor of Accounting. “Most people wouldn't think of a factory as a place for a CPA, but they play crucial roles in managing costs, projecting revenue, and accounting treatments. Events like this broaden students' perspectives about the possibilities in their field.”

Students found the experience both educational and inspiring. Michelle Garris, an Accounting major, shared, “As an online student, it was rewarding to come to Commerce, Texas, to learn a more hands-on approach to cost and managerial accounting. The experience allowed me to see behind the scenes how real-life production relates to the numbers in reports. It was fascinating and insightful.”

Another student, Jacob Doke, reflected on the event's value, stating, “The trip to Hydro Aluminum was not only extremely fun but also incredibly helpful in gaining insight into actual business standards. Beta Alpha Psi gave me the opportunity to see the factory floor and ask a financial manager questions about operations, which was far more impactful than just learning it in class.”

This field trip not only underscored the practical applications of accounting but also helped build a sense of community within the College of Business. It showcased the enthusiasm of alumni like Taylor to mentor students and highlighted the benefits of joining Beta Alpha Psi.

As Beta Alpha Psi continues to grow and re-establish its presence at East Texas A&M, events like this will serve as vital opportunities for students to explore the diverse paths within accounting and finance, fostering stronger connections between students, faculty, and alumni.