1st Place Accounting Competition 2016
Investigation // Collaboration // Presentation
The Case Competition
Western Accounting Association held this inaugural case competition to test both technical accounting skills as well as the ability to think outside the box. They intentionally left it open ended but still grounded in the real world. We were tasked with researching hydro pricing strategies for the City of London. We were given 3 days to decipher the case, develop a plan and quantitatively back up that plan with research and qualitatively with facts about the city of London.
Investigation
We decoded over a decade of historical data to develop our pricing model. We also reached out to the current manager of London Water for additional insight, feedback and data. Lastly, we had to take the information and justifiably project the results for the next 10 years.
Collaboration
In our second year, my team competed against HBAs and other much more experienced competitors. It was a modern day Case Competition David versus Goliath. I attribute our success to cohesion, determination and synergy. As a unit, we were able to generate ideas, facilitate discussion and ultimately get stuff done.
Presentation
We were heavily commended on creating a powerpoint that was both extremely informative and professional, yet at the same time aesthetically pleasing. Lastly, because of our preparedness in research we were able to respond aptly to the several rounds of rigorous questioning.
Key Takeaways
In any competition or challenge you face in life, don't ever count yourself out as an underdog. At the same time, success comes from hard work, good plans and good teammates. Enrich yourself with opportunity and surround yourself with good people.