Future CPAs + Students
Whether you’re already on the path to become a CPA or just exploring your options, this page is for you.
Your career starts here
MTCPA is Montana’s professional accounting association, supporting accounting students as they prepare for successful careers. Through scholarships, professional development, networking with CPAs, and real-world career guidance, we help students bridge the gap between the classroom and the profession.
Yes, becoming a CPA is challenging, but the rewards are huge. From networking events to scholarships — MTCPA has all the resources you need to get started.
Student Membership
Join MTCPA for free as a college sophomore or above, with membership lasting up to a year post-graduation. Student members enjoy specialized communications, free Annual Conference attendance, CPA Exam review discounts, scholarships at Montana universities, and free AICPA student affiliate membership.
What it takes to be a CPA
Okay, need a little more info on what it exactly takes to be a CPA? Check out details on colleges with accounting programs and earning the CPA designation.
Scholarships
Generously funded through contributions from members and private donors, each year MTCPA awards $1000s in scholarships to accounting majors at Montana universities. But you have to qualify to be considered — find out if you do.
Student Resources
MTCPA provides our community of future CPAs with the resources needed to excel and perform at the highest levels.
Student Board Representative
The MTCPA Student Board Representative serves as the voice of Montana’s accounting students on the Montana Society of CPAs (MTCPA) Board of Directors. This unique leadership opportunity allows one selected student to gain firsthand experience in professional governance, network with CPA leaders, and help shape the future of the accounting profession in Montana. This position must attend at least one board meeting between June and January of their term, as well as MTCPA's Annual Conference in June (alternating locations; travel expense stipend provided)
Current Representative
David Ritchey
Online Student (UNC Kenan-Flagler)
Class of 2026
Term: 2025/2026
Past Student Representatives
Riley Nielsen, Montana State University
Term: 2020/2021
Berenise Esparza, University of Montana
Term: 2019/2020
Sara Schlepp, Montana State University
Term: 2018/2019
Amy Sexton, MSU-Billings
Term: 2017/2018
Michelle McDowell, Montana State University
Term: 2016/2017
Applications due by 5/29/26
Campus Ambassador Program
The MTCPA Campus Ambassador Program is a leadership opportunity for Montana college students to promote the accounting profession and MTCPA on their campuses. Ambassadors serve as a bridge between MTCPA and their peers, helping to increase awareness of career opportunities, student resources, and the benefits of MTCPA student membership.
Meet Your 2025-26 Ambassadors
Brandi Ashford
University of Montana, Missoula
Class of 2026
After supporting her husband’s military career and working as a veterinary technician, Brandi was ready for a new challenge that combined her love of numbers, organization, and helping others. Drawn to the flexibility and community impact of accounting, she’s now pursuing a career where she can help others with financial management and tax planning.
When she’s not studying, Brandi enjoys hiking, horseback riding, camping, and ski touring. She values the solitude of Montana’s outdoors and describes herself as reliable. As a Campus Ambassador, she hopes to help students gain the knowledge and confidence to thrive in their careers.
Abi Grotbo
Montana State University, Bozeman
Class of 2026
Abi discovered her passion for accounting early on — after taking a high school accounting class and competing in Business Professionals of America events, she knew it was the right path. Since her first day at MSU, she’s been eager to pursue her goal of becoming a CPA and is excited to help other students learn about the opportunities the profession offers.
A lifelong Montanan, Abi loves the state’s strong sense of community and beautiful scenery. When she’s not studying, she enjoys reading, crafting, spending time with friends, or getting outdoors. Her dream is to begin her career in audit and eventually move into forensic accounting. Friends describe her as diplomatic, and she finds balance through reading and mindfulness during busy weeks.
Tristen Holt
Montana Tech, Butte
Class of 2026
Tristen discovered his passion for accounting after exploring business management and realizing the CPA path aligned better with his skills and community-driven goals. He’s excited to share with classmates that accounting offers rewarding opportunities and that earning a CPA opens even more doors.
An avid outdoorsman, Tristen spends his free time snowboarding, hiking, fishing, or reading to unwind. He loves Montana’s year-round beauty and brings a passionate energy to everything he does — especially his work as an MTCPA Campus Ambassador.
Spots have been filled for the 2025-26 academic year.
Check back in September 2026 to apply for the 2026-27 year.
Student News
Student Spotlight: From Montana to the Arctic — A VITA Experience to Remember
April 01, 2026
I am a senior accounting student at MSU and earlier this semester I had an incredible opportunity to travel to rural Alaskan villages to help prepare taxes. Here's my story.
Accounting vs. Finance: Which Major Is Right for You?
March 31, 2026
Choosing the right path depends on how you think, what motivates you, and what kind of stability and flexibility you want long term.
Oh, the Places You Can Go…CPA Edition
March 31, 2026
With commitment, curiosity and strategic decision-making, the possibilities with a career in accounting are truly endless.
Why MTCPA Membership Belongs on Your Resume (Yes, Even as a Student)
March 04, 2026
One simple but powerful way to stand out in a competitive job market? Add your membership in MTCPA to your resume.
When One Tough Class Makes You Question Accounting — Read This First
February 26, 2026
One difficult course does not determine your ability, your potential, or your future in the field.
6 CPA Exam Study Tips
January 29, 2026
Many candidates feel intimidated by the CPA Exam — this uncertainty may even deter some students from the CPA license itself. However, the Exam is something any qualified candidate can tackle with the right preparation.
Educating and Inspiring Students: The Power of Providing Perspective
January 29, 2026
With perspective, a student will gain a deeper appreciation for what they are learning as well as how the concepts being taught are used in the “real world.”
Montana State accounting students to offer free tax help starting Feb. 23
January 29, 2026
Accounting students from Montana State University’s Jake Jabs College of Business and Entrepreneurship are offering free help preparing tax returns for MSU students and community members who made less than $60,000 last year.
CPA Exam Day Tips
January 01, 2026
These strategies address the practical elements of exam day performance: timing, logistics, mental preparation, and procedural compliance.
CPAs Across America Join Forces to Inspire Students to Pursue Accounting Careers
November 10, 2025
November is Accounting Opportunities Experience month, a period designed to showcase the accounting profession among high school students across the country.