On Wednesday, December 19, 2012, Universidad ORT Uruguay the tenth anniversary of the first graduating class of the Certified Public Accountant program in the School of Business and Social Sciences.
On this occasion, tribute was paid to the professionals who made up the first generation of accountants to graduate from a private university, ending more than 100 years of monopoly held by the University of the Republic.
An innovative program
Following the welcoming remarks by the Dean, Dr. Gaston Labadie, Ms. Lourdes Volpi, Academic Coordinator of the Public Accounting Program, thanked those first students who placed their trust in the institution to pursue their calling. “We are deeply honored that they chose our academic program,” she said.
He then pointed out that the university’s curriculum broke with established norms by implementing a program without foundational courses shared with other degree programs, which made it possible to focus the course load on the core areas of the profession.
At the same time, all courses were taught through a combination of theory and practice, in small groups, with an emphasis on “learning by doing”—a hallmark of the university—and always seeking to highlight the role of the accountant as a creator of value for businesses and society.
Volpi noted that of the first 20 graduates, five are living abroad, four are working in Chile, Spain, and Israel, and a fifth is participating in a technical training program in Japan. He also paid a heartfelt tribute to the late alumnus William Coubrough.
The current figures
Today, the numbers are very different from what they were ten years ago. Enrollment in the Certified Public Accountant program exceeds 500 students, representing 12% of the total undergraduate student body. There are more than 438 graduates, and the employment rate stands at 99%.
In addition, the number of students participating in academic exchange programs at universities abroad is growing every year, and there are 14 faculty members leading research groups in the Department of Accounting.
Volpi also noted that the graduate programs launched between 2008 and 2009 in the fields of Accounting and Taxation ranked among the top twenty in Latin America, according to the Eduniversal ranking, which is based on votes from 1,000 deans of the world’s top business schools. In particular, the Specialization Diploma in Accounting ranked 10th in the Best Master’s Ranking in Accounting and Auditing.
Testimonials
The graduates also had a chance to speak at the ceremony. The first to take the floor was María Inés De Sosa, who recounted how she began working at Carrasco Airport before completing her degree. She then applied for a position at the General Tax Directorate (DGI), where she continues to work today in the Large Taxpayers Audit Division.
Another person who shared his story was Federico Bauer. The accountant said he had started his studies at the University of the Republic, but between working and studying, he had “missed the boat” several times. For this reason, and since he already had a family, he was unsure whether or not to pursue his degree.
He says that, through great sacrifice, he managed to complete his studies, which enriched him both professionally and personally. He began his career at Equital as an assistant, but as he advanced in his career, he also rose through the ranks of the company. He currently serves as the Administration and Finance Manager.
Following the testimonials, the entire graduating class was recognized for the trust they had placed in the institution. Next, the program’s first academic coordinators and professors—Jaime Damiani, Carolina García, Miguel Larrimbe, Daniel Temesio, Roberto De Luca, and Diego Veira Grasso—were honored. Finally, the ceremony concluded with a toast.