Firm establishes five-year gift for accounting students

SARASOTA — A five-year gift to a local business college was a natural fit for one public accounting firm, which has been supporting the college through internships for several years. 

Sarasota-based Kerkering, Barberio & Co. established the gift to the University of South Florida Muma College of Business, which will provide several components for the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy, including scholarships to students. The annual scholarship funds will be distributed to accounting majors each fall. Additionally, those students will be extended internship opportunities with the firm. 

The announcement was made earlier this month at the 27th Brunch on the Bay at the university’s Sarasota-Manatee campus. The firm has three offices throughout the Tampa Bay area. 

“Our roots run deep with USF and we couldn’t be more excited to establish this important partnership,” says Rob Lane, firm managing shareholder, in a statement. “More than a third of our team is proud USF Bulls, and we’ve supported the Muma College of Business for many years through our internship program and scholarships, so this is a natural fit for us that will help grow the next generation of accountants in our community.”

The Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy is one of six schools within the USF Muma College of Business and has a long history of strong CPA pass rates, according to the press release. 

“We’re thrilled to enter this relationship with such a strong locally-owned CPA firm as Kerkering Barberio,” says Mark Taylor, director of the Lynn Pippenger School of Accountancy who also holds the Dan and Tina Johnson Endowed Directorship in Accountancy. “Accountancy is much more about relationships than it is about financial statements and giving the opportunity for our students and faculty to connect with KB in meaningful ways through this gift and support will be mutually beneficial for years to come.”