Five Lethbridge Polytechnic Business Administration - Accounting students are celebrating a second-place finish - and a $1,500 cash prize - thanks to their stellar performance at a prestigious accounting competition.
Grace DeJong, Heather Moysey, Rebeka Unger, Sarah Silkin and Yooshilen Anasamy, along with their faculty coaches, James Reimer and Nicole Freeman, participated in the 3rd Annual Western Canada Accounting Case Competition at Bow Valley College March 27 and 28. The competition featured schools from across British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba.
The case included a significant technical accounting component, requiring the team to identify and analyze key issues facing the business in the scenario. This was followed by an intense three rounds of presenting to, and questioning from, nine industry Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) judges based on the team's analysis and findings. The judges indicated they were very impressed by the second-year polytechnic students, with one judge commenting that had it been his business they were advising, he would have hired them on the spot.
"The polytechnic's Accounting program is highly regarded, and the team's performance provides a meaningful external validation of that quality," says Reimer, chair of Lethbridge Polytechnic's School of Business. "Having independent judges from the accounting profession ranking the team highly, demonstrates that our students can effectively apply accounting knowledge and professional judgment that is relevant to industry standards."
Participating students say the nearly 10 hours of competition on March 28 was intense and exhausting but very rewarding. "I'm glad all that stress actually paid off with a big win," says Unger.
"It was an unforgettable weekend and I'm really proud of our team for placing second," says DeJong. "Presenting to industry professionals was empowering and tested the skills I've developed through the accounting program."
Moysey adds, "Being able to use the knowledge we have gained in an environment meant to challenge us, has really been such a great experience."
Students also credit the support of their faculty coaches for contributing to their success, with Silkin and Anasamy highlighting Reimer and Freeman as "amazing mentors" who "helped us practise thoroughly for such a competition."
Putting theory into practice is integral in all three majors of the Lethbridge Polytechnic Business Administration program: Accounting, Business Operations and Management. All three majors are currently accepting applications for the Fall 2026 semester. More information can be found on the polytechnic's website.
