Regional public accounting and advisory firm Whitinger & Company has announced the addition of two interns in Fishers and three interns to their professional staff in Muncie. All five will spend part of their spring semester working in the firm’s tax division.
As Whitinger Interns, each student will work with other professionals in the firm to prepare tax returns for individuals and businesses. Under the supervision of Mentors, they will collaborate with staff members to complete financial statements, journal entries, account reconciliations, and depreciation schedules. Overall, each student will apply what they have learned in the classroom to solve real client issues.
Harold Jones is an Indianapolis native and Lawrence North High School graduate. He went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in finance from Ball State University, graduating Magna Cum Laude. While at Ball State, Harold was on the Dean’s List for eight consecutive semesters, was an Evan Bayh 21st Century Scholar for four straight years, and received the Ball State Scholars Award for four consecutive years. He is currently working towards his master’s degree in taxation at IUPUI.
Harold balanced his rigorous academic and work schedule while performing as a four-year member of the Ball State Cardinal Football. Harold enjoys outdoor activities such as walking and enjoying natural scenery. He also likes to exercise and talk business with his friends and family.
Ben Kissel is a native of Wabash, Indiana, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in human resource management from Ball State University. He completed an accounting internship with The Honeywell Foundation in 2023, where he analyzed data, managed financial activities, and ensured accurate reporting.
While attending Ball State, Ben has been consistently recognized on the Dean’s List, received the Ken White/Ernst & Young Accounting Scholarship, the Carl R. George Scholarship, the Niel C. and Karen M. Ellerbrook Accounting Scholarship, the Whitinger & Company LLC Grant-In-Aid Fund, and received the Ball State Scholars Award. In addition to his rigorous academic schedule, Ben attends The Revolution Church and is an active volunteer through the Circle K Club at Ball State.
Michael Lee is a native of the Indianapolis area but now calls Elwood his home. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Ball State University in May of 2023. Michael completed a full-time accounting internship with Whitinger during the spring semester of 2023 and is working as an Intern again while he works towards a master’s degree in accounting.
While attending Ball State, Michael has been recognized on the Dean’s List for four semesters and is a National Technical Honor Society member. Michael has accepted an offer to join Whitinger & Company full-time as a Staff Accountant in August of 2024 and plans to become a CPA.
Carmela Lopezfilio is a New Castle native and a New Castle High School graduate who received her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Ball State University in May of 2023. Carmela completed a full-time accounting internship with Whitinger during the spring semester of 2023 and is working as an Intern again while she works towards a master’s degree in accounting.
Since beginning her college career, Carmela has been honored by the Miller College of Business at Ball State on numerous occasions. She has been recognized on the Dean’s List for seven semesters. She values her family and enjoys crocheting, creating stories, and drawing characters. This seasoned speaker was a member of the National Speech and Debate Association throughout her high school years.
Oscar Smythe is from Edina, Minnesota, and will graduate in 2024 with a degree in finance from the Lacy School of Business at Butler University. During the summer of 2023, Oscar completed an internship as a Financial Representative with Northwestern Mutual, where he built a clientele and introduced them to the benefits of holistic financial planning.
Oscar enjoys watching and playing sports, hanging out with friends, euchre and poker card games, playing and listening to music, and being involved with his fraternity, Sigma Chi Rho, where he served as the chapter’s Finance Chair. As a senior, Oscar captained his high school soccer team to an undefeated season in which they won the state title, and he was named MVP of the state tournament.
“Whitinger is looking forward to a new year, and we anticipate an outstanding 2024 tax season. The addition of these five very bright interns only strengthens our firm,” stated Whitinger & Company Managing Member T.J. Bush, CPA, CFP. “We understand the importance of assisting students wishing to pursue a career in accounting, and we are excited for them to gain real industry experience alongside our professional staff over the next few months.”