Project Overview

Southern Utah University is unique in that each graduate completes an EDGE project, Education Designed to Give Experience. This gives students an "edge" in the competitive job market.

Abstract

My name is Adyson Loveridge and for my EDGE project, I will be working January - April 2018 as an intern for Hinton Burdick CPA’s. This internship will give me real life experience in preparing tax returns for members of the community. After preparing tax returns with SUU VITA for a short amount of time this past February/March, I knew this would be an internship and EDGE project I would enjoy. Hinton Burdick is the largest tax preparation company in Southern Utah and I am excited to work with them. As an intern with Hinton Burdick CPA’s, I will learn to use new software programs, develop communication skills, enhance problem solving abilities, and strengthen customer service skills. The strengths earned through this project will boost my job skills while allowing me to work within my local community.

Goals

My goal for this project is to communicate with company leaders and members of my community to assist them in completing and filing their tax returns. I will strive to be a positive and hardworking addition to the Hinton Burdick team.

Objectives

The most obvious and physical outcome of my EDGE project is the tax returns that I will work on. Within my twelve 30-hour work weeks, I should be able to assist in the completion of hundreds of tax returns. Hinton Burdick is southern Utah’s largest full-service CPA firm. The amount of tax returns they are trying to help customers file before the April tax deadline is enormous. My job will be to learn policies and procedures quickly, then help get as many taxes ready to file as I can. Another outcome of my EDGE project is the effect the work will have on me. In my previous jobs, I have typically worked in a slower, more relaxed environment. During tax season, Hinton Burdick CPA’s becomes a fast-paced environment requiring substantial amounts of service output. I will need to quickly adapt to this environment so as to be an asset, not a burden to the company. This adaptation will prepare me for my desired career as a tax accountant and show employers my ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

Deliverables

I will provide copies of paystubs to show hours worked as an intern with Hinton Burdick. I will also provide pictures and descriptive captions of the Hinton Burdick office, proof of employment, and other related photos of my experience that are appropriate to display on a public blog.