Q&A: UCO accounting students win national competition focusing on government transparency

Money and government have made headlines, from federal cuts, to state budget reform. A group of students at the University of Central Oklahoma won a national competition that focuses on government transparency. 

Q: What is the Association of Government Accountants?  

A: According to the Association of Government Accountants (AGA) website, the organization connects financial-related professionals who support government, from financial management to IT, human resources, and cybersecurity. It aims to advance positive government initiatives, grow their expertise, and accelerate their careers.

UCO accounting seniors Nate Moore and Julissa Escobar, and winter accounting graduate Hannah Dillon, competed in the 2024 Government Finance Case Challenge through AGA. The virtual challenge enhances awareness of careers in government and the importance of government accountability and transparency. 

Q: Why are accounting careers important? 

A: “Accounting is more than just numbers,” Escobar said. “It tells more of a story whenever you’re looking at it.” 

Escobar and Moore said accounting reveals the health of companies, organizations, and government agencies. They said accounting helps show how money is spent and how goals are achieved. 

“I think numbers have always suited me,” Moore said. “It almost kinda feels like a puzzle." 

Q: What is the Government Finance Case Challenge? 

A: Students from around the world analyze financial data for an AGA-selected U.S. state, city, or county government, and student teams learn how to convert large amounts of data into information that citizens can understand. 

“You had to make a citizen-centric report. which is a very condensed four-page document out of this very large document called the ACFR that’s which is about two hundred pages,” Moore said. 

Escobar said the competition showed her the complicated nature of government finance. She said she grew a greater appreciation for government auditors. 

“Because they do need to keep track of all of that and make sure that government is doing what the government is saying they’re doing,” Escobar said. “It makes you realize this is where my tax money is going as well. It really opens your eyes to all of it.” 

Q: Why does transparency matter? 

A: “I think it’s important because at the end of the day, you are putting your tax money into this government and you want to know exactly how it’s working for you,” Escobar said. 

Moore said simplified, accessible information is essential to healthy communities. 

“Because if you don’t get that information, you don’t know the true story behind what you’ve either been voting for or just what’s been happening,” Moore said. 

Q: How did UCO perform in the AGA competition? 

A: “We did end up taking first place in the AGA competition,” Moore said. 

Dillon said she uses what they learned in her current role as an auditor. 

“It felt good because we put a lot of work into the project,” Dillon said. “It was rewarding to see what we learned and the work we did I was able to use.” 

This group encouraged people to learn about our local government to help make decisions that benefit everyone. The Oklahoma State Auditor's office posts routine reports on government finances. Click here to check out the latest reports across the state.