Former Accounting Assistant (Spring/Summer 2024-2025)

I joined CEFN because it allowed me the ability to implement changes to the company. This type of freedom under the leadership of Sherry has taught me a lot. I learned how to budget, read financial statements and do financial modeling as well. I also learned how to write to sponsors and customers, a skill that I didn’t anticipate before. That is the benefit of CEFN, it gives you an opportunity to learn new skills that would make you a more well rounded person. Each assignment produces an impact on the organization and it makes you feel that you’ve had an influence at CEFN. In addition, the team is full of supportive individuals who are always by your side, ready to help you if you face any challenges.

Former Accounting Assistant (Fall/Winter 2024-2025)

While working at CEFN as an accounting assistant, I have learned what type of work environment best suits me as well as more ways I can become a dependable worker. When first starting working at CEFN, I was a bit concerned because it was an online position. I wasn’t sure how effectively I could work like this since it’s a first for me, but thankfully Sherry gave us a warm welcome and allowed us some time to acclimatize to the work. Working at CEFN showed me that employers expect you to go above and beyond, which is a challenge I enjoy. My communication skills as well as my vocabulary were forced to improve since joining CEFN. Being tasked with writing professional-level emails to multiple sponsors and conducting conversations with them regularly truly helped me with this. I have also developed my interview skills because CEFN gives us the opportunity to interview other students. Along with that, I was provided with free information through webinars that we often attended. Most importantly, I was able to work alongside professionals in my field with projects that would ultimately benefit CEFN in the long run. From my experience at CEFN, I have learned that I am an adaptable worker. I have also developed a lot of skills that will help me in my career. I am very grateful to have been given the opportunity to work at CEFN. It allowed me to work flexibly in a way that I both focused on my education/major specific responsibilities as well as pursuing my personal endeavours.

Former Accounting Assistant (Spring/Summer 2023-2024)

CEFN is one of the most wonderful experiences that I have had during my college life. I have learned many new things through the Accounting Assistance position, such as budgeting, QuickBooks, and financial modeling, which could be beneficial for my future career. I also got the chance to attend one of CEFN’s biggest events of the year, which was a great opportunity to see the outcome of all the team’s hard work. It also helped me better understand the services CEFN provides to seniors and how the organization operates. Although the work environment was online, I believe every Co-Op could still feel the connection since Sherry, our supervisor, is very caring and supportive of every student. CEFN is where your opinions are valued by the directors, and you can feel that you are contributing something to the community after completing each project or assignment. Overall, the experience was great and I enjoyed my time at CEFN.

Former Accounting Assistant (Spring/Summer 2021-2022)

Before working as CEFN’s Accounting Assistant, I had relatively little experience working for a third-party company/association. While I did know what my responsibilities are, I was unsure of how exactly I would carry those responsibilities out until I started gaining more experience in working with CEFN. Thankfully, I had the help of Sherry Hill, the previous Accounting Assistant, and my current team of interns to get used to this position. During my time as the Accounting Assistant, I have gained some knowledge of what employers expect when hiring individuals.

During my time as the Accounting Assistant, I have enjoyed the time I spent working for CEFN. Whether it was having fun at CEFN’s events, or working with my team, I look fondly upon these moments. Overall, I would recommend working at CEFN to get a good idea of what it is like to work at a small company, where your ideas and contributions matter to the company.