Xero, the global small business platform, today announced the launch of a new bursary with Calgary’s Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), offering support for accounting students in financial need.

Called the Xero Accounting Futures Award, the new bursary will offer $3,000 CAD each year for three years to a different promising young student in financial need.

The bursary was developed in collaboration with SAIT’s School of Business instructor, Steve Janz, to provide assistance to Accounting majors enrolled in the Bachelor of Applied Business Administration or Bachelor of Business Administration degrees. These programs underscore the importance of cloud accounting software in supporting small businesses and help ensure more Canadians are equipped to pursue a career in accounting.

Applicants will be required to write a short essay outlining why they chose the SAIT program, their interest in pursuing a career in the accounting industry, and what excites them about the future of accounting. The bursary will determine need based on income and expenses for the academic year and won’t exclude students already receiving financial assistance.

Steve Janz, SAIT’s School of Business instructor said: “Today’s generation loves technology and embraces it. Cloud software brings significant benefits to the accounting industry and small businesses, and it’s a great thrill to partner with one of the leaders in the space to positively influence our group of promising students.I’ve been teaching my students Xero for years because technology, such as AI and the cloud, is the future of accounting. I’m excited to see Xero take such a strong interest in the education of future Canadian accountants through this bursary.”

Faye Pang, Xero Country Manager, Canada said: “We know there are so many bright, ambitious students who want to pursue accounting as a career but sometimes financial barriers can get in the way. Through this bursary, Xero and SAIT will help support the next generation of talent and bolster the future of the Canadian accounting industry.”

Students can apply for the Xero Accounting Futures Award on SAIT’s website for the 2023/2024 academic year in August 2023. For more details, visit sait.ca/awards.

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