AMAcc Sponsorship

The Apprenticeship Master of Accountancy Sponsorship Agreement

The success of the Master of Accounting apprenticeship program depends on the collaboration between its key stakeholders: employer sponsors, students, and the faculty. Their coordinated efforts are vital for ensuring the program’s effectiveness in preparing competent CPAs.

Stakeholder Responsibilities

Sponsoring Employer Responsibilities

• Employment and Sponsorship:  Sponsor agrees to employ or continue employing the student as a full-time ‘CPA Apprentice’ and agrees to sponsor their participation in the AMAcc program for a specified period, contingent on satisfactory job performance. The period must be clearly communicated to the student and the AMAcc program administrator.
• Cost Coverage:  Sponsor agrees to cover all or most costs of earning the MAcc degree and obtaining the CPA license.
• Study Time:  Sponsor commits to allowing the student 10-15 hours per week for CPA Exam study during normal working hours (optional for spring semesters).
• Perquisites:  Sponsor agrees to specify if perks available to other employees (e.g., signing bonus, CPA Exam passing bonuses, etc.) are also available to CPA Apprentice employees.
• CPA Mentors:  Sponsor commits to providing at least one CPA Mentor who is an employee of the sponsor for each CPA Exam section. The Mentor’s responsibilities will be set jointly with the faculty member teaching the course and include creating meaningful experiential activities for the student.
• Collaboration and Communication:  Sponsor agrees to collaborate and communicate with the AMAcc program regarding the student’s program-related activities and assignments (e.g., CPA Mentor meetings, study time log).
• Forgiveness:  In the event the sponsor wishes to terminate the Sponsorship Agreement for reasons other than failure by the student to meet the program or employment performance requirements, the sponsor agrees to forgive any outstanding financial obligations of the student related to the program.

Student Responsibilities

• Program Commitment:  Student commits to earning the AMAcc degree, passing the CPA Exam, and remaining with the sponsoring employer for the entire sponsorship period, provided the sponsor fulfills its obligations under the sponsorship agreement.
• Academic Progress:  Student agrees to allow faculty to share academic progress with the sponsor.
• Reimbursement:  Student agrees to reimburse the sponsor for specified costs (e.g., tuition, fees, CPA Exam costs) if he or she leaves before fulfilling the sponsorship agreement terms.

Faculty Responsibilities

• Support:  Faculty must be committed to helping students earn their degree AND pass the CPA Exam.
• Experiential Activities:  Faculty commit to working with CPA Mentors to create meaningful experiential activities for the student.
• Feedback:  Faculty and CPA Mentors commit to providing regular feedback to students on their standing with both the employer and the AMAcc program.
• Academic Progress:  Faculty commit to sharing information with the sponsor on the student’s overall progress in the AMAcc program.

Sponsorship Agreement Form

Some sponsors may choose to cover less than the full cost of the AMAcc program and CPA licensure. To ensure clear communication between the sponsor and the student, a completed Sponsorship Agreement form is an application requirement. The form allows the sponsor to specify which costs are included in the agreement, the amount or percentage of those costs covered, the number of weekly study hours on company time the student will receive, and the length of the sponsorship agreement. The form should be jointly completed and signed by the sponsoring employer and the student.  

Important Note: Sponsors may choose to draft their own detailed agreement outside the program application process if they wish to include additional details, requirements, or legal terms and language.  We strongly recommend that the sponsor and student work together, including consulting with a legal professional to ensure that such an agreement meets applicable legal requirements.

Download Sponsorship Agreement Form

Last updated: 8/5/2024