As tax season approaches, the Student Accounting Firm (SAF) at the University of Detroit Mercy is making a significant impact by providing tutoring, tax assistance and financial guidance to students across campus. Led by a dedicated team of accounting majors, the organization offers valuable real-world experience to its members while serving as a resource for students navigating the complexities of accounting and finance.
Founded as a small tutoring group, the Student Accounting Firm has since evolved into a structured, student-run organization that offers professional development, financial education and tax services to the Detroit Mercy community.
According to Justin Segovia, chairman of long-term strategy, the organization was built on two key principles: academic support and professional preparation.
“The Student Accounting Firm started as a small club focused on helping accounting majors with coursework,” Segovia said. “But our mission has grown beyond tutoring. We aim to integrate academics, personal life and professional development so that students are fully prepared for careers in accounting.”
Today, the firm provides tutoring, financial literacy resources and networking opportunities for students interested in both finance and accounting.
“We want students to feel confident when they leave UDM,” Segovia added. “This organization prepares them for job interviews, internships and real-world financial responsibilities.”
The Student Accounting Firm has seen tremendous growth recently.
“When I first took over, there were only a couple of members tutoring students,” Segovia said. “Now, we’re expanding to offer services like bookkeeping for student organizations, resume-building workshops and professional networking with accounting firms.”
Beyond academic support, SAF members gain hands-on experience with tax preparation through their work with Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), a program that helps low-income individuals file tax returns.
“There’s a class that helps students get involved with tax preparation, but anyone can volunteer with VITA,” Segovia explained. “This allows us to serve the community while also gaining practical experience in tax filing.”
Additionally, the Student Accounting Firm has partnered with well-known accounting firms, including Plante Moran, Grant Thornton, Cohen & Company and UHY, to connect students with recruiters and internship opportunities.
As Chief Financial Officer, Mary Sankarathil ensures that the organization’s finances remain balanced and sustainable.
“My primary responsibilities include managing the budget, fundraising and making sure we have funds for future events,” Sankarathil said.
The firm raises funds through bake sales and student events, using the proceeds to host programs like Monopoly Night, which teaches students about financial decision-making.
Additionally, Sankarathil and her team are working on helping student organizations manage their budgets.
“We’ve been assisting the South Asian Student Association and the Titan Equity Nourishment Network with bookkeeping,” Sankarathil said. “Many student organizations struggle with financial planning, so we’re stepping in to help them track expenses and allocate their budgets effectively.”
Students who have used SAF’s tutoring and financial services say the organization has been a game-changer.
Brandon Quintanilla, a student who received tutoring for an accounting course, emphasized the importance of peer-to-peer learning.
“They broke the material down for me and made sure I understood everything,” Quintanilla said. “It ended up working out really well.”
Beyond tutoring, the firm’s mentorship and career prep services have helped students land internships at top accounting firms.
Cristian Lugo, a client of the firm, shared how SAF helped him secure an internship with Ernst & Young.
“Thanks to their resume tips, interview prep and career guidance, I felt confident applying for internships,” Lugo said. “I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without the preparation and mentorship provided by the Student Accounting Firm.”
With plans to expand their services, SAF is positioning itself as a long-term resource for students across multiple disciplines—not just accounting.
“We’ve realized that accounting applies to every industry,” Segovia said. “Our goal is to bring in students from different majors, whether it’s business, finance or even healthcare, to show them how financial literacy impacts their fields.”
Sankarathil echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that financial education is crucial for all students.
“We want to reach as many students as possible and let them know that they don’t have to be an accounting major to benefit from what we offer,” she said.
With a growing membership, strong leadership and a commitment to student success, the Student Accounting Firm is set to become a valuable fixture at UDM for years to come.
For students looking to get involved or seek assistance, reaching out to the SAF team is as simple as attending a meeting, signing up for tutoring or participating in an event.
“Accounting can seem intimidating,” Segovia said. “But with the right support system, anyone can develop the skills they need to succeed.”
