Jessica Tucker, Vice President & Controller, FNB Bank Inc., and a former student at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC), recently visited the school’s accounting class to share her experience with students and emphasize the growing demand for accountants.
Tucker’s visit was part of the Power in Partnership Program, a collaboration between the ATC and Graves Cunty Economic Development (GCED) that brings local professionals to the school to provide information about their daily tasks, pay/benefits, advancement/progression, training needed after high school, and other crucial details that help students understand and prepare for careers.
“Being able to speak to the accounting students at the ATC was an enjoyable part of my day,” said Tucker, “Since I began my career, the need for qualified individuals in the accounting field has grown tremendously. During my presentation, I discussed how my foundation in accounting began in the same school they are now attending. That foundation helped me as I continued my education at Murray State University and as I entered the workforce.”
“My hope is that I showed the students the many layers of what a career in accounting can include,” she added. “From bookkeeping and tax returns to financial statements and audits, these are all areas that good businesses are built and thrive on. The accounting skills they are learning today can be utilized in various ways to help others with their financial needs in the future.”
Tucker said she also appreciated the attentiveness of the students and their specific questions. “Their true interest in accounting was nice to see as they complete their high school studies and prepare for college and to enter the workforce.”
Founded in Mayfield 150 years ago, FNB Bank has remained locally owned and operated, while expanding the bank’s footprint to 11 locations in Western Kentucky. Today, FNB is one of the oldest banks in Kentucky with assets exceeding $689 million.
"Mrs. Tucker speaks to our students not only as a banking leader in our community, but also as an alum of our program at Mayfield/Graves ATC,” said Josh Heisner, Principal, Mayfield/Graves ATC “You can tell that her experience as a student in this program is close to her heart. She talked about lessons-learned in the accounting world following the December 2021 tornado and the need for specialized disaster accounting skills. We appreciate her taking the time to invest in our students."
“With the help of Jessica and others like her, we are painting a picture for these high school students that helps them see themselves in rewarding careers right here in Graves County,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “We are grateful for FNB’s continuing support of GCED, helping us achieve our goals of bringing economic growth to our area and making Graves County a better place to work, live, and raise a family.”
Accounting is part of the Business and Marketing Education pathway offered by the ATCs and covers the foundational skills needed for entry-level bookkeeping and accounting support roles. It provides students with practical knowledge and skills that prepare them for both immediate employment and further education. The ATC is located on the Mayfield High School campus and educates students from Mayfield Independent Schools, Graves County High School and Carlisle County High School.