Accounting is a career that opens many doors in the business world, and several local companies recently welcomed students from the accounting class at the Mayfield/Graves County Area Technology Center (ATC) to demonstrate how the students can build rewarding careers based on their interest in numbers.
The visit was coordinated by Graves County Economic Development (GCED) as part of its “Power in Partnership” program, a collaboration with the ATC intended to educate students about career opportunities and inspire interest in local career options.
"We are so thankful to have community partners like those in our local banks,” said ATC Principal Josh Heisner. “Everyone was so inviting to our students, and they all touched on different aspects of banking, accounting, and even business etiquette, and were ready to speak with students one-to-one or answer any questions they might have. In addition to the banks, WKRECC gave our students a tour of their facility and demonstrated how their accounting stems more from work orders than ledgers. Combined, these visits made for an incredibly valuable experience for our students as they look ahead to future careers."
“CFSB was proud to play a part in the Power in Partnership accounting day,” said Matt Scoggins, Graves County Market President, CFSB. “We realize that these students are the next generation that will soon be entering the work force. It is our hope that days like this will develop a stronger interest for these students in the accounting field and make them aware of the many opportunities that Mayfield and Graves County have to offer.”
CFSB was founded in 1890 and has since become an institution in Western Kentucky. CFSB offers personal, business, commercial, and agriculture banking services. A believer in supporting and giving back to the communities it serves, CFSB was a 2025 winner of the Best Place to Work in Kentucky award.
Joshua Bewley, Business Banking Relationship Manager for U.S. Bank in Mayfield said the bank was honored to welcome the accounting students to their Mayfield branch. “We provided an inspiring session on financial literacy, professionalism, and life beyond
high school,” said Bewley. “We’re proud to help guide and empower the next generation of leaders as they prepare for a bright future!” As the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States, U.S. Bank has built a reputation for strength and stability across a diversified mix of businesses, including commercial and institutional banking, business banking, payments, wealth management, and consumer banking.
“We were thrilled to welcome the ATC students to First Kentucky Bank to give them an inside look at residential lending and the many career paths available within the bank,” said Amanda Rorer, First Kentucky Bank Marketing Officer. “Our team even walked them through a hands-on activity to explain how the debt-to-income ratio works, which is an important concept for anyone considering a future in finance or accounting. We love partnering with our local schools to help strengthen our community and provide students with real-world experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire their next steps.”
First Kentucky Bank was established in Mayfield in 1899. The bank provides a personal approach to finances for customers across Western Kentucky. They are committed to bringing customers simple ways to connect, grow, and protect their financial health in both personal and business endeavors.
“What an honor it was to be able to present to the ATC students,” said Jessica Tucker, Vice President & Controller, FNB Bank Inc. “Our focus was to show the various aspects of how accounting is used on a daily basis in the banking industry; however, the same accounting skills and knowledge can be applied to most business models. Quality accounting and financial skills are invaluable to all businesses – from start- up companies to seasoned industries, from corporations to nonprofit organizations. For students who are interested in pursuing accounting in the future, I hope that the presentation and discussion showed them the various career paths available, not only in banking but in other industries as well.”
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.
“WKRECC is proud to work with Power in Partnership and were pleased to host the ATC accounting class from the ATC,” said Jodie Hansen, Communications & Media Relations Coordinator, West Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative. “The students toured our offices and spent time in our dispatch center where they saw how our team works through power outages.” The students also spent time with Accounting Manager Erin Elliott and Plant Accountant Lauren Ellison, who demonstrated ways in which utility accounting differs from traditional business accounting. “We were so glad to host this group,” said Hansen.
WKRECC provides power to more than 31,000 members in Western Kentucky. Headquartered in Mayfield, the Cooperative serves members in Calloway, Carlisle, Graves, and Marshall counties.
“This semester has a brought such a range of learning experiences for our ATC students,” said GCED President Jason Lemle. “Our business and industry partners continue to be generous with their time and resources, and we are grateful for their support. We believe the relationships they are building with these students will carry forward and provide mutual benefits in the years to come.”
Accounting is part of the Business and Marketing Education pathway offered by the ATC 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.