Bunker Hill Community College (BHCC) in Charlestown is teaming up with the state’s Department of Revenue (DOR) to add a degree program to prepare students interested in a career in taxation.
As part of the new partnership, Mass DOR employees will assist in teaching students about state tax laws.
Students who complete the new degree and certificate program would be eligible for a paid internship at DOR and prepare them for public or private tax prep careers.
“This is a great opportunity for our students,” said BHCC President Pam Eddinger. “The new internship fits well with other current partnerships that take our students into the workplace for invaluable hands-on experience.”
BHCC began offering the new classes this fall and has begun registration for specialized classes within the Business Administration Associate Degree with the new taxation option for January.
DOR Commissioner Amy Pitter said the department reached out to BHCC because the state has been facing a workforce shortage in the field of taxation.
Pitter said 500 employees will be lost to retirement and other opportunities over the next five years.
“This partnership aligns education and training with our workforce needs while creating a clear path to employment for Bunker Hill Community College students who are willing to do the work,” said Pitter. “We give students the training that our employees receive and oversee the practical application of their taxation and auditing skills during an internship. This helps create a qualified applicant pool not only for DOR, but for accounting and tax preparation firms as well.”