What began as a connection through UNM-LA’s Community Internship Collaboration program has grown into something much more enduring at Hartway & Associates, CPAs, LLC — a steady, reliable partnership built on trust, mentorship and shared investment in the local workforce.
The firm, which provides income tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services to individuals, businesses and nonprofits, has welcomed a number of UNM-LA students over the years. Today, five former interns continue to work at Hartway & Associates, a testament to how well these students transition from the classroom into meaningful, long-term careers.
Their first intern, Rita Bronson, remains the standout example of what’s possible. When she joined the firm more than a decade ago, she was finishing her associate’s degree in accounting and started in an administrative role. Over time, she expanded her responsibilities — learning bookkeeping and tax preparation, earning her Enrolled Agent credential and eventually becoming a CPA. “She’s our biggest success story,” said partner Lorraine Hartway.
That sentiment reflects the firm’s broader experience. Whenever Hartway & Associates needs new team members, they consistently turn to UNM-LA students. “Everyone who has come through has been great,” Hartway noted. These students arrive with a foundation in accounting, but more importantly, a desire to learn — something the firm values deeply.
For these students, the transition from theory to practice is key. While classroom knowledge lays the groundwork, working in the office brings that knowledge to life. Interns begin with administrative tasks, gaining an understanding of how documents flow in and out of the office, before gradually taking on bookkeeping, payroll and even simple tax returns. The work environment encourages them to see the “whole picture,” while reinforcing the importance of strong organizational skills and multitasking.
Flexibility is another reason the partnership succeeds. Many of the students are balancing school, work and family responsibilities, and the firm’s willingness to accommodate those demands helps them thrive. Interestingly, many of the interns-turned-employees had previously earned degrees in other fields before pursuing accounting, bringing diverse perspectives and real-world experience with them.
Beyond technical skills, Hartway & Associates emphasizes adaptability. No two clients — or payroll systems — are exactly alike, and employees must be comfortable navigating constant variation. Experience with Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Sage and tax software is helpful, but the firm provides training while emphasizing strong communication skills, especially with clients.
As the accounting profession evolves, the firm is also mindful of emerging trends like artificial intelligence (AI). While AI may streamline processes and support research, Hartway believes human oversight and connection will remain essential. “It’s going to be interesting,” she said. “But the human connection is huge here.”
Ultimately, the firm’s connection with UNM-LA has proven to be more than a pipeline — it’s a partnership rooted in shared commitment to the community. “I think it’s been a great partnership,” Hartway said. This year alone, the firm interviewed two students for internships and hired both, continuing a tradition of investing in local talent and strengthening the workforce, one student at a time.