Charles Sturt University (CSU) and leading accounting and business advisory firm, Crowe Horwath, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for a pilot program to enhance the training of selected accounting students.

The MoU will allow up to five accounting students from the CSU School of Accounting and Finance in the Faculty of Business the opportunity to complete a mutually beneficial work placement at Crowe Horwath offices across regional NSW.

CSU Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Vann praised the initiative.

"This MoU with Crowe Horwath will enhance the practical work experience options for our accounting students," Professor Vann said. "It is recognition by a leading accounting firm of Charles Sturt University's important role in training professionals to work in regional Australia."

The Executive Dean of the CSU Faculty of Business, Professor Lesley White, said, "This is excellent news for our students.

"Partnering with Crowe Horwath will enable the students to gain valuable work experience from a firm which has an extensive network of offices throughout regional Australia. In addition to accounting and taxation, students will also receive exposure to audit, business and financial services within Crowe Horwath.

"This could lead to possible future employment with Crowe Horwath, and will give the successful candidates a very strong addition to their CVs."

Ms Yvette Pietsch, Managing Principal for Crowe Horwath Central West, said the firm was pleased to be entering into this partnership arrangement with CSU.

"We value the opportunity to enhance the training of future professionals and to help students to consolidate theory with practical experience," Ms Pietsch said.

Students will be involved in professional and administrative tasks, and will be assessed for professional skills, team work, problem-solving, initiative, planning and organising, self management, and technology use.