CFCC Partners with Pronto Tax School to Offer Apprenticeship in Accounting and Finance

Cape Fear Community College has officially launched one of its first white-collar apprenticeships, partnering with Pronto Tax School to give students real-world experience in finance and tax preparation. People have associated apprenticeships with the trades for years, but CFCC is expanding into new territory in fields like business, accounting, and finance.

Founded by third-generation tax entrepreneur Andy Frye, Pronto Tax School grew from a family business preparing taxes since 1965. The company now trains professionals nationwide, with team members working across the country and internationally. What excites Frye most about this new partnership is connecting the next generation to an industry full of opportunities.

“The apprenticeship program is so important because the shortage of new people is probably the biggest issue in the industry,” Frye explained. “It’s such a niche little thing.”

Flexibility, Stability, and Impact

Frye compares the work to a familiar trade. “My good friend runs a plumbing business, and by the time somebody calls you, they already need your service,” Frye said. “It’s the same with taxes. People are already stressed. They don’t want to be doing this, and you become their go-to when you take care of them. Like with a plumber, once people find a good one, they stick with them for life.”

Frye believes tax work combines flexibility, financial stability, and impact. “It’s probably one of the easiest ways to make good money without having to do some crazy amount of schooling,” he said. “You can have autonomy, make good money, and do something positive that helps people.”

That flexibility is one of the things he values most.

“Some of our best employees work only during tax season, especially when their kids are young. Then, as life changes, they can transition to more year-round work. They already know the clients and are already part of the business.”

For Frye, the reward comes from seeing people build new futures. “Some of our best success stories are people who were unhappy in their corporate jobs,” he said. “They went off and started their own businesses. They didn’t have to do it all alone. We supported them through our community. And now they’re doing well. That’s what’s exciting.”

The First Apprentice

With this apprenticeship, Pronto Tax School is starting small but with purpose. “We wanted to start with just one good apprentice, and we’re figuring it out as we go,” Frye said. That apprentice is Gavin Walker, an Accounting and Finance student at CFCC.

Originally from Oklahoma, Gavin served four years in the Army after high school. After his service, he explored several academic paths.

“I was in healthcare for a while, but I finally decided I wanted to go into finance,” Gavin said. “The hospital just was not for me.”

A move to Wilmington gave him a fresh start. “We always wanted to live on the ocean,” Gavin shared. “Life was too short, so we picked up and moved.”

When one of his CFCC instructors mentioned Pronto Tax School, Gavin knew it was the opportunity he had been looking for. “I was searching for experience, and when I heard about Pronto, I applied,” he said. “We held an interview, and here I am.”

Gavin started out working two days a week while continuing his studies. Frye recently offered him a full-time position with the company, and he’ll move into that role in the coming weeks.

For Frye, Gavin is the kind of apprentice he hoped for, someone willing to learn and grow into the industry.

“The customer service side of this business is paramount,” Frye said. “It’s not just about numbers. It’s about working with stressed people who don’t want to do their taxes. If you can give them a good experience, that’s what creates lifetime relationships. That’s what makes this profession valuable.”

The Future of White-Collar Apprenticeships

This collaboration with Pronto Tax School is one of CFCC’s first steps into white-collar apprenticeships, and both the college and its partners are excited about the future.

Students, alumni, and job seekers can explore opportunities like this at CFCC’s upcoming Business, Accounting, Information Technology, and Apprenticeships Career Fair on Thursday, September 11, 2025, from 1–3 p.m. at the North Campus (4500 Blue Clay Road, Castle Hayne) in the BB&T Auditorium.

An employer panel will be held beforehand in the exact location from 10 to 11 a.m., where panelists will share insights into today’s job market, discuss emerging trends in business and technology, and offer practical tips for job seekers.