Student Spotlight: Joshua Cena Builds Career-Ready Skills Through Tax Service, Tutoring and a Corporate Accounting Internship

Nazarian College student Joshua Cena chose accounting with a clear goal in mind: to build a stable, practical career grounded in real-world skills. Now an accounting major graduating this semester, Cena has turned that goal into action through hands-on learning, leadership roles and professional experience both on and off campus.

Over the past year, Cena has served clients through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, supported taxpayers through the Low-Income Taxpayer Clinic, mentored fellow students as a tutor and secured a corporate accounting internship with Legendary Entertainment. This tax season, he is stepping into a leadership role as a VITA lead supervisor, overseeing operations and supporting student preparers.

“It’s my first leadership position,” Cena said. “I’ll be in charge of at least 10 people, answering questions and making sure everyone is supported in their work.”

Cena began with VITA last season as a tax preparer at Las Palmas Park where he gained client-facing experience. His responsibilities included interviewing clients, reviewing documentation and entering information into tax preparation software while adhering to confidentiality standards.

“It’s almost entirely client-facing work,” Cena said. “You interview the client and input all their documents and information.”

He later expanded his experience through the LITC, which assists individuals with tax-related disputes, including IRS audits, who cannot afford professional representation. The work involved researching, preparing documentation and communicating with clients navigating complex situations.

Beyond tax service, Cena strengthened his professional skills by tutoring in the college’s Systems and Operations Management and Business Law departments. In these roles, he supported fellow students while developing strong communication, problem-solving and instructional skills valued by employers.

“I’ve definitely improved my communication skills,” Cena said, pointing to his experience tutoring and working with VITA clients, where he regularly breaks down complex information in ways others can understand.

As a VITA lead supervisor, Cena helps manage site operations at Mid Valley Regional Library and YMCA Mid Valley Van Nuys, with additional shifts at CSUN. He supports preparers and supervisors and ensures quality control before returns are e-filed. He said his leadership approach is rooted in accessibility and preparation.

“I want to lead by example and make sure people feel comfortable asking questions,” he said.

Cena began a corporate accounting internship with Legendary Entertainment on Jan. 28, supporting accounting operations within the entertainment industry. As he considers postgraduation options, including potential graduate study in taxation, he views experiential learning as a critical component of career preparation.

“Experience is the best teacher,” Cena said. “Getting involved early makes a difference.”

About the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

CSUN’s VITA program provides free tax preparation services to eligible individuals and families in the community while offering students hands-on, career-ready experience in client service, confidentiality and tax preparation.

Students from a variety of majors are eligible to volunteer and receive training prior to working with clients. Community members who meet income and eligibility requirements may receive free assistance with basic tax returns during the tax season.

Learn more:

Students interested in volunteering: Become a Student Volunteer | CSU Northridge

Community members seeking tax assistance: The CSUN VITA Clinic | CSU Northridge