This major is for those students who like the challenges of demystifying puzzles as well as problem solving. Students in this major are well prepared to seek positions in public accounting, private industry, government service, and not-for-profit organizations. Internships are available and may be considered as an elective for the major. In addition, the curriculum is designed to include the necessary academic content required to sit for professional examinations. To support the academic program, there is an active Accounting Club that creates opportunities to interact with practicing accountants. Alumni are employed by the Big Five, regional, and local CPA firms; by public and private corporations; and by various government and non-government agencies.
Candidates for the degree will be able to demonstrate:
- Understanding of the processes by which companies, governments and non-profit organizations conduct and report financial activities. These processes include transactions involving
- Customers or users of goods and services.
- Suppliers/vendors, landlords, banks, tax agencies and others.
- Employees, including payroll.
- Cash Receipts and Payments.
- Understanding of the potential uses of accounting reports for
- Evaluation of financial performance by managers, inventors, creditors, government agencies, analysts and other users.
- Analysis of cash flows.
- Planning and control of internal operations by decision makers.
- Knowledge of Current Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- The process by which the Financial and International Accounting Standards Boards develop new standards.
- Ability to apply Accounting standards to contemporary financial reporting issues.
- Knowledge of Current Generally Accepted Auditing Standards
- The process by which the American institute of CPAs develops new auditing standards.
- Ability to apply Auditing standards to Audit and Attest engagements.
- Knowledge of Current Federal Tax Laws
- The process by which tax systems are developed by legislatures, administered by governmental agencies and interpreted by the judicial branch of governments.
- Ability to apply currents tax laws.
- Ability to conduct research of tax laws, rules and court cases related to individual and business tax issues.
- Knowledge of Accounting Information Systems and Accounting Software
- Ability to utilize information technology to research accounting issues.
- Ability to prepare financial and managerial accounting reports utilizing current software.
- Understanding of control systems with a computerized environment.
- Development of skills and knowledge needed for success upon graduation.
- Ability to secure employment and perform successfully duties normally performed by accounting majors.
- Ability to secure admissions to graduate degree programs.
- Ability to pass professional accounting certification examinations such as CPA, CMA, CIA, CFM, CFE, CGFM, CISA
- Development of Ethical Standards to guide Personal Behavior
- Knowledge of laws, rules and codes of ethics established by government and private accounting organizations.
- Ability to apply ethical standards to situations which accountants encounter regularly.
- Development of Interpersonal and Communications Skills
- Ability to work effectively in team situations.
- Ability to write, speak and express thoughts persuasively and effectively.
- Ability to understand diverse cultures and interact effectively in a global environment.