Accounting
Accounting isn't just about business transactions; it also involves data analysis, strategic thinking and forecasting. Ethical practices are also integral to a company's reputation management, and central to our accounting major. Whether for large businesses, non-profit or government organizations, accounting is a core operation, and well-trained students are sought-after.
Students who choose accounting at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business aren't looking for just any accounting program; they want the best. You will learn more than just the technical aspects of accounting; you will become a better critical thinker, communicator, and problem solver.
You will have access to the latest versions of accounting software. Proficiency in these tools will enhance your success - both as a student and as a professional - and increase your marketability.
BSBA to MAcc
Earn two degrees in 5 years! You will earn two degrees, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) and a Master of Science in Accountancy (MAcc), in five years. Plus, you will have a paid co-op experience and only pay tuition for 4 ½ years.
Awards and Scholarships
2023 Summary of all Scholarships
2023 Accounting Scholarships and Award Instructions
Program Information
IIA-Certified Accounting program that prepares undergraduates for a successful career. The program helps students to become experts in data analysis, strategic thinking, and forecasting.
Program Type
Major, Minor
Degree
Bachelor's
Duration
4-year
Required Credit Hours
72
3 credits The materials presented in this course focus on preparers perspective so that students
develop understanding of the mechanical operation as well as the intellectual aspects
of individual income tax preparation. As a writing intensive course, this course will
also prepare the students to properly create, revise, and document communications
required in the business world. These communications will typically be prepared in
a memo format, and will require proper documentation of all sources. The ability to
communicate through an appropriate business memo will be taught through lecture as
well as numerous opportunities to revise and correct graded work. Because of the documentation
requirements, the students will also develop tax research skills. The research skills
will extend to cover topical tax assignment, code-based research questions, and policy
(legal precedence) research projects. The focus of the memo writing assignments is
to develop the ability to communicate information to decision making personnel regardless
of their accounting expertise. This course is required for accounting majors and particularly
relevant for those interested to work in the public accounting sector. The course
develops on materials covered in introductory financial and intermediate accounting
courses. It provides the foundation for those who are planning to take upper level
accounting courses including advanced accounting and corporate and partnership taxation
courses. As an Accounting student at the Palumbo-Donahue School of Business, there are several
awards and scholarships that may be available to you. The accounting faculty strongly
encourages you to apply for as many of these awards and scholarships as you are qualified.From Our Alumni
Curriculum and Course Descriptions
Introduces students to the discipline of accounting and the principles of financial
reporting. Students will develop a basic understanding of how to use the financial
statements to assess the profitability, liquidity and solvency of business entities.
Students will gain an understanding of how financial statement information is communicated
and be exposed to new technology tools to analyze and visualize financial data.
The purpose of this course is to provide an introduction to cost concepts, product
costing systems, budgeting systems, and the development of accounting data for internal
managerial decisions. Students will gain an understanding of how accounting information
is communicated within an organization and continue to work with technology to analyze
and visualize accounting data.
Prerequisite: ACCT 214
In this course, students will explore the role of accountants as users, managers,
designers, and evaluators of accounting information systems. Topics include the use
and design of ERP systems and the design and implementation of internal controls.
Prerequisites: ACCT 214 and ACCT 215
Offered fall only.
This course is an investigation and analysis of the accounting problems and practices
of the corporation, with detailed study of the component elements of the balance sheet
and income statement. Basic topics include: generally accepted accounting principles,
financial statements, income determination, and presentation.
Prerequisite: ACCT 215
This course is an investigation and analysis of the accounting problems and practices
of the corporation, with detailed study of the component elements of the balance sheet
and income statement. Basic topics include: generally accepted accounting principles,
financial statements, income determination and presentation.
Prerequisite: ACCT 311
The Advanced Accounting course exposes students to several of the more complex areas
of accounting, including the preparation of consolidated financial statements, equity
method investments, accounting for partnerships, accounting for governmental entities,
and foreign currency transactions and translations. Current business transactions
are utilized to illustrate course topics.
Prerequisite: ACCT 312
Financial cost data assists accountants in planning and managing the activities of
organizations. Planning is vital for managing the financial performance of business
organizations' decisions. The financial planning topics in accounting are flexible
budgets, balanced scorecards, responsibility accounting, transfer pricing and capital
budgeting decisions. Cost management covers advanced topics in accounting information
for external financial reporting. The cost topics include product and process costing,
variable and absorption costing income statements, cost allocation for support service
departments, use of standard costs for cost control, as well as variance analysis
for variable and fixed product costs. The subjects covered are applicable for manufacturing,
merchandising and service organizations. The course integrates statistical, analytical
and quantitative methods from microeconomics and decision sciences to advance the
problem-solving abilities of students.
Prerequisite: ACCT 215
Students study and evaluate standards and procedures employed by auditors in the examination
of financial statements and internal controls for the purpose of rendering an opinion.
The course includes an audit simulation to illustrate the concepts and develop students'
communication skills. Students will use data analytics and audit automation tools,
such as Excel, confirmation.com and AI Mindbridge.
Prerequisite: ACCT 312
Offered spring only.
This course covers the basic income tax concepts relevant to individual taxpayers,
and "how to" apply those principles. The course deals with the basic income tax provisions
of the Internal Revenue Code, with a particular focus on provisions that affect the
tax liabilities of individual taxpayers as opposed to corporations. They should be
able to explain how the current federal individual income taxation evolved and developed.
Students will prepare tax returns that includes Schedules A, B, C, D, and E as well
as other schedules and forms that are required to complete individual income tax returns
both manually and using tax software. Issues that put tax practitioners at odds with
clients will be discussed, guided by the ethical parameters established by the various
standards, codes of conduct, and Treasury Department Circulars. Problem solving skills
will be emphasized by examining real world applications and situations.
Prerequisites: ACCT 214 and ACCT 215
Offered fall only.
This course introduces students to the taxation of business, focusing on corporate
and partnership income tax. Students will develop a basic understanding of the rules
governing tax compliance in a variety of circumstances, e.g., incorporation, operations,
liquidations and mergers, and develop the skills to evaluate tax law implications
and recognize planning opportunities. This is an active, problem-solving course, in
which students prepare a variety of tax returns and use data analytics to examine
corporate taxation.
Prerequisite: ACCT 412
Offered spring only.
Prerequisite: All ACCT classes must be completed prior to taking this course.
Offered spring only.
Accounting Minor
ACCT 312 - Intermediate Accounting II
ACCT 314 - Advanced Accounting
ACCT 310 - Accounting Information Systems OR ACCT 315 - Cost Accounting
Students are encouraged to meet with their Student Success Coach for specific information.
IIA-Certified
Accounting Awards and Scholarships
The Accounting Mentoring Program has been in existence since 2007. The program is designed to enhance accounting students'
understanding of the expectations of graduates of the School of Business as they prepare
for employment and/or graduate studies. The students will have the opportunity to
interact with experienced accounting professionals. The program is also designed to
provide the graduate with the opportunity to remain active in the Accounting Mentoring
Program after graduation. Benefits to a Participating Student: Additional benefits of the program are the ability to obtain internships or employment.
The most recent survey indicated that 60% of the current students were able to obtain
work experience due to the mentorship program. Of that 60%, 50% indicated that their
mentor was helpful in the process. Of the goals initially established by the mentee
and mentor, after one year of the formal program, 97% of the goals are accomplished.
The program provides follow-up and adheres to specific plans of accomplishment. 100%
of all students and professionals surveyed replied that they would recommend the program
to others. Responsibilities of a Participating Student: If you are interested in participating in the ACCT Mentorship program, contact us.
Accounting Mentorships
Contact Us
Valerie Williams, CPA, MBA, CHFP, CIA, CFE, CFF, PmP