Accounting
Accounting isn't just about money; it also involves data analysis, strategic thinking and forecasting. Ethical practice is also integral to a company's reputation management, and central to our accounting major. Whether it's in big business or small business, non-profit or government, 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 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 a library of 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 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
2022 Summary of All Scholarships
2022 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
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. 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. Prerequisites: ACCT 214 and ACCT 215 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
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
Accounting Mentorships
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:o
· Expand student's network f accounting professionals
· Expose student to professionals from other disciplines, marketing, operational,
public relations, strategic planning, etc.
· Opportunity to better understand the expectations and requirements of employers
· Become acquainted with the realities of professional employment
· Provide the student with a source of information, professional guidance and options
as to career decisions
· Expand student awareness of professional certification programs and life-long professional
development programs
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:
· Attend all scheduled mentoring sessions and meetings (typically is only one formal
kickoff meeting and remaining interactions are scheduled between the mentor and the
mentee)
· Actively participate in meetings with mentor(s)
· Give serious consideration to any advice given by the mentor(s)
· Dress appropriately when meeting in a business environment
· Provide feedback on the mentoring process and meetings
If you are interested in participating in the ACCT Mentorship program, contact:
Valerie Williams, CPA, MBA, CHFP, CIA, CFE, CFF, PmP
Associate Professor of Practice, Accounting
935 Rockwell Hall
trottFREEDUQUESNE412.396.5700 (office)