Major Overview
Accounting is often referred to as the “language of business.” The Accounting program at Wilberforce University develops an understanding of accounting principles, which are required to enable businesses to control costs, improve efficiency and interpret complex tax laws. Many graduates choose careers as auditors, budget officers, controllers, cost accountants, financial analysts, personal financial advisors and tax accountants. A major in accounting is an excellent foundation for careers in business and finance such as controller, financial vice president, company president, or chief executive officer.
Careers in Accounting
There are four major fields of accounting: public, management, government accounting and internal auditing.
Public accountants often become Certified Public Accountants (CPA) and perform auditing, tax, and consulting activities for corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations, or individuals.
Management accountants record and analyze financial data, develop budgets and perform cost management processes. Management accounts also prepare financial reports for various internal and external groups such as stockholders, creditors, regulatory agencies, and tax authorities.
Government accountants and auditors are employed by Federal, State, and local governments maintaining and examining records and performing audits.
Internal auditors examine and evaluate management procedures, financial information systems, and internal control processes to assure they are in compliance with corporate policies and procedures, laws, and government regulations.
Employment/Job Outlook:
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics http://www.stats.bls.gov/oco/ , “Employment for accountants and auditors is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through the year 2014”. The demand for accounting professionals is due to changes in financial laws and regulations, increased awareness of financial crimes, and growth in the economy. Accountants who earn a CPA or CMA should have excellent job opportunities.
Career Links
Public Accounting
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American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) http://www.aicpa.org/
Managerial Accounting
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Institute of Management Accounting http://www.ima.careerbank.com/
Tax Accounting
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Tax & Accounting: Career Search http://www.taxsites.com
- IRS Jobs http://www.irs.gov/opp-accounting.html
Environmental Management Accounting
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U.S. Environmental Protection Agency http://www.epa.gov/
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Environmental Management Accounting http://www.emawebsite.org/
Internal Auditing
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Institute of Internal Auditorshttp://www.theiia.org
Forensic Accounting
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Institute of Internal Auditorshttp://www.fasna.org/
Government
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FBI Jobs http://www.fbi.gov/employment
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Government Accountability Office (GAO Jobs) http://www.gao.gov/jobopp.htm
Faculty:
Vicki Lockwood-Gorman BS, MS (937) 708 5609 vlockwood@wilberforce.edu
Anu Venkateswaran PhD, MBA (937) 708 5661 avenkate@wilberforce.edu
Most Popular Class:
Many students enjoy Principles of Accounting I because they are learning the “language of business.” Also, students realize how many of the topics covered in Principles of Accounting I relate to their personal finances and professional goals in life. This course is also taken by all other Business majors and by CIS and HSA majors.
Special Interest:
Accounting majors can join the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) which affords them the opportunity to network and interact with accounting professionals as well as with accounting students from other universities.
In Fall 2008 Wilberforce University Accounting majors attended the NABA Convention at Detroit, Michigan. As you can see from the pictures, they had a great time!