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Accounting
| Overview |
Everyone needs accounting and, therefore, accountants. Accounting
provides information that is useful in making financial decisions. This
is true for businesses, governments, and individuals. Accounting
information is also useful in such diverse areas as health care,
communications, law, engineering, forensics, and the fine arts.
Accounting offers stimulating and challenging work that is always
evolving.
An integrated approach to accounting is used at CMU to emphasis the way
businesses operate. Students are better prepared to enter, not only
accounting, but also related fields. |
| What skills and abilities do I need to excel in this degree? |
There is agreement that an accounting student needs good grades; good
communication and interpersonal skills; the ability to accept change;
and participation, when possible, in school and community activities,
internships, and business related jobs.
The level in which certain skills are needed depends on the area in
which the accountant is employed. The following skills and abilities are
required at some level:
- Initiative, Interpersonal, Analytical/Critical Thinking
- Sales/marketing, Computer, Communication
- Tolerance of Differences, Creative Problem Solving
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What skills can I expect to develop through this degree? |
| All of the above skills and abilities can be developed or improved
through this degree. The classes are designed to allow the student this
opportunity. The student must do his/her part to take advantage of what
is available. The opportunities are also available through study groups;
student organizations and government; speakers and programs; performance
groups; internships; and peer and faculty interaction. |
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What I will learn |
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Majors in Accounting will understand key business and accounting terms,
facts, and processes will understand preparation and of use of financial
information. Majors will analyze, interpret, and communicate business
and accounting information and will render judgment based on such
information. Majors will research relevant financial accounting, tax,
auditing, and attestation literature. Majors will understand relevant
legal issues, marketing perspectives, and management processes. Majors
will commit to the values that serve the profession and the community.
Major will work individually, as leaders, and as team members and will
be sensitive to the diversity of people. |
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What opportunities are there for internships or other hands-on learning experiences? |
The principles of accounting classes are held in a computer classroom to
give the students the opportunity to use computers when learning
concepts allow it. Two classes, Computers in Business and Computerized
Accounting, give the student real- world hands-on examples to learn and
apply.
Internships are available to accounting students. These included
internships with accounting firms and other financial institutions such
as banks and loan companies. The process is similar to applying for a
job. The student must complete applications and interviews. A student
may earn up to fifteen credit hours of internship.
Many accounting students get hands-on experience through their work as
an officer in student government, in a social organization, or in a
professional organization. They may also gain useful experience in CMU’s
chapter of SIFE, Students in Free Enterprise. |
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What are some possible entry-level careers with a degree in this
field? |
The following are some of the many career areas in accounting. Most of
them would have some type of entry-level positions.
- Assurance services/auditing, Business/Industry/Managerial
- Environmental Services, Information Technology
- Financial Planning/Investing, Government/Not-For-Profit
- Forensic Accounting, Tax
- Public Accounting, Accounting Education
- International Accounting, Consulting
The FBI and many other law enforcement agencies look for recruits with
an accounting
background to follow money trails from different types of crime. |
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What are some CMU graduates with this degree doing? |
Some students continue their education so that they can sit for the CPA
examination with requires 150 hours. Others have gotten or are getting
advanced degrees in fields such as law, actuarial science, and health
care or hospital administration. Some have completed MBA degrees.
Graduates have been employed by local, regional, and
national/international public
accounting firms. Others have been employed by the Missouri State
Auditors’ office, as controllers for governmental units, as accountants
for hospitals and other NFP groups, and as managerial accountants for
businesses. |
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Other items to note |
| Some of the certifications, which an accounting major may apply and test
for, are Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Managerial
Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Fraud
Examiner (CFE), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP). These and other
certifications may have requirements other than a degree in accounting.
Information may be obtained from the sponsoring organizations. |
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