Accounting
With an increase in international trade and the rapid pace of commercial transactions, the need for accountants is growing and the role they play in the business world is expanding in exciting ways. The accounting education you will receive from the College of Business will provide you with the knowledge and skills to explore the wide range of positions in industrial, public, government, and institutional accounting. You'll have the opportunity to learn about the field firsthand through internships at major accounting firms or in corporate accounting departments.
Why Choose Accounting?
Accountants are critical players in helping companies report their financial standings, but today they are also big picture thinkers. That role requires them to have a solid understanding of all business functions that a Bachelor of Science can provide. Through team-based projects and an emphasis on written and oral communications skills, our students become adept at preparing, examining, and reporting on financial statements.
What Will You Study?
In the Accounting program, you’ll study such topics as auditing and attestation services, accounting information systems, business law, taxation, cost accounting, and enterprise resource management, as well as strategic planning. With early planning and without any additional courses, you can pursue a double major in Finance. You may also pursue our Five-year Bachelor/Master of Science in Accounting program which provides you with the 150 credit hours of education required by most states to be a CPA.
Career Opportunities
Our students are prepared to enter the accounting profession in a variety of areas, including audit, taxation, and corporate accounting. Graduates of the Accounting major have gone on to work for major accounting firms and corporations, including PricewaterhouseCoopers, Pratt & Whitney, Deloitte, New England Financial Group/MetLife, Northwestern Mutual, MassMutual International, KPMG, CohnReznick, Aaron Smith PC, Smithfield, AAA Pioneer Valley, Delta Airlines, and American Outdoor Brands, among many others. Students often are introduced to major accounting firms and smaller businesses at our annual Meet the Firms Night. This networking event often leads to internships, which may turn into job offers after graduation.
Clubs & Organizations
Accounting students may have interests in: Alpha Lambda Delta (First-year honor society), Alpha Kappa Psi (Professional business fraternity), Beta Alpha Psi (Accounting and Finance Society), Beta Gamma Sigma (Honor Society), and the Accounting Association. Many of our students also participate in varsity and intramural sports, special interest groups, and student government.
Faculty
You'll learn from dedicated business professionals with a wide range of expertise in the field. Dr. Ausher Kofsky holds both advanced degrees in accounting and in law. Dr. May Lo has taught International Accounting Standards at Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Department Chair Dr. Yang Wang's research and scholarship has focused on the role of Corporate Social Responsibility.
AACSB International
The best business schools in the world are accredited by AACSB International—The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Western New England University is the only private institution in western Massachusetts accredited by AACSB International and among fewer than 5% of business schools in the world to hold this accreditation.
Unique Learning Opportunities
-
Internships and Field Work
Our Accounting students intern at nationally recognized firms such as PwC, The Hartford Group, BAE Systems, Aetna, United Technologies, KPMG, MassMutual Financial Group, Moriarty and Primack, and ISO New England; regional companies such as Northeast Utilities; and organizations such as the Springfield Boys and Girls Club and Melanson Health. Through the Meet the Firms Night and membership in the Accounting Association, you will have the opportunity to network with and build relationships with representatives from public accounting firms and other regional businesses.
Internships -
The SAP Certification Advantage
SAP, the enterprise resource planning software, is part of our core Business Education of how today's businesses are run. SAP is used by companies such as SunPower for talent management, the San Francisco 49ers to enhance fan experience, and Proctor & Gamble for real-time analytics. Students receive SAP certification which expands career options.
SAP -
Study Abroad: View Business From a Global Perspective
Today’s competitive workforce needs business professionals who think from a global perspective. The College of Business will help you to become a student of world economies and cultures while making valuable contributions in your explorations. Whether you participate in a faculty-led summer seminar course or spend a semester at an international university, the experience will broaden your horizons and help you compete in the global landscape.
Study Abroad
