A key aspect of running a business is understanding finances and taxes. Accountants and auditors help companies run efficiently. They analyze and communicate financial information for entities such as companies, individual clients, and government. Accountants prepare, analyze, and verify financial documents for clients as well as offer budget analysis, financial and investment planning, information technology consulting, and limited legal services.
SIUE accounting majors who participate in cooperative internships experience a variety of organizations as well as their business practices and accounting methods. This qualifies SIUE accounting graduates to work in either the private or not-for-profit sectors and gives them valuable work experience prior to taking the Uniform CPA exam or applying to graduate school. Many states, including Illinois and Missouri, require CPA candidates to have 150 hours of college credit; a graduate degree or a second bachelors degree usually satisfies this requirement.
Accounting is needed in any business, so accountants are always in demand. Employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations through 2014. Career paths include corporate accounting and the not-for-profit sector. Graduates in corporate accounting may work as managerial accountants, internal auditors, income tax specialists, systems experts, or management consultants. Also, careers such as assurance services, personal financial planning, and international accounting are options for accounting graduates. Other certifications include Certified Management Accountant and Certified Internal Auditor.
Admission to the School of Business is through a selective, competitive application process. Students first must apply to SIUE and be admitted, then complete prerequisite courses before applying for admission to the School of Business. Details about admission are available on the School of Business website and in the undergraduate catalog. Students should work closely with their academic advisor as they make plans to apply for admission to the School of Business.
