Overview
As the lifeblood of the global economy, accounting weaves together the impact of financial transactions to narrate the stories of businesses worldwide. This intricate field is beyond mere arithmetic and operates as a cycle of logic, creativity, and strategy. Accountants are expected to skillfully wield a dual-edged sword of integrity and innovation to shape the future of commerce, paving the way for economic prosperity. They navigate complex regulations to create reporting that provides information needed by the financial markets. Like detectives, these experts are also tasked with pursuing the truth and safeguarding the integrity of financial reporting, ensuring that the wheels of progress never cease to turn.
Accountants may enter many different fields after graduation, e.g., business consulting, auditing, tax planning and compliance, business analytics and information systems and security. The mission of the accounting program is to develop Day 1 ready accountants. Students with the highest possible professional competence who are prepared to immediately contribute to the organizations they serve and ultimately achieve excellence in their chosen field.
With a focus on applied learning, students are exposed to issues relating to rapid changes in technology, the accounting profession, the global economy, as well as an awareness of ethical issues they may encounter in their professional careers. The program allows students to become a complete professional by providing opportunities to for them to develop their interpersonal and leadership skills, improve their knowledge of business and organizations, and develop their personal capabilities.
Accounting faculty members are involved with all aspects of the students’ preparation for entering their chosen profession. The accounting program has an advisory board comprised of prominent members of the accounting and finance professions. The board includes partners in both national and regional CPA firms and financial officers in commercial, industrial, governmental, and not-for-profit organizations. Input from the advisory board ensures that the accounting program continues to meet the needs of students and the business community.
Certification as a CPA
To become certified as a CPA in the state of New York, a person must satisfy these requirements:
- Fulfill the education requirements established by the State Education Department. Students need to obtain at least a bachelor’s degree and 150 credit hours, including the following content areas, to fulfill New York state requirements to sit for the CPA examination:
- 33 semester hours in accounting, with courses in financial accounting and reporting, cost or managerial accounting, taxation, and auditing
- 36 semester hours in general business electives
- The study of business/accounting communications, ethics/professional responsibility, and accounting research
- Pass all four parts of the CPA examination, a standard computerized national exam.
- Fulfill the experience requirement. One year of experience, completed under the direct supervision of a licensed CPA. Appropriate experience may be earned in public accounting, government, or industry.
- Be at least 21 years of age and of good moral character.
Students planning to become a CPA are strongly encouraged to fulfill the education requirements through the 4+1 MBA program with a concentration in accounting.
Additional information on the requirements for certification as a CPA, including requirements concerning professional behavior and character, can be obtained at the New York State Education Department website at www.nysed.gov.