Accounting

Description of Major

Accountants and auditors prepare, analyze, and verify financial reports and taxes, and monitor information systems that furnish this information to managers in business, industry, and government. The Carthage accounting major includes not only the essential accounting courses, but also a group of other business administration and economics courses.

Relevant Coursework

Accounting, Business, Economics, Financial Accounting, Cost Accounting, Managerial Accounting, Taxation, Auditing, Business Law, Financial Management.

Current Outlook
The Carthage Accounting Association is an organization dedicated to supporting accounting majors. They continue to sponsor field trips and speakers, volunteer for income tax preparation assistance, and hold resume workshops. They work to develop valuable community contacts, and enhance the education of accounting majors outside the classroom.

Students with a 3.2 GPA can join Business Honors Society, a pace-setting organization which offers opportunities to practice the skills of management and leadership. Structured as a business, this group provides exposure to business executives and project activity to both large and small businesses. Members gain leadership and experience that will enhance their future careers in the business world.

Why take Accounting at Carthage?

Carthage Advantage

Carthage accounting graduates can complete 150 college credits in four years due to our 4-1-4 academic calendar. Why is this significant? As of June 1, 2001, 48 juristictions (these include the 50 states and other entities like Washington D.C.) had passed a 150-credit-hour requirement to sit for the CPA exam. Students attending other colleges typically complete additional coursework beyond four years to reach this credit requirement. Carthage business degree programs are accredited by International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education.

Outlook for Field

The demand for Carthage accounting graduates continues to be strong, and CPAs often have the best prospects for jobs.

Salary

New accounting graduates reported a national average starting salary of $40,293 in 2002. Those employed by state and local government earned $31,196 on average. Accountants in consulting services made an average of $44,830. Public accountants earn starting salaries within the range of $35,000 to $42,000. The average starting salary of accountants with master's degrees in accountancy was $38,000 to $43,000.

What can I do with a major in Accounting?

Please note that list includes careers requiring differing degrees of education and training.

  • Public Accountant
  • Accounting Software Developer
  • Tax Accountant
  • Financial Analyst
  • Financial Consultant
  • CPA
  • Management Accountant
  • FBI Special Agent
  • Auditor
  • Cost Accountant
  • Personal Financial Planner
  • Actuary
  • Tax Attorney
  • IRS Agent
  • Underwriter

COMPANIES EMPLOYING CARTHAGE GRADUATES OF THIS MAJOR

  • Sears Roebuck & Co. Inc. - Internal Auditor
  • Abbott Laboratories - FPDP Program Assistant
  • Jockey International - Accounts Payable Manager
  • Ernst & Young - Auditor
  • Case Corporation - Accounting Analyst
  • Jenkins & Vojitsek - Accountant
  • S.C. Johnson - Staff Analyst
  • Smurfit-Stone Container - Plan Accountant
  • Snap-on Inc. - Accountant
  • Abbott Laboratories - Financial Analyst
  • Accenture - Staff Accountant