Accounting - Prospective Students
Why Accouting? / Why Clemson? / Becoming a CPA
Decisions...Decisions...Decisions
Want to learn to take care of businesss? Want to become a trusted advisor? Major in Accounting!
Why Accounting?
To Make A Difference
A vast understanding of business processes, financial reporting, taxation, and business regulation places the accountant in the role of financial doctor. Just as M.D.s perform check-ups, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe programs of treatment to help restore and maintain their patients' health, through audits and advising, accountants help organizations to remain healthy and grow. An audit is an annual examination of a company's controls, transactions, and financial reports by a CPA (certified public accountant). At the close of the examination, the CPA will give an unbiased opinion as to the fairness and completeness of the company's financial reports. Investors, lenders, government agencies, and others rely on the CPA's opinion to help them determine the quality of financial information they are receiving from the company.
To Be Challenged
Accounting is one of the most challenging and value-adding of the business curricula. Students learn the financial language of business, how to assess, measure, and report on the profitability and financial health of an organization, and ultimately to recommend solutions to business problems. The practice of accounting, whether in the for-profit, not-for-profit, or governmental sectors of the economy, is challenging. Seeking to help organizations increase their efficiency and effectiveness, accountants identify and research business problems, determine which solutions are viable, and present recommendations based on sound logic.
To Have Choices
Accountants are essential to all organizations. Whether it is a business, a government agency, a hospital, a church, a school, or the Red Cross, all organizations have finances to manage, and resources to employ efficiently and effectively. Accountants are needed to report on the organization's use of resources and help the organization plan and assess the merits of its programs and alternatives. Accountants help organizations restructure activities to get the most out of their resources. Because accountants are idea and solutions people, professionals who exercise judgment, their work is varied, dynamic, and challenging. Having a thorough understanding of the financial aspects of business, along with good presentation and people skills, accountants frequently move into management positions, or start their own businesses. The study of accounting also provides an excellent base for students who are planning to enter law school or pursue a career in federal law enforcement.
To Be a Professional
Many occupations claim to be a profession, however, professions always include a duty to society, recognized expertise, certifications, a code of professional ethics, and a commitment to life-long learning. To serve organizations and society, accountants seek certification, subscribe to and advocate codes of ethical conduct, and complete continuing education programs each year. Why all this commitment to learning? Consider: Would you want to be diagnosed and treated by a doctor who has not read a medical journal or attended a medical conference since finishing medical school?
To Be Respected and Trusted
Society expects accountants to be ethical and monitor the ethics of the organizations they serve. Because of their commitment to honesty, confidentiality, unbiased decision-making, and giving the best possible service and advice, accountants have become trusted organizational advisors.
To Be Rewarded
It is rewarding to help an organization overcome its problems, grow, and become better at what it does. Beyond this psychic reward, accountants are among the highest paid business professionals. Accounting graduates typically are among those receiving the highest starting salary offers.
The following chart is adapted from information published in the 2008 Robert Half & Accountemps Salary Guide, as well as, information provided by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. A masters degree in accounting or an accounting certification [such as, CPA, CMA (certified management accountant), or CIA (certified internal auditor)] will add up to an additional 10%.
Public Accounting (audit, tax, and management advisory services)
| 1st Year | Large Company | $47,000 - 57,500 |
| Small Company | $40,000 - 47,250 | |
| 1-3 Years | Large Company | $54,500 - 66,250 |
| Small Company | $48,750 - 59,500 | |
| 3-6 Years | Large Company | $64,000 - 83,000 |
| Small Company | $52,000 - 82,000 | |
| 1st Year Partner | $150,000 (average) with the potential to make much more |
large firm > $250,000,000 in sales, small firm< $250,000,000 in sales
Corporate Accounting (financial, tax, audit, cost analysis, budget, and treasury functions)
| 1st Year | Large Company | $36,750 - 47,500 |
| Small Company | $32,000 - 40,500 | |
| 1-3 Years | Large Company | $43,250 - 61,250 |
| Small Company | $37,000 - 50, 750 | |
| 3-6 Years | Large Company | $53,.500 - 77,250 |
| Small Company | $45,000 - 61,250 |
large firm > $250,000,000 in sales, small firm< $250,000,000 in sales
Why Clemson?
- Our academic programs enjoy a reputation for excellence, rigor, and relevance. Since 1989 we have held AACSB accounting accreditation. AACSB International is the premier accrediting agency for management education and the only grantor of accounting accreditation. The Institute of Internal Auditors has endorsed Clemson's coursework in internal auditing. We were the third program in the nation to earn this endorsement. In response to needs of the profession we have developed an internship program. We are a leader in curriculum development, emulated by other institutions in our geographic area.
- Our programs have a strong professional focus. Our students obtain a broad-based education that gives them accounting and business expertise and contributes to their proficiency in analytical, communication, and interpersonal skills. They are prepared to begin accounting careers in industry, government, the financial sector, or continue their studies at the graduate level.
- Our students have the opportunity to complete two internship or co-op experiences for academic credit. These experiences help students decide whether they should begin their professional career in public accounting, industry, government, or a not-for-profit organization.
- Our students are highly recruited within the southeast region. Our national reputation allows us to assist students who wish to obtain positions outside of the southeast.
- Our undergraduate program coupled with the Masters of Professional Accountancy degree program is designed to meet the states' "bachelors degree with 150 hours" requirements to sit for the CPA exam. Both degrees, including internship experiences, can be completed in five years.
- The masters program allows the student to develop a specialization in assurance services, or taxation. It is designed to develop students' critical thinking, research, documentation, and presentation skills to deal with problems that have multiple solutions. Through case based learning, students learn to "think outside the box," developing the ability to identify problems, research and document alternatives, make recommendations, and justify their recommendations. Unique to the program is a required case-based course that emphasizes the accounting professional's ethical and legal responsibilities. Prior to graduation, all students successfully complete a CPA, review and have the opportunity to sit for the exam.
- Our large, diverse faculty is dedicated to quality in teaching, scholarship, and service to the professions and the public. All faculty have either a doctorate in their teaching field or a masters in their teaching field with professional certification and significant business experience. Many of the faculty possessing the doctorate also hold professional certification and have significant business experience.
- The faculty are active in helping students find internships and permanent placement.
- The faculty engage in continuing education and research to stay current in their teaching fields, maintain contact with the practicing profession, and maintain their professional certifications.
- In addition to traditional paper-based research services, the faculty instruct using the same electronic research data bases that are currently used by accountants in large public accounting firms and corporations.
- Through student organizations, such as Beta Alpha Psi and Financial and Accounting Professionals, students have the opportunity to interact with accounting professionals several times a month.