Accounting Department
What is Accounting?
Accounting is the language of business, encompassing all phases of business operations as well as specialized accounting knowledge. Accounting is oriented to both preparers and users of financial information. Many organizations choose their corporate executives form the ranks of the accountant because of their broad training and expertise.
What careers are available in Accounting?
Accounting graduates have a wide variety of career choices. Private accounting or industry offers graduates a chance to pursue managerial accounting, cost accounting or internal auditing careers.
The not-for-profit sector includes federal, state and local governments; colleges and universities; heath care institutions and other such organizations.
Public accounting consists of the "Big-Four" international CPA firms, as well as national, regional, and local firms. Accountants in this area may pursue an interest in auditing, taxation, financial accounting, or systems advisory services.
What awards are available for Accounting majors?
Several awards are available for accounting majors displaying scholastic achievement, leadership abilities, and involvement in student activities. Awards are given by the Virginia Government Finance Officer's Association, the Association of Government Accountants, the Virginia Society of CPAs, the Institute of Internal Auditors, and the Institute of Management Accountants. A number of other organizations also have scholarships available to students majoring in accounting.
A number of professional certifications are available to accounting graduates. The best known is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, which gives the holder the right to practice public accounting. The American Institute of CPAs offers the CPA exam each year in early May and November. Most states also require a period of work experience in addition to the successful completion of the exam for an individual to receive certification. Detailed CPA information.
The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) also requires successful completion of an exam and work experience for an individual to receive certification. The Institute of Management Accountants offers the CMA exam year round. Detailed CMA information.
Other certifications include the Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Government Financial Manager, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified Financial Manager and Certified Information Systems Auditor.
For more information contact:
Undergraduate Program Coordinator (BSBA): Ms. Terry Kubichan, Constant Hall 2179, (757) 683-4346, tkubicha@odu.edu
The accounting department has established a list of accounting majors emails for the purpose of disseminating information related to accounting education, advising, club activities and job openings. To add your email account to the accounting majors list click on the link below and provide the information requested on that screen and hit submit.
Accounting ListServ
