Why major in Business Administration-Accounting?

If you have strong quantitative skills, are detail oriented and enjoy problem-solving, then accounting is a good fit for you. Accounting has long been called the language of business because it’s used by firms to communicate financial and economic information. By majoring in Business Administration-Accounting at UPIKE, you’ll become proficient using Microsoft Excel, learn how to prepare tax returns and analyze financial data. The Bureau of Labor statistics projects that 139,900 new accounting and auditing jobs will open up by 2026. This equates to a 10 percent growth rate.

Coleman College of Business Dean, Howard Roberts teaching class

Program Distinctives

Upper-level accounting courses tend to have smaller class sizes and close-knit learning environments. You’ll be encouraged to work with classmates and form study groups. As a UPIKE accounting student, you’ll have the opportunity to assist low- to middle-income taxpayers in tax return preparation and filing through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Upon earning the ability to participate by completing a certification exam through the IRS, you can earn over 30 volunteer hours each tax season and gain invaluable hands-on experience. This is an excellent resume builder.

Student taking notes at his desk.

Interesting Courses

BUS 345 Managerial Accounting
Examine the function of the cost accountant and basic concepts of the field. Particular emphasis is placed on the cost information system and accumulation procedures as well as planning and controlling the major elements of cost, material, labor and production overhead.

BUS 343 Federal Taxation
This course is an introduction to the income tax laws affecting individual taxpayers. Emphasis is placed on the determination of income and deductions. Other topics include property-related transactions and a general overview of the various taxable entities including corporations, partnerships, S corporations, estates, gifts and trusts.

BUS 440 Auditing
Study the field of auditing as it applies to certified public accountants. Emphasis is placed on the theory of auditing and the environment of public accounting. Particular attention is given to legal, ethical, organizational and technical aspects of the attest function.

Student taking notes in class

Student Learning Outcomes

After graduating from UPIKE, you’ll be able to understand qualitative and quantitative accounting data, prepare and analyze financial statements, understand individual and business taxation concepts, apply audit techniques, conduct accounting research, leverage technology, apply managerial accounting concepts, understand international accounting and utilize the AICPA’s Code of Professional Conduct.

UPIKE’s accounting program prepares you for graduate-level coursework and to sit for the uniform CPA examination. As a UPIKE accounting graduate, you’ll be prepared for many advanced certifications including:
Certified Public Accountant
Certified Bank Auditor
Certified Financial Analyst
Certified Financial Manager
Certified Fraud Examiner
Certified Government Auditing Professional
Certified Information Systems Auditor
Certified Internal Auditor
Certified Management Accountant
Enrolled Agent

(Please note that requirements for licensure vary from state to state and may require some additional credit hours or specific courses.)

Career paths in Accounting

Bookkeeper
Budget Analyst
Chief Financial Officer
Controller
Cost Accountant
External Auditor
FBI Agent
Financial Advisor
Forensic Accountant
Fraud Examiner
Governmental Accountant
Internal Auditor
Payroll Clerk
Tax Accountant

Where Recent Graduates have gone to work or study

City of Pikeville, KY
East Kentucky Exposition Center
Edward Jones Investments (Edward D. Jones & Co., L.P.)
PriceWaterhouseCooper (PWC)
Shaping Our Appalachia Region (SOAR)
Sunflower Bank
University of Kentucky College of Law
U.S. Government 

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

“The accounting program at the University of Pikeville gave me the tools necessary to build strong relationships and pursue my career goals.”

JAMES BROOKS/CLASS OF 2017/PROCESS SPECIALIST/PriceWaterhouseCooper/TAMPA, FL

 

 

 

Contact

Chris Harris

Dean, Coleman College of Business
(606) 218-5517
christopherharris@upike.edu