Accounting

Business: Accounting & Strategic Finance

Details

Technology and innovation have expanded the role of accountants in the global environment. Accounting is the language that enables individuals to communicate and analyze information about businesses, non-profits, and governmental entities. Accountants are trusted and strategic business advisors who add value by working with people and a variety of data. In June 2020, LinkedIn listed accountants (CPAs) as the number one job with the fastest growing demand and CPAs were among the top 10 of most in-demand jobs.

hero background

About the Program

Why Accounting at Carroll?

With small class sizes, students enjoy individualized attention and personal interaction with professors who are experts in their fields and committed to providing students rigorous academic challenges in an atmosphere valuing ethical principles.

Students studying accounting and strategic finance complete the program in 4 years but may choose to pursue an optional accelerated 3+1 plan which allows students to complete the undergraduate curriculum and master's program in 4 years at Carroll. Students choosing this path complete AP credits, transfer credits, or summer classes in order to accelerate their progress.

Carroll College accounting majors may seamlessly enroll in the flexible online (with a virtual face-to-face residency) Masters of Accountancy program, which prepares students for professional accounting careers and the CPA exam. 

Accounting students at Carroll College are also encouraged to personalize their education by combining a major in accounting with majors or minors from another business area or from other departments.

 Academic Overview

The sky is the limit with an Accounting and Strategic Finance major from Carroll College! Graduates bring value to any organization with their broad business background and further accounting and finance skills. Students studying accounting and strategic finance at Carroll College gain an in-depth understanding of financial reporting, auditing, financial analysis and planning, and taxation along with the communication skills, ethical reasoning, and analytical abilities that employers value. Classes introduce leading-edge ESG reporting (environmental, social, and governance issues) and Carroll is among the few master of accountancy programs that includes a course in ESG reporting. Students have opportunities to work closely with business professionals, and nearly 90% complete internships or work for regional accounting firms, local non-profits, area businesses, and governmental agencies while enrolled at Carroll.

Featured Courses

Browse all courses
BA 420

Governmental & NFP Accounting

This course covers terminology and transactions encountered in governmental and not for profit organizations. Preparation of financial statements according to GASB or FASB standards and decision-making from those statements are included in the course.

BA 360

Accounting & Finance Information Systems

This course acquaints students with accounting and finance information systems. Topics include business processes, transaction processing, internal controls, data security, systems documentation, information technology, and software applications.

BA 411

Investment Planning

Investment Planning. A study of the basic concepts of investing. Topics covered include the stock and bond markets, commodities, options, money market funds, and mutual funds. An analysis of investment strategies and portfolio management as they apply to both the small and large investor.

The Carroll Difference

With small class sizes, students enjoy individualized attention and personal interaction with professors who are experts in their fields and committed to providing students rigorous academic challenges in an atmosphere valuing ethical principles.

Students studying accounting and strategic finance complete the program in 4 years but may choose to pursue an optional accelerated 3+1 plan which allows students to complete the undergraduate curriculum and master's program in 4 years at Carroll. Students choosing this path complete AP credits, transfer credits, or summer classes in order to accelerate their progress.

Carroll College accounting majors may seamlessly enroll in the flexible online (with a virtual face-to-face residency) Masters of Accountancy program, which prepares students for professional accounting careers and the CPA exam. 

Accounting students at Carroll College are also encouraged to personalize their education by combining a major in accounting with majors or minors from another business area or from other departments.

Outside the classroom

Free memberships in the Montana Society of CPAs

Carroll accounting students receive free memberships in the Montana Society of CPAs and scholarship opportunities are available through the MSCPAs.

Recent Carroll accounting grads passed the CPA exam with scores in the 80s and 90s.

Carroll accounting students participate in the Ethical Leadership Certification program sponsored by NASBA Center for the Public Trust.

After Graduation

Accounting has been listed among the best jobs and among the happiest careers. Accountants remain in high demand and the  U.S. Department of Labor expects accounting jobs to continue to grow at a rate of approximately 20%. With an accounting major grounded in a liberal arts education at Carroll College, students develop the skills that employers value: strong communication abilities, analytical and reasoning skills, and the knowledge to make ethical, value-based decisions. The Carroll College Career Center is available to assist students with securing internships, developing resume writing and interviewing skills, and researching employers.

Accounting majors are prepared for a variety of challenging and rewarding careers such as consulting with individuals on tax or financial planning matters, becoming a forensic accountant for the FBI, employment with a local or international corporation, or providing audits of financial statements. A recent Carroll grad completed an internship with the FBI.

Accounting graduates may enter directly into the workforce or enroll in graduate school. Recent graduates have gone on to earn masters in business (MBA), masters of accountancy, doctorates in business administration (DBA), or law degrees from schools such as Montana State University, University of Montana, University of Idaho, Gonzaga University, George Fox University, and University of Notre Dame.

Take the next step

Ask an Accounting Professor