Carroll College » Academics » Majors » Accounting » Accounting

Accounting

Financial literacy is important to everyone and with a major in accounting from Carroll College, you will be prepared for the exciting options available in accounting whether you choose to consult with individuals on tax or financial planning matters, become a forensic accountant for the FBI, seek employment with an international corporation, or sit for the CPA exam. The Accounting major is designed to ensure students are prepared for entry directly into the workforce or for acceptance into graduate school. With an Accounting major grounded in a liberal arts education, students develop the skills employers value: strong communication abilities, analytical and reasoning skills, and the knowledge to make ethical, value-based decisions.

With small class sizes, you will enjoy individualized attention and personal interaction with your professors. Experts in their fields, Carroll College professors are committed to providing you rigorous academic challenges in an atmosphere valuing ethical principles.

In addition, you will have the opportunity to network with business professionals through classroom presentations, business tours, and internship opportunities with regional accounting firms, area businesses, and legislative audit. Many of these internships lead to future employment and students achieve success on the CPA exam.

The Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics also offers majors in Public Administration and Business Administration with concentrations in management, marketing, finance, economics, and international business. You may combine any of these majors or add minors from the Department of Business, Accounting, and Economics or add minors from other departments to personalize your education.

WHAT CAN YOU DO WITH THIS DEGREE?

Accountants have a broad range of career opportunities – including public accounting, industry, government, not-for-profit organizations, and small business owner. For individuals choosing a career in public accounting, options include sole proprietorship, local or regional firms, or multinational accounting firms. Typical services include personal financial planning, auditing, tax, environmental accounting, forensic (fraud or investigative) accounting, or information technology services. Companies of all sizes employ accountants in the areas of budgeting, financial management, cost accounting, tax planning, financial reporting, and internal audit. Career paths can include controller, treasurer, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. Accountants are also employed by governmental entities such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), or Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).

Success on the CPA Exam

For candidates taking all four subjects tested on the CPA exam, Carroll College accounting students achieve a first time pass rate of about 3 times the national average. Recent graduates have received scores in the 90% and 80% range (75% is the passing score on the exam).

85-95%

of recent accounting graduates have completed accounting internships, or been employed in a career related position as students within the program.

IACBE Candidate for Accreditation

The Business Department at Carroll College has been awarded the status of Candidate for Accreditation by the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education (IACBE). The Carroll Business Departement has affirmed its commitment to excellence in business education and is eligible to undergo an accreditation review of its business programs.

10 reasons

to choose carroll college for accounting

Internship Successes

"The Legislative Audit Division has operated an internship program for at least two decades, often hiring Carroll College students. Over the years, we've hired many of those interns for full-time audit positions. Three individuals who participated in our internship program are currently on staff. Carroll College students are well prepared for the work environment and have a strong work ethic. Their liberal arts background provides for creative thinking, as well as strong leadership and interpersonal skills, which are qualities we look for in potential full-time employees. We've always enjoyed working with Carroll College students and look forward to future opportunities to do so."

Cindy Jorgenson
Audit Manager
Legislative Audit Division
cijorgenson@mt.gov