Accounting Major and Minor

Learn how to analyze and communicate complex financial information to help organizations grow. Develop an understanding of the mechanics of taxation, auditing, and financial reporting and use these skills to assess financial success.

Why Study Accounting at Albion?

As an accounting student at Albion, you’ll develop strong analytical skills, preparing you not only for your first job after graduation but also for advancement into increasingly responsible positions. Our courses equip you with everything you need to be successful in the fields of business, administration, and accounting.

You’ll develop a deep understanding of economic theory and strong critical and problem-solving skills that you’ll hone through hands-on experience. You’ll graduate with a close network of faculty, alumni, and peers who will help support and advance your future success.

Emphases

Our accounting major offers two different tracks so you can tailor your education to your intended professional path.

C.P.A. Emphasis

With a C.P.A. emphasis, you’ll be able to take every course you need to be eligible for the Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.) Exam. You’ll receive hands-on experience as you learn the basics of accounting systems and working with financial information. You’ll understand accounting and economic theory and its practical applications, helping you learn to use accounting practices and tax strategies for businesses and organizations.

Corporate Emphasis

With a corporate emphasis, you’ll take a deeper dive into economic theory as it applies to government, policy, and procedures. You’ll learn the fundamentals of finance and key concepts of business administration, equipping you with the tools you’ll need to address real-world financial needs.

Internships

Gain hands-on experience and build crucial connections in the business and finance worlds. Students in our accounting programs regularly intern at organizations such as Ernst & Young, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the Kellogg Community Foundation.

Accounting Society

Join like-minded peers to share information about academic and career planning and grow your professional network. The Accounting Society arranges student trips to visit businesses and CPA firms, co-hosts a career fair each year, and sponsors professional workshops and speakers, giving Albion students an early edge in their professional advancement.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program

Connect with the local community and gain valuable experience working on actual tax returns. Through VITA, Albion students are trained by accounting faculty to prepare income tax returns for low-income residents of the city of Albion and nearby communities. These volunteers prepare over 200 returns each year.

What Will You Learn as an Accounting Major?

• You’ll develop an in-depth understanding of the theory and practice of accounting, finance, auditing, and taxation.
• You’ll become familiar with the fundamentals of macroeconomics and financial markets and master the mathematical skills you’ll need to excel in and out of the classroom.
• You’ll learn how to build and operate systems that store and analyze financial data, gaining hands-on experience with a computerized accounting system.
• You’ll tailor your course of study to your particular goals and interests, pursuing a certified public accountant (C.P.A.) or corporate emphasis.

Many top accounting firms recruit at Albion College in recognition of our rigorous academic program. Our strong relationships with employers and alumni provide students with crucial connections to advance in their careers. Several of our students go on to take the Certified Public Accountant (C.P.A.) exam or find employment at several different organizations.

Job Titles

• Certified Public Accountant
• Business Analyst
• Financial Institution Specialist
• Accounting Officer
• Financial Auditor
• Staff Accountant

Employers

• Ernst & Young
• Intel Corporation
• JP Morgan Chase & Co
• Quicken Loans
• Rehmann