Jonathan Nash
Accounting
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
Business Administration Major: Accounting Option (B.S.)
Business Administration Major: Accounting Option (B.S.)
Accounting is called the first language of business for good reason: the fate of many products and marketing campaigns hinges on the financial officer's final analysis. For this reason, successful accounting professionals often assume leadership roles within their companies. Whether you are interested in working within an existing organization or in starting your own business, understanding financial matters is vital to your success.
What is accounting?
Accounting is called “the first language” of business for a good reason. It is a way to communicate the financial health of a business or an organization to all interested parties. Accountants evaluate the assets, liabilities, and cash flow of an organization for all current and future investors. The fate of many major business decisions hinges on the financial officer’s final analysis.
Why study accounting at UNH?
he business administration accounting major will prepare you for a career in in a variety of fields, including internal and external audit, tax preparation and planning, and consulting. You’ll possess the qualifications to obtain certifications, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), and Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). UNH’s Paul College has one of the highest CPA first-time pass rates in New England, and its accounting graduates are highly sought after. You also can take advantage of the 4+1 (five year) program to earn a M.S. in accounting at Paul College.
Potential careers
- Actuary
- Certified public accountant
- Commercial banker
- Credit manager
- External auditor
- FBI agent
- Internal auditor
- Loan officer administrator
- Tax accountant
- Underwriter
Curriculum & Requirements
The Option in Accounting prepares students for careers in a “recession proof profession” with excellent placement and salary statistics. Accounting is referred to as the “language of business” because all businesses rely on accounting information for decision-making. Because accounting is inherently subjective, accounting students learn the analytical skills necessary to make idiosyncratic decisions. However, in contrast to other professions, accountants also learn a technical knowledge base that allows them to understand how accounting choices can affect the information used for decision-making in all disciplines. This deeper understanding of business data helps accounting professionals provide value to clients and employers.
Because every business relies on accounting information, accounting students can select an industry and position that aligns with their personal interests. Examples of commonly selected positions include audit, tax, financial consulting, and management. The Option provides students with the requisite knowledge to obtain certifications in a variety of areas, including accounting (CPA), management (CMA), internal auditing (CIA), forensics (CFE), and information systems (CISA). Students may also take advantage of the four-one (5 year) program to earn a M.S. in Accounting at Paul College, which can speed career progression. Irrespective of the position or educational pathway an individual student selects, the demand for accounting professionals exceeds supply, making accounting a great career choice.
A typical plan of study follows, showing the major-required courses. Students take 16-18 credits per semester. Discovery Program requirements (including the Inquiry requirement in the first two years) and elective courses are taken as well. Students are expected to follow this course plan. In the first three semesters, students cannot take more than two major courses in a single semester. The options have additional requirements as noted. For a detailed schedule/plan of study for each option, students should check with the Paul College Undergraduate Programs and Advising Office for specific recommendations.
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Business Adminsistration core requirements | ||
| ADMN courses: | ||
| ADMN 400 | Introduction to Business | 4 |
| ADMN 403 | Computing Essentials for Business | 1 |
| ADMN 410 | Management Information Systems | 4 |
| ADMN 502 | Financial Accounting | 4 |
| ADMN 503 | Managerial Accounting | 4 |
| ADMN 510 | Business Statistics | 4 |
| ADMN 570 | Introduction to Financial Management | 4 |
| ADMN 575 | Behavior in Organizations | 4 |
| ADMN 580 | Quantitative Decision Making | 4 |
| ADMN 585 | Marketing | 4 |
| ADMN 775 | Strategic Management: Decision Making 1 | 4 |
| Other subject code courses: | ||
| ECON 401 | Principles of Economics (Macro) | 4 |
| ECON 402 | Principles of Economics (Micro) | 4 |
| MATH 422 | Mathematics for Business Applications | 4 |
| or MATH 424A | Calculus for Social Sciences | |
| PHIL 431 | Business Ethics | 4 |
| PAUL 405 | Freshman Academic Experience I | 1 |
| PAUL 406 | Freshman Academic Experience II | 1 |
| PAUL 660 | BiP-Social Intelligence Topics 2 | 2 |
| PAUL 670 | BiP-Analytical Intelligence Topics 2 | 2 |
| PAUL 680 | BiP-Competitive Intelligence Topics 2 | 2 |
| PAUL 690 | BiP-Professional Intelligence Topics 2 | 2 |
- 1
This is the capstone course in the business administration program, and satisfies the capstone requirement of the Discovery Program. Students may be required to concurrently enroll in ADMN 700 PAUL Assessment of Core Knowledge (zero credits) for AACSB accreditation purposes.
- 2
Students may satisfy PAUL 660, PAUL 670, PAUL 680, PAUL 690 requirements through other courses/experiences with approved intelligence attributes assigned.
Depending of the choice of option and the specific requirements thereof, students may be able to take PAUL or non-PAUL electives in their junior or senior year.
Option in Accounting
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Required courses: | ||
| ACC 721 | Intermediate Financial Accounting I | 4 |
| ACC 722 | Intermediate Financial Accounting II | 4 |
| ACC 723 | Advanced Managerial Accounting | 4 |
| ACC 724 | Auditing | 4 |
| ACC 726 | Introduction to Federal Taxation | 4 |
| ACC 747 | Business Law | 4 |
| Select one of the following: | 4 | |
ACC 727 | Financial Statement Analysis | |
ACC 720 | Topics in Accounting | |
ACC 725 | Independent Studies in Accounting | |
ACC 799 | Honors Thesis in Accounting | |
| Total Credits | 28 | |
- Students will demonstrate proficiency in the core content areas of business.
- Students will think critically to address business situations.
- Students will demonstrate communication skills to interact effectively in business situations.
- Students will identify and understand the ethical dimensions and implications of business decisions.
- Students will demonstrate the ability to analyze a business situation by applying a multiple stakeholder lens.
- Students will demonstrate an understanding of business practices as they relate to local, national and global competitiveness.
