“What Can I Do with a Major
In Accounting/Finance?”
Presented by :
Kellie Klinck, M.A., L.L.P.C., N.C.C
Academic Adviser, School of Business Administration
Pamela C. Joseph, B.B.A., M.A.
Interim Assistant Director, Career Services
Our Agenda:
Defining Both Disciplines
 Curriculum for Accounting and Finance
Majors
 Skills Needed for this Field
 Career Paths Accounting/Finance Majors
Follow
 Job Market
 Student Organizations available for
Accounting/Finance Majors
 FAQ’s

Defining the Disciplines

Accounting is the process of identifying, measuring,
recording, and communicating the economic events of an
organization. It is often said to be the “language of business.”
Accountants apply their skills in areas such as auditing, cost
management, financial analysis, information systems,
management and policy, and taxation.

Finance is involved with the acquisition, investment and
management of the cash resources of business entities,
governmental agencies, and individuals. Its practitioners must
have a thorough understanding of the financial markets where
money is raised, know how to analyze investment
opportunities, and because the objective of any financial
decision is to maximize value, understand how investors
determine value.
Accounting: The Coursework

Pre-Core
◦ Accounting 200: Introductory Financial Acct.
◦ Accounting 210: Managerial & Financial Acct. I
Core
 Major

◦ Accounting 310: Intermediate Financial Accounting I
◦ Accounting 311: Intermediate Financial Accounting II
◦ Accounting 318: Accounting Information Systems:
Planning and Analysis
◦ Accounting 320: Managerial and Cost Accounting II
◦ 4 Accounting Electives
* All SBA Majors Have to Complete ACC 200 & ACC 210
Accounting Electives
Accounting 301: Financial Reporting and
Analysis
 Accounting 401: Advanced Financial
Accounting
 Accounting 411: Auditing
 Accounting 412: Government and Not-forProfit Accounting
 Accounting 415: Federal Income Taxation
 Accounting 480: Special Topics in Accounting

Finance: The Coursework
Pre-Core
 Core

◦ Finance 322: Managerial Finance I

Major
◦ Accounting 301: Financial Reporting and
Analysis
◦ Finance 416: Investment Analysis
◦ Finance 422: Managerial Finance II
◦ 3 Finance Electives
* All SBA Majors Have to Complete FIN 322
Finance Electives





Finance 417: Investment Portfolio Management
Finance 418: Financial Institutions and Capital
Markets
Finance 419: International Financial
Management
Finance 420: Real Estate Investment Analysis
FIN 480: Special Topics in Finance
What Skills Should You Possess
for this Field?
Some Skills Accounting/Finance Majors Possess
Include:








Analytical
Listening
Problem solving
Quantitative
Written and oral communication
Decision-making
Organizational
Discipline
Student Organizations
OASIS: Oakland Accounting Students
Information Society
http://w3.sba.oakland.edu/studorg/oasis/

FMA: Financial Management Association
http://www.oakland.edu/org/fma/

FAQ’s

What is a CPA? How do I get to become a CPA?
◦ CPA is a credential that stands for “Certified Public Accountant.”
◦ There are state regulated rules to both take the CPA Examination and
Receive CPA Certification.
◦ Please see additional handout for further information.

Is it hard to schedule if you are an Accounting or Finance major?
◦ It is not hard if you plan accordingly. Finance and Accounting are our two
largest majors in the SBA, so it is competitive to get these courses. The key
is registering early.
◦ There are waitlists established for Accounting and Finance classes that meet
capacity and have to close.

Can I double major or major and minor in Accounting and Finance?
◦ Yes, many students will double major in Finance and Accounting. Essentially,
it is 4 more classes if you plan courses wisely.
◦ Students also major in one and minor in the other. Again, see your adviser
for how this affects your plan of study. Many students find it beneficial to
supplement a finance degree with an accounting minor.
Additional Contacts/Information
Department of Accounting/Finance
404 Elliott Hall
248-370-4361
Donna D. Free, MAcc, CPA
Department of Accounting & Finance
Faculty Coordinator, Master of Accounting
412 Elliott Hall
(248) 370-3281
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
www.aicpa.org.
Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
http://www.michcpa.org
American Finance Association
http://www.afajof.org/
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc.
http://www.cfp.net/