Accounting

Accounting is the backbone of business. A Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Idaho prepares you to be more than just a "number cruncher." You will be positioned as a strategic business partner with the ability to collect, organize and analyze complex financial information to help companies make smart business decisions.

As an accounting major, you will study core accounting concepts and explore corporate accounting and reporting, tax, audit, management accounting and accounting information systems.

The Department of Accounting is in the College of Business and Economics, where students learn business the way business is done in the real world. You will examine issues relevant in today's market and engage in hands-on programs that simulate real business situations. You’ll closely collaborate with other students, receive personal mentorship from top business faculty and network with practicing professionals.

The nationally-acclaimed Integrated Business Curriculum (IBC) is the college's signature program. In your junior year, you will work as part of a team with other business students to address problems for companies such as Boeing, Micron, Starbucks, Columbia Sportswear and Coldwater Creek. The yearlong experience strengthens your teamwork and decision-making skills, and gives you cross-functional knowledge in business systems, product and process planning, managing firm resources and business operating decisions.

Prepare for Success

A successful career in accounting requires strong analytical, research and interpersonal skills. High ethical standards and a broad business perspective are crucial, as is the ability to use the latest accounting technologies. If you are interested in a degree in accounting, you should prepare with high school courses in accounting, advanced mathematics and other related courses.

Your First Year

During your first year in the College of Business and Economics, you will complete core discovery courses and general university requirements in English, math, science and communication. You will also take Business 100, an introductory course to the college and its majors.

You will take foundation business courses during your second year in the program and spend your junior year working as part of a small team with other business majors in the Integrated Business Curriculum. Your fourth year will include an intensive capstone course with upper-division accounting courses.

Students interested in becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) must complete a total of 150 hours. Most students accomplish this by pursuing a double major in a related field, such as information systems or finance, adding a minor or continuing their education in the University of Idaho Master of Accountancy graduate program.

Accounting Advising Sheet

What You Can Do

A degree in accounting prepares you for a career as an internal accountant for an organization, or if you complete the additional credit hours required to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), as a consultant for accounting firms.

Corporate Careers:

• Management accounting
• Finance accounting and reporting
• Tax preparation

Certified Public Accountant Firm Careers:

• Audit and assurance services
• Tax planning and preparation
• Consulting services

The bachelor degree is also excellent preparation for the Master of Accountancy program at the University of Idaho. 

Opportunities

There is a high demand for professional accountants with many well-paying opportunities in public practice, business/industry, government and education. Nearly all of our accounting students are offered positions before or soon after graduation. Recent accounting graduates have reported an average starting salary of $45,000. Our graduates are actively recruited by high-profile firms and companies, such as:

• BDO Seidman
• Deloitte
• Eide Bailey
• KPMG
• LeMaster Daniels
• Moss Adams
• Presnell Gage
• Albertsons  (SUPERVALU)
• Boeing
• Coldwater Creek
• Intel
• Potlatch Corp.
• Simplot
• Weyerhauser
• Internal Revenue Service

Current Research

The faculty members of the Department of Accounting are nationally and internationally recognized for their expertise. Current faculty research projects and interests include:

• Nonprofit fraud
• Best practices for reporting
• Misuse of public funds
• Nonprofit taxes
• Government regulations
• Accounting inspections and investigations

Activities

Beta Alpha Psi and the Student Accounting Association:  A national scholastic and professional accounting fraternity.

Hands-On Experience

In the College of Business and Economics (CBE), you will have hands-on experiential learning opportunities to ensure your readiness for the real business world. These interactive programs give you practical experience and business know-how that will set you apart. Our signature programs include:

• Integrated Business Curriculum: The program revolutionizes the traditional model of teaching business in standalone classes and emphasizes a more realistic approach to business education. The innovative yearlong program brings together juniors in all business majors to address real issues.
• VIEW Entrepreneurship Program: Vandal Innovation and Enterprise Works (VIEW) provides opportunities for you to create and pursue new business ideas and build entrepreneurship skills. The program is available to all majors and hosts an annual competition for teams of student entrepreneurs.
• Vandal Solutions: A nonprofit, student-operated company that gives you practical business experience, while offering the university and local businesses market research, Secret Shoppers and feasibility studies. Proceeds benefit university programs and activities.
• Barker Bulls and Bears Trading Room: Students gain practical experience in this sophisticated trading room outfitted with 60-inch plasmas tuned to CNBC, a real-time trade station and current technologies. 
• International Experiences: Discover business globally by studying abroad for a semester or accompanying our faculty on one of several CBE student international trips.
• Internships: Gain valuable on-the-job experience through quality internships with major employers. The Career and Professional Planning program and the CBE Virtual Career Center will help you find that perfect internship.

Facilities

The modern J.A. Albertson Building is home to the College of Business and Economics. Here students learn in technologically advanced classrooms featuring smart boards and wireless connectivity.