Accounting

Accounting is the language of business. Successful accountants are knowledgeable in their field and in information systems and business, are strong communicators, motivated and organized, and have the ability to think and reason. The rewards of a career in accounting can be substantial for those who have the proper skills. The Stetson University accounting program focuses on helping students develop those skills. The accounting department, the M.E. Rinker Sr. Institute of Tax and Accountancy, offers an undergraduate major and minor in accounting as well as a Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) degree.

What makes the program distinctive?

Of more than 12,000 business schools worldwide, the Stetson University School of Business Administration is one a select few that hold Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (A.A.C.S.B.) accreditation in both accounting and business. Virtually 100 percent of M.Acc. graduates have secured a position, typically in public accounting, prior to completing their degree. The career development office and the accounting faculty are available to assist students in identifying suitable positions.

The educational experience has a high level of involvement, experiential learning, small classes and an orientation toward real-world applicability. Course requirements meet CPA exam requirements; the M.Acc. curriculum satisfies the 150 credit hours required by many states for CPA licensure. Stetson University hosts recruiting visits from some of the Big 4 firms, strong regional CPA firms, corporations and government agencies. In addition, the transition from the undergraduate program to the M.Acc. program is seamless.

Academics and Research

Facilities and opportunities

The accounting department is housed in the Lynn Business Center. The M.Acc. program is offered at the DeLand campus or online.

A limited number of merit-based scholarships are available to accounting seniors and graduate students through the Business School Foundation, the university’s endowment, the F.I.C.P.A. and the Florida Board of Accountancy.

Preparation for graduate study

Many graduates choose to pursue a M.Acc., M.B.A. or law degree. The accounting major provides a solid foundation for law school, particularly for students interested in tax, business or securities law. For students interested in CPA licensure and a career in public accounting, the major provides the foundation to move seamlessly into the M.Acc. program and to take the CPA exam during or at the conclusion of the program.

Graduate study

The Stetson University Master of Accountancy (M.Acc.) program offers students the opportunity to complete a graduate degree in accounting in twelve months, either by attending three semesters at the DeLand campus or by taking ten, five-week courses in the online program.

Awards and Recognition

Distinguished faculty

In the past 15 years, members of the Rinker Institute’s accounting faculty have been selected as School of Business Administration Professor of the Year four times, Teacher of the Year twice, Service Provider of the Year eight times and Researcher of the Year once. One faculty member received the J.D./M.B.A. program’s Golden Apple teaching award. Another was named F.I.C.P.A. Educator of the Year. Four accounting faculty members are CPAs and all have terminal degrees. Three faculty hold endowed chairs. Faculty include:

• James R. Beasley, Ph.D., Tufts University; business ethics
• Michael E. Bitter, Ph.D., University of Mississippi; Rinker Distinguished Professor of Accounting and Chair, M.E. Rinker, Sr. Institute of Tax and Accountancy; CPA; financial accounting/theory and auditing
• Vincent C. Brenner, Ph.D., Pennsylvania State University; David M. Beights Professor of Accounting; CPA; financial accounting and reporting, accounting education
• Richard W. Copeland, LL.M., Taxation, University of Miami; J.D., University of Florida; business law, family enterprise, estate planning, estate taxation
• Monica M. Jeancola, Ph.D., University of Florida; cost/managerial accounting, accounting information systems
• Gregory K. McCann, J.D., University of Florida; business law, family enterprise
• Maria F. Rickling, Ph.D., Florida International University; financial accounting, corporate governance
• Judson P. Stryker, D.B.A., Mississippi State University; Eugene M. Lynn Chair; CPA; financial accounting, individual, estate/gift, corporate taxation, tax research

Undergraduate awards and honors

Undergraduate students can be inducted into Beta Alpha Psi, an international accounting honor society; membership is open to juniors and seniors with a grade point average of at least 3.0.

Beyond the Classroom

Internships

Internships are highly recommended, and many students complete one or more during their time at Stetson University. Internships may be part-time or full-time, paid or unpaid and taken during the academic year or the summer. Academic credit can be earned for internships meeting certain requirements. Stetson students have interned with Big 4 and local accounting firms, corporations and governmental entities.

After Stetson

Diverse careers

Accountants prepare tax returns, assemble or audit financial statements, develop accounting information systems, serve as financial, technological and tax advisers, and often leverage their expertise to secure executive positions. Graduates who complete 150 hours of coursework and qualify to take the CPA examination typically accept employment with a local, regional, national or international CPA firm, primarily in the audit/assurance area. Stetson University also has had students begin careers with other organizations such as the Internal Revenue Service. The university’s Rinker Institute enjoys a strong reputation for producing accounting graduates who have gone on to successful careers in public accounting, business, government and education. Virtually 100 percent of M.Acc. graduates have secured a position, typically in public accounting, prior to completing their degree. The career development office and the accounting faculty are available to assist students in identifying suitable positions.