ACCT 2001

Principles of Financial Accounting is the study of the generation and interpretation of accounting information as a basis for financial statement analysis and management decision-making.

Okay, yeah, that's pretty boring.  Actually, the world of accounting is pretty fascinating!

It’s a new era, albeit shaped previously by headline-making scandal, fraud, misdeeds and mistrust (Enron, anyone?), accounting has evolved—and rightly so—into highly complex, fascinating and very necessary work.

From tax to audit to financial accounting, getting an accounting degree can prepare you for a personally fulfilling and professionally rewarding career. And what could be brighter than that?

So to really prepare yourself to take advantage of job opportunities and earn a salary worthy of a professional, consider majoring in accounting.

Do you want to affect change? The accounting function is mission-critical to business; which means it has a place at the top within the hierarchy of business. And eco-friendly, socially-conscious companies and nonprofits need accountants just as much as those operating for-profit!

Don't want to be stuck behind a desk? Accountants rarely are! As an accountant you have to understand the nitty gritty rules, but in the real world, that stuff is done by computer! Accountants are valued advisors and consultants. One day you may be in your office on the computer preparing profit and loss statements, the next you could be face-to-face with clients, and the next presenting to the C-suite. Understand that accounting is both a numbers and a people business.

How important is career progression to you? This may sound like a no-brainer question but it’s not. Looking ahead 2, 5, 10 or even 20 years is important when thinking about your college major. In business, an accountant can work just about anywhere, in any industry!  Someone with an accounting background is just as valuable in sports, entertainment, hospitality, real estate or even fashion, as they are in a bank!

What about salary and growth opportunity, too? If these are really important to you and your future, then be encouraged! Even before they graduate, UConn accounting majors benefit from one of the largest internship programs at the University. In 2019, we had 141 students employed in internships, earning between $25-29 an hour! Last year, 90% of UConn accounting graduates had a job by graduation, earning starting salaries ranging from $55,000 to $72,000!  Finally, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicting a 10% percent projected growth rate through 2026, and an estimated 1.6 million jobs by 2026, the future for accountants and auditors is very bright, indeed.

So, keep your mind open!  Accounting is a lot more fun than you think!