Accounting, Bachelor of Science

Graduates of the accounting program in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business at St. John’s University enjoy an admirable track record of success. Leading executives at many Fortune 500 companies have earned their degrees here.

In addition, many partners at “Big Four” public accounting firms, as well as many mid-sized firms, earned their B.S. in accounting at St. John’s. These graduates play a vital role in recruiting, providing internships, and offering scholarships to current students at St. John’s.
Our faculty and University Career Services advisors have strong ties to employers and other professional and educational resources throughout the New York area. Students are also encouraged to research opportunities in the Tobin College’s Paul and Carol Evanson Career Center.  

Academic Outcomes

With a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting, students are prepared for rewarding careers. They are able to

• Demonstrate an understanding of broad business competencies and apply business knowledge, skills, and values effectively in a variety of settings.
   
• Assess, analyze, and manage risk using appropriate frameworks, professional judgment, and skepticism for effective business management.
   
• Identify and apply appropriate, reliable, and verifiable measurements to analyze data for a given purpose and intended use.
   
• Identify the appropriate content and communicate clearly and objectively to the intended audience, the work performed and the results as governed by professional standards, required by law, or dictated by the business environment.
   
• Identify, access, and apply relevant professional frameworks, standards, and guidance, as well as other information for analysis, and to make informed decisions.
   
• Identify the appropriate businesses processes and system(s), related frameworks, and controls to assist in the design and use of systems for efficient and effective operations.
   
• Identify and utilize relevant technology and tools to analyze data, efficiently and effectively perform assigned tasks, as well as support other competencies.
   
• Actively listen and effectively deliver information in multiple formats tailored to the intended audience.
   
• Demonstrate an understanding of professional responsibility, ethical obligations, social awareness, and the Vincentian value of service.

Add a Second Major

Our 123-credit bachelor’s program in accounting allows you to earn a second major in economics, finance, management, marketing, or risk management and insurance. The second major addresses other business areas that are relevant to accounting professionals. For example, in New York, the financial capital of the world, accountants with knowledge of financial institutions and insurance companies are recruited as auditors and tax professionals for those industries.  Leadership and marketing skills are important for all accountants.

Add a Second Degree

You may apply for our Fast Track program during your third year of the bachelor’s degree. If you qualify for our 150-hour accounting and taxation programs, the Fast Track program will permit you to fulfill your academic requirements to become licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), while also earning a valuable graduate degree.

• The B.S./M.S. (Fast-Track) in Accounting focuses on specialized areas, including: accounting analytics and research; controllership; enterprise risk management; financial services industry reporting and analysis; forensic accounting and fraud examination; information systems: audit and control; insurance accounting and taxation; international financial reporting and assurance; internal auditing and risk advisory services; international taxation; and taxation.
• The B.S./M.S. (Fast-Track) in Taxation provides the necessary technical knowledge for career advancement in the field of taxation and the skills to conduct tax research, facilitate tax compliance, and develop tax planning strategies.
• The B.S./M.B.A. (Fast-Track) enhances your broad business background while developing your accounting skills and other competencies.

Department Faculty

Please see a list of our department faculty.

Opportunities

The Department of Accountancy Scholars Program

The Scholars Program further develops your professional skills by helping you acquire the breadth and depth of knowledge that are hallmarks of the accounting professional. Scholars not only participate in office visits and attend professional development workshops, but they participate in a full-time spring internship program and travel to Italy to meet with professionals from the global accounting firms, their clients, and regulators.

Internships

New York City is a prime location for you to gain internship opportunities with prestigious firms such as BDO USA, LLP; Deloitte; EY; Grant Thornton LLP; KPMG; Protiviti Inc.; PwC; and RSM US LLP, among others. Most internship positions lead to full-time placements after graduation.

AACSB–International Accreditation

Our programs in accounting and taxation hold separate accreditation from AACSB International–The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Fewer than five percent of accounting programs worldwide hold both business and accounting accreditation.

Student Organizations

Students are encouraged to participate in organizations specific to their business area of interest.

• Beta Alpha Psi: St. John’s University has two chapters of this national scholastic honor society in accounting: the Eta Mu (Queens chapter) and the Kappa Zeta (Staten Island chapter). Beta Alpha Psi is an honor organization for financial information students and professionals that  recognizes outstanding academic achievements in the field of accounting, finance, and information systems; promotes the study and practice of professional fields related to these disciplines; provides opportunities for self-development and association among members and practicing financial professionals; and encourages a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibilities.

• Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) Student Chapter 
  The purpose of the IIA Student Chapter is to develop student leadership skills, raise awareness on campus about the internal audit profession, educate members about the roles and opportunities available in the profession, and connect students with internal audit professionals. This  chapter is affiliated with the New York Chapter of The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
   
• Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) Student Group
  This group develops student leadership skills, raises awareness on campus about the information systems auditing profession, educates members about the roles and opportunities available in the profession, and connects students with information systems professionals. It is affiliated with the ISACA New York Metropolitan Chapter.

We invite you to learn more about our Bachelor of Science Degree Program in Accounting.

Educational Partnerships and Endorsements

Our educational partnerships with professional organizations increase the employment opportunities of our students, and are recognized by those organizations for their academics. Our educational partnership with the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) is recognized as the only approved Comprehensive Internal Audit Program in the metropolitan area. The accounting program is also recognized by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners in its educational partnership, and endorsed by the Institute of Management Accountants and the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants. The accounting program is designated as a model curriculum by the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA) in the area of audit and control and is recognized as an Academic Champion School by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.

The Center for Accounting Research and Analytics (CARA)

The Center for Accounting Research and Analytics (CARA) provides advisement for student academic programs and mentoring for CPA examination study. The CPA Review Reimbursement program offers students an opportunity to save money. CARA partners with many CPA review providers (Becker, Bisk, Gleim, Kaplan, Roger CPA Review, and Wiley CPAexcel) to offer discounted review materials to students and alumni. 

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Service-Learning Program

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) has partnered with the Food Bank For New York City for the past several tax seasons and services clients at St. John’s Bread & Life in Brooklyn, and at locations in Jackson Heights, Jamaica, and Downtown Brooklyn. The St. John’s Virtual VITA program, believed to be the first among colleges and universities nationwide, is a campus-based tax return preparation site that uses advanced technologies in the preparation of tax returns.

Students volunteer as tax preparers, or, for repeat volunteers, as quality reviewers. Volunteer requirements include preparing for and passing the IRS Link and Learn examination, participating in eight hours of tax software training, and then volunteering three to four hours per week over 15 weeks during the tax season. VITA adds value to the academic experience by enhancing communication skills through the application of learned knowledge in a practical setting.  

SAP in Accounting Information Systems

Students enrolled in the required accounting information systems class learn SAP’s Enterprise Resource Planning system. The SAP system provides capabilities for companies to manage all of their financials, assets, cost accounting, production operations and materials, and human resources in a single, integrated system. Assigned projects expose students to the complete accounting cycle, allowing them to see the flow of transactions from the initial sales request to the final effect on the financial statements. 

Global Approach to Education

Students make New York their classroom through innovative courses. Our Global Studies programs give students the chance to experience the rich history, culture, and perspectives that a study abroad experience provides while gaining a competitive edge before embarking on careers in today’s global society.

Additional Information

Along with outstanding courses and renowned professors, accounting students in The Peter J. Tobin College of Business benefit from world-class academic and technological resources. The Analytics Lab boasts state-of-the-art learning tools, including 29 computer workstations offering the latest FactSet financial software. The lab provides access to the Bloomberg Terminal, as well as news, stock market information, and financial data to enrich every student’s understanding of the business world.

Admission

For more information about admission to this and other undergraduate programs at St. John’s University, please visit Undergraduate Admission. Or, contact us directly at the campus of your choice:

Admission Office–Queens Campus
718-990-2000
[email protected]

Admission Office–Staten Island campus
718-390-4500
[email protected]

Courses

To earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting, students complete a minimum of 120 to 123 credits, including core, major-sequence, and elective courses. The major courses are outlined below.

Common Core — 39 Credits 

 
Basic Business Core — 34–46 Credits

Note: Business Core may vary if pursuing a dual degree program

Two Courses from the Following — 30 Credits

Minors

(Students who change majors from accounting after third year-must have a 2.0 ACC GPA)

Accounting
15 credits
ACC 2371, 3372, 3373, AIS 2354; TAX 3361.

Accounting for the Liberal Arts Student
15 credits
ACC 2320, 3352, 3354, 4345; TAX 3361

Accounting Information Systems
15 credits
AIS 2354, 3355, 3356, plus two AIS or ERM electives

Advisory and Assurance Services
15 credits
AIS 3356, 3357, plus three AIS electives

Audit Analytics
15 credits
AIS 2354, 3355, 3359; BUA 2333, 2334

Financial Reporting and Analysis
15 credits
ACC 2370, 2371, 3352, 3372, 3373

Government and Not-for-Profit
15 credits
ACC 2320, 4344, 4345
AIS 2354, 3357

Information Systems
21 credits
AIS 2354 OR MGT 4322; AIS 3355; IS 3345, 3347, 3348; MGT 3342, 4340

Managerial Accounting
15 credits
AIS 2354, 3355, ACC 4345, 4346, plus one ACC/ERM elective