Accounting
Why Consider Accounting?
The goal of accounting is to record, report, and interpret economic and financial data for use by decision-makers. While the “what” may sound rather straightforward, it is the “how” that makes Piedmont’s program stand out. At Piedmont University, an accounting degree takes you beyond the numbers. Studying at Piedmont’s Walker College of Business, you will explore and learn the language of business, as well as how to chart strategic paths that will make you an integral part of any organization – both as a team player and leader.
Our accounting program is specifically unique compared to other universities because the small class size allows us to utilize simulations and software that are not possible at larger universities. A traditional accounting pathway emphasizes theory, while here at Piedmont we emphasize application of accounting theory with hands-on, experiential learning opportunities.
How a Piedmont Accounting Degree Helps You
The Accounting major provides students with strong foundation in technical, analytical, and ethical skills. Benefits of a Piedmont Accounting degree:
- Covers all major CPA exam content
- Designed to help students meet all education requirements for CPA licensure
- Helps students secure opportunities to meet all additional CPA licensure requirements.
- Transitions seamlessly to Piedmont’s MBA to meet the CPA’s 150-credit hour requirement.
- Classes delivered in person with hands-on learning opportunities
- Taught by highly experienced faculty members with professional CPA backgrounds
Career Opportunities
An accounting degree from Piedmont opens doors and a wide range of professional pursuits. For instance, our graduates have gone on to build careers as:
A degree in accounting equips individuals with the knowledge to become a certified public accountant, someone who can prepare and audit financial statements, file taxes, and provide financial and business advice to individuals and organizations.
An accounting degree allows someone to become an accounting clerk. In this role, someone could record financial transactions, maintain financial records, and assist with invoicing, payroll, and reconciling accounts at businesses or organizations.
With expertise in managing incoming payments, issuing invoices, and tracking outstanding balances, graduates who focus on jobs in accounts payable/receivable ensure timely collection of funds for businesses and organizations.
Equipped with an accounting degree, graduates can pursue a career tax preparer, someone who calculates, files, and submits tax returns for individuals or businesses, ensuring compliance with tax laws and maximizing eligible deductions.
As a tax accountant, a Piedmont graduate could specialize in preparing and analyzing tax returns, developing tax strategies, and ensuring compliance with tax regulations for individuals or businesses.
As a payroll accountant, a Piedmont graduate with an accounting degree could manage employee compensation by calculating wages, withholding taxes, ensuring compliance with payroll regulations, and maintaining accurate payroll records.
Ensuring accuracy and regulatory compliance, a comptroller/financial controller oversees an organization’s accounting operations, including financial reporting, budgeting, and internal controls.
Piedmont graduates who become budget analysts help organizations allocate resources efficiently by analyzing spending and forecasting future financial needs.
An accounting degree from Piedmont University equips you with a strong foundation in financial principles and technology integration, preparing you to effectively design, manage, and analyze accounting information systems in a professional setting.
An accounting degree from Piedmont University provides the essential knowledge in financial planning, analysis, and control needed to pursue a successful career as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA).
An accounting degree provides the knowledge and skills to analyze financial records, ensure compliance, and assess accuracy. As an audit associate, graduates apply these abilities to test controls, verify transactions, and identify risks. The role combines technical expertise with problem-solving and client communication.
More About Accounting
Learn more about Accounting and the variety of options available to you as a Piedmont student.
To become a Certified Public Accountant, students must meet strict education, examination, and experience requirements. That is why Piedmont University’s Accounting degree, in conjunction with Piedmont’s MBA program, provides 150 credit hours and 30 upper-level accounting credit hours. (CPA requirements vary slightly from state to state. Piedmont assists accounting students in understanding and meeting licensure requirements in their intended state of practice.)
Piedmont’s Four-Plus-One Master of Business Administration
Students in Piedmont’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting program can earn both their BS in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration in just five years total. That’s because our accounting degree transitions seamlessly into our MBA program. And students who complete the MBA satisfy the CPA exam’s educational requirements. Best of all, we cover ALL major CPA exam content during your course of study so that you can graduate from Piedmont with two degrees and ready to pass the CPA exam. Regardless of your decision, know that Piedmont’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting includes all necessary prerequisites for upper-level coursework, making it an ideal choice even for students who intend to complete their graduate work at another institution.
To be eligible for CPA licensure, students must also complete a certain number of professional working hours. Piedmont University maintains close partnerships with firms throughout Georgia, all of which are ready, willing, and eager to provide students with professional opportunities. We work closely with our accounting students to understand their interests and aspirations. We then direct them to professional opportunities that align perfectly with their life goals.
Students in Piedmont’s Bachelor of Science in Accounting program enjoy a student-to-professor ratio of 12-1. That allows our students to forge meaningful relationships with their instructors, classmates, the material, and themselves. Courses are delivered in-person on the Demorest campus.
Related Programs
Intrigued by accounting? You might also be interested in one of these programs:
Meet our Faculty
Meet our talented faculty with both academic and professional experience in accounting.
Where do I start?
To begin your journey toward earning an accounting degree at Piedmont University, you can start by applying today! Or, schedule a campus visit and meet with admissions and financial aid advisors, as well as faculty members in health sciences.