Accounting - Business Information Systems

Overview

The Accounting - Business Information Systems sequence is designed to prepare students for entry level accounting positions requiring significant training in business information systems. This preparation is particularly valuable in accounting consulting positions, certain auditing positions, and in many progressive industrial positions.

Why Study Accounting - Business Information Systems?

Accountants provide the information necessary to determine and evaluate the long term and short term financial stability of companies, organization or individuals. Accountants track expenses, provide detailed insight about the expenses and future paths, as well as prepare, analyze and verify financial documents. They look for ways to be more financially efficient, keep public records and make sure taxes are paid properly.

Accounting is a versatile degree. Students who graduate with a major in accounting may find jobs in many areas of business including: sales, production management, client management, product development, procurement, general management, banking and financial planning.

Related Majors

Careers

Related Skills

Excellent computer skills.
Learn to work well within in a team.
Develop strong oral and written communication skills.
Gain work experience and information about careers through internships.
Certifications available through the Institute of Internal Auditors or the Institute of Management Accountants may increase job marketability in some areas of accounting.
Analytical, critical-thinking and problem solving skills.
High ethical standards.
Accuracy and attention to detail
Accounting - experience with financial transactions and preparing financial statements
Ability to meet deadlines and multitask
SFAS Rules - knowledge of applicable Financial ACCounting and Standards Board (FASB) accounting rules

Being Successful in the Field

Bachelor's degree
Passing the Certified Public Accountant Exam - State laws govern the practice of accountancy and specify the requirements to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. In most states, the State Board of Accountancy has a Web site that outlines those requirements.
Graduate degrees are also a plus.

Related Fields

Public Accounting

Auditing/Assurance Services
Tax
Environmental Accounting
Forensic/Investigative Accounting
Information Technology Services
International Accounting
Personal Financial Planning

Employers

Large/multinational, Regional, or Local Public accounting firms
Sole practitioners

Strategies

Public accounting firms hire candidates who meet the educational requirements for sitting for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam: 150 hours of education including 24 hours of accounting, i.e. the equivalent of an undergraduate degree in accounting. State laws govern the practice of accountancy and specify the requirements to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. In most states, the State Board of Accountancy has a Web site that outlines those requirements.

Corporate Accounting

Financial Management
Financial Reporting
Internal Auditing
Cost Accounting
Tax Planning
Budget Analysis

Employers

Companies of all sizes, in all industries

Strategies

Many managers in corporate settings obtain an MBA degree after several years of work experience.

Government

Auditing
Financial Reporting
Financial Management
Budget Analysis
Research

Employers

Federal agencies and departments including: Federal Bureau of Investigation, Internal Revenue Service, Department of the Treasury, General Accounting Office, Office of Management and Budget, Securities Exchange Commission, and State and local agencies.

Strategies

Become familiar with the government application process.

Education

Teaching
Research
Consulting

Employers

Universities and colleges

Strategies

A Ph.D. in Accounting or a DBA, Doctorate in Business Administration, in accounting is generally required. Maintain a high GPA and secure strong faculty recommendations for admittance into graduate school.

Non-Profit

Accounting
Internal Audit
Financial Planning
Budgeting
Money Handling
Record Keeping

Employers

Social service agencies and organizations
Hospitals
Public school systems
Universities and colleges
Religious organizations
Libraries and museums
Political parties
Labor unions

Strategies

Volunteer at non-profit organizations and build a network of contacts in the non-profit sector.

Other Professions

Accounting Manager
Accounting Practitioner
Accounting Supervisor
Actuary
Bank Examiner
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
CIA
Claims Adjuster
Commercial Banker
Commodity Trader
Consultant
Consumer Credit Officer
Controller
External Auditor
FBI Agent
Industrial Buyer
Inventory Control Specialist
Payroll Manager
Public Accountant (PA)
Registered Public Accountant (RPA)

Career Advising

Name	Office	Email	Phone
Mark Fauble	110 Student Services Building	mbfaubl@ilstu.edu	(309) 438-5825

Internship Coordinator

Name	Office	Email	Phone
Harlan Fuller	SFHB 238	hjfulle@ilstu.edu	(309) 438-5192

New Freshmen

Applying to Illinois State

Illinois State's preferred filing period for freshman students for the fall semester is September 1-November 15. Applying early is encouraged, as the University must limit enrollment due to space at the University and in specific majors/programs. Visit Welcome2ISU.IllinoisState.edu to apply today!

Plans of Study and Progress Tracking

New Transfer

Applying to Illinois State

Illinois State's preferred filing period for fall transfer students is September 1-January 1. For the spring semester, the preferred filing period is from April 1-August 1. You are encouraged to apply early in the preferred filing period for best consideration for admission into competitive majors. Visit Welcome2ISU.IllinoisState.edu to apply today!

Minimum GPA

2.50

Middle 50% GPA

2.95 - 3.66

Required Courses

Students with fewer than 45 hours are evaluated on collegiate coursework and grade point average.

Students with 45-59 hours earned must complete the following courses with a grade of C or better:

Financial accounting (ACC 131),
Economics—micro and macro (ECO 105),
College algebra (MATH 119) and Finite math (MATH 120), or
Applied calculus (MAT 121) or calculus I (MATH 145).

Students with students with 60 or more hours earned must complete those courses, choosing the applied calculus (MAT 121) or calculus I (MAT 145) option, and complete the following additional courses with a grade of C or better:

Managerial accounting (ACC 132) and
Statistical reasoning (MQM 100).

Recommended Courses

Introductory-level business course (BUS 100),
Introductory-level English composition (ENG 101),
Intermediate-level English composition (ENG 145), and
Prove computer competency through completion of one of the following: ACC 167 and 168; ITK 150; IAI BUS 902; or by passing competency exams of ACC 189.67 and 189.68

Additional Information

Students are encouraged to get an AA or AS.

Plans of Study and Progress Tracking

Checkpoint Chart

Academic Advising

Name	Office	Email	Phone
Diane Skidmore	COB 129	dtskidm@ilstu.edu	(309) 438-8385

Illinois State Students

Middle 50% GPA

2.95 - 3.66

Plans of Study and Progress Tracking

Application Period

September 1 through September 30 and February 1 through February 28.

Major Requirements

Fewer than 45 earned and in progress hours

Evaluated upon college coursework, GPA, and admissions criteria for incoming freshmen.

45 - 59 earned and in progress hours

Grades of “C” or better in the following courses or their equivalents:

ACC 131
ECO 105
MAT 119 and 120 or 121 or 145.

60 or more earned and in progress hours

Grades of “C” or better in the following courses or their equivalents:

ACC 131
ACC 132
ECO 105
MQM 100 or ECO/GEO/POL/PSY 138
MAT 121 or 145

The College also requires students to complete in the first semester:

BUS 100 with a grade of "C" or better
Prove computer competency through completion of one of the following:
- ACC 167 and 168
- ITK 150
- IAI BUS 902
- by passing competency exams

Academic Advising

Name	Office	Email	Phone
Diane Skidmore	COB 129	dtskidm@ilstu.edu	(309) 438-8385