Accounting
The Accounting program offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting.
Stockton University’s Accounting Program prepares students for careers in public,
private, government and not-for-profit accounting. It has never been a better time
to study accounting. In today’s labor market there is a strong demand for accountants
and CPA’s. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic has projected a 4% increase each year until 2031.
About
Program Chair
Barry Palatnik
The B.S. in Accounting degree will provide students with an expansive knowledge of accounting fundamentals which prepares the graduate for an entry-level accounting position in public accounting firms, private industry, government agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. The accounting curriculum emphasizes the conceptual understanding and application of accounting and business information. Stockton accounting students will become proficient in using software tools such as spreadsheets, database management, accounting information systems, and audit and data analytics software.
Students will learn how to communicate the information obtained from the data in an understandable way for all audiences because effectively communicating insights from data is as important as learning how to record the data. Employers highly value these communication skills as they are critical for successfully implementing data-driven strategies.
The combination of Stockton’s passionate and caring faculty, small class size, and the affordability of a comprehensive program givesaccounting students the competitive edge and skillset needed to succeed in today’s global marketplace.
Curriculum
The B.S. in Accounting offers a 128-credit undergraduate degree from Stockton University which is infused with the liberal arts. We provide students with a rigorous curriculum that combines accounting courses with business, marketing, management, and business analytics courses. Our curriculum has been mapped to align with the CPA Evolution initiative which identified knowledge and skills needed as an entry-level CPA. Stockton University’s interdisciplinary philosophy also provides students with the opportunity to take elective courses in other programs of study. Our School of Business internship program helps students gain practical accounting experience before graduating.
Accounting Learning Outcomes
- Graduates will apply and synthesize concepts learned throughout the Accounting Program to demonstrate a level of professional competency required of a new entrant into the Accounting profession.
- Graduates will be able to perform fundamental business skills in management, finance,
accounting, marketing, and business analytics.
- Graduates will be able to apply current management and administrative practices and theories.
- Graduates will be able to manage the flow of funds within organizations.
- Graduates will be able to organize, record, and report business transactions.
- Graduates will be able to utilize the interrelationships between customers, products, and companies to guide effective decision making.
- Graduates will be able to apply theories and skills of statistical data analysis and management science to support decision-making processes.
- Graduates will be able to diagnose problems in various business situations, gather and analyze relevant information to understand the problems, and select and implement appropriate solutions, and evaluate outcomes.
- Graduates will be able to demonstrate ethical reasoning by recognizing moral dilemmas, analyzing their effects on stakeholders, and applying ethics theories to determine alternative solutions to those dilemmas.
- Graduates will be able to communicate effectively in a professional environment.
- Oral communication: Graduates will be able to deliver information in a persuasive, logical, and organized manner with a professional demeanor using appropriate visual aids.
- Written communication: Graduates will be able to create informational, analytical, and technical documents that are organized and concise, and incorporate credible sources.
- Graduates will be able to work effectively with various stakeholders in increasingly
diverse and global business environments.
- Graduates will be able to interact effectively with team members.
- Graduates will be able to contribute their expertise to collaborative projects.
- Graduates will be able to recognize and implement inclusive and equitable business practices in diverse business environments.
- Graduates will be able to use technology to support performance in varying business
situations.
- Graduates will be able to select and use appropriate technology to gather, analyze, and interpret data to solve business problems.
- Graduates will be able to adapt to emerging technologies.
- Graduates will be able to identify ethical issues related to the use of technology and data, including privacy and security.
Faculty
Carla Cabarle, DBA, MS, CPA
Vasundhara Chakraborty, PhD
Barry Palatnik, Ed.D, MBA, CPA
Nancy Stempin, DBA, CPA, CGMA
Chengzhang Wu, Ph.D
Careers
A B.S. in accounting prepares students for entry into many career paths. Below are some examples of opportunities awaiting Stockton Accounting graduates:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
- Internal Auditor
- Staff Accountant
- Cost Accountant
- Government Accountant
- Non-profit Accountant
- Forensic Accountant / Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
- FBI Agent
- IRS Agent
- Data Analyst
- Banker
- Manager
- Entrepreneur
- Consultant
- Educator
Additional Career Information
After completing my undergraduate degree, I thought that it would be a breeze to find a full-time job. 150 job applications later, I was baffled that I had such trouble finding work after graduating at the top of my class. Two months later, I was finally invited to interview for a temp job. I was absolutely thrilled to be given an opportunity to meet with a staffing agency. During the interview, the Branch Manager explained that he wanted me to interview with the President of the company.
The next day I went to the headquarters of the company and interviewed with the President and CEO. She questioned me about Beta Gamma Sigma, and I explained what it meant to be a member of BGS. The President of the company was so impressed that I was a member of BGS that she offered me an internal position for her company. I started working as a receptionist and after three months I became the Branch Manager of her extremely successful staffing company.
Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma showcases your dedication and grit throughout the entirety of your business degree. Joining BGS is an opportunity to take you to the next level of professional and academic success. I can confidently say that my membership in BGS played a large part in getting me into the job of my dreams.
Dual Degree Student
School of Business
The accounting professors at Stockton University are dedicated to supporting their students to succeed. Students have access to multiple opportunities, such as attending the NJCPA Convention, becoming a Wiley Student partner, a Becker ambassador, or a Roger UWorld Ambassador. Many firms, including Big 4, national, regional, and local businesses, offer internships and full-time employment opportunities to Stockton students. They also work closely with the faculty, serve on the Business School Advisory Board, and frequently visit the campus to speak directly with students.
Undergraduate Student
Fall 2023
I completed both my undergraduate and MBA degrees through Stockton’s Accelerated Dual-Degree Program. The courses I took at Stockton and the guidance of the faculty helped prepare me to take and pass the CPA exam after I completed my undergraduate degree. Through the Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, I was able to gain leadership experience as the Vice President and later as the President. I also got the opportunity to attend the NJCPA convention through Stockton which allowed me to meet other CPAs in the profession and make valuable connections. These experiences, as well as the guidance and mentorship of the faculty, helped me to get my first job at an accounting firm.
MBA Student 2023
