As an accountant, you will be a crucial part of any business team. Learn to create, analyze and maintain financial information to help businesses and organizations grow.
Why Study Accountancy?
Accountants evaluate the financial stability of individuals. They also advise businesses and organizations on budgets, financial reporting, and taxes. By studying accountancy, you will be prepared to analyze financial risks and make business recommendations. Your unique skill set will make you an essential part of any business or organization.
In addition, studying accountancy with a professional accountancy option will prepare you to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). As a licensed CPA, you will quickly become a trusted member of your company or organization.
Why Study Accountancy at CSUN?
Choose Your Focus
We offer two options for your Accountancy degree:
- The Professional Accountancy option prepares you to establish and maintain accurate financial records.
- The Information Systems option teaches you to effectively use information technology (IT) — such as computers and telecommunications networks — to collect and analyze financial data.
Each option has unique benefits and career opportunities, and you can choose the one that interests you most.
CPA Pathway
With the Professional Accountancy option, you will have the opportunity to move toward CPA licensure. You will be able to take an accountancy ethics course that is needed for your licensure. You'll also be well on your way for the CPA-licensure hours requirement.
Accounting Firm Connections
CSUN has professional connections to more than 75 accounting firms and organizations. This includes the Big Four firms—Deloitte, Ernst & Young, KPMG and PwC—that work with many large corporations.
You will also be connected with recruiters from mid-tier, regional and local accounting firms. You will meet representatives from corporations with in-house accountants, government departments and other organizations.
AACSB Accredited
The David Nazarian College of Business and Economics is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), the highest standard in business and management education. Only 25 percent of business schools nationwide and 5 percent of business schools worldwide receive this distinction.
What You'll Learn
All Accountancy students start with a common business core curriculum to learn the fundamentals of the business world. You will also complete a senior capstone project that is the culmination of your degree.
In your accountancy core classes, you will learn learn to identify, analyze and propose solutions for complex accounting problems.
Your classes will include:
- Financial accounting
- Auditing principles and analytics
- Cost accounting
- Income tax principles
Additional coursework will depend on the option you choose.
Learn to use computer networks and other technology to collect and analyze financial data. Your skills will provide operational support and technological solutions that help organizations compete and prosper. In your courses, you'll study:
- Systems analysis and design
- Business data networks and cybersecurity
- Database management systems
- Enterprise systems and project management
You can also take an advanced ethics course to qualify to take the CPA licensure exam.
Prepare for a career as an accountant. You will take advanced classes such as:
- Advanced financial accounting
- Governmental and nonprofit accounting
- Advanced auditing
- Law, business and ethics
You can also take an advanced ethics course to qualify to take the CPA licensure exam.
Careers & Outcomes
After graduating, you can work as an accountant at businesses or other organizations. If you take the professional accountancy option, you will be ready to take the CPA examination.
You will also find career opportunities as a financial advisor or financial analyst. With enough experience, you can even become a chief financial officer or the vice president of finance at a business or organization.
Employers of recent alumni include:
- Deloitte
- EY
- KMPG
- PwC
- Armanino
- HCVT
- CBIZ
- Andersen
Common career paths for accountancy graduates include:
- Tax associate
- Accounts payable associate
- Audit associate
- Assurance associate
- Accounting clerk
- Risk assurance and advisory services
- Bookkeeper
- Account manager
We'll help you find the career that's right for you.
The Ernst & Young Center for Careers offers Information Systems majors a vast array of resources, from a dedicated recruiting boot camp to individual guidance on career opportunities.
Student Organizations
Network with fellow accounting students, alumni, faculty and professionals. Join AA for its weekly guest speaker meetings, resume workshops, mock interviews, firm tours, and more!
The Association of Latino Professionals for America supports students pursuing business degrees and promotes diversity in the workplace. Find lifelong friends and professional opportunities through ALPFA.
Beta Alpha Psi is an honors organization for accounting, finance and information systems students and professionals. You will have access to professional development as well as regional and national meetings and competitions.
Enrollment Requirements for Accountancy Majors
To major in accountancy, you will first be admitted to CSUN as a Pre-Accountancy major. (If you are already attending CSUN, you must file for a change of major to pre-accountancy.)
You will have to pass pre-accountancy courses and submit an application to change your major to accountancy. Find more information in the CSUN catalog.
Business Honors Program
High-achieving Accountancy majors may be eligible for the Business Honors Program (BHP). BHP students have access to scholarship opportunities, selective courses, mentorships, priority registration and much more. Find out about Business Honors Program requirements.
Outreach Opportunities
Gain hands-on experience and help your local community. Provide free representation to low-income taxpayers facing disputes with the IRS at the Bookstein Low Income Taxpayer Clinic. At the CSUN VITA Clinic, you will provide free tax preparation services to low-income taxpayers.