Students selecting an accounting major will earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) degree under the program of study offered by the William G. McGowan School of Business in Wilkes-Barre, Pa. from the Kearney & Company Department of Accounting. A minor in accounting is also available.

What Makes the King’s Accounting Program Different?

Our accounting students learn the skills necessary for success in a dynamic global business environment. We offer a core curriculum, business foundation, and accounting courses that emphasize an awareness of personal values, character development, and critical liberal arts skills such as communication, analytical thinking, team building, and strategic planning.

Our early engagement with students on career development gives them time to explore a variety of career pathways, identify academic majors that fit their interests, build a resume, and develop effective employment search skills, all of which will help them pursue their careers in accounting.

The foundation of life-long learning and continued professional development in any career is built upon a comprehensive liberal arts education. The best accounting undergraduate programs encourage their students to sample various core and elective offerings from other programs.

Majors in the William G. McGowan School of Business are accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB Accreditation is the hallmark of excellence in business education and has been earned by less than six percent of the world's business programs.

Accounting Careers

What can you do with an accounting degree?

Accounting training has moved beyond the traditional auditing and tax functions to include data analytics, consulting, and technology management roles. As such, individuals who major in accounting can also find success as business advisors, litigation support specialists, technology consultants, financial/estate planners, and forensic accountants.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, careers in accounting and auditing have a median annual wage of $78,000 as of May 2022, with related job opportunities projected to grow four percent from 2022 to 2032.

Recent graduates of the Kearney & Company Department of Accounting have found success in public accounting firms, private industry, and government, including:

  • Baker Tilly LLP
  • BBD
  • BNY Mellon
  • Campbell Soup Company
  • CohnReznick LLP
  • Deloitte
  • EY Consulting
  • FTI Consulting
  • Internal Revenue Service
  • Kearney & Company
  • KPMG
  • Kronick, Kalada, and Berdy (KKB)
  • Morgan Stanley
  • Nisivoccia
  • Petroleum Service Company
  • PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
  • U.S. Army Audit Agency
  • U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
  • Vanguard

In addition, an accounting degree can lead to several academic graduate opportunities including:

  • M.B.A. programs
  • M.S./Ph.D. programs in accounting
  • M.S. programs in taxation
  • MSA (Master of Science in Accountancy) - cooperative program with the University of Notre Dame
  • Law school

Accounting Curriculum

Our accounting degree curriculum provides professional preparation for students who want to qualify as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), Certified Management Accountants (CMAs), or Certified Internal Auditors (CIAs).

New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and most other states require 150 credit hours of education to receive a CPA license to practice.

We designed a cost-effective program that helps students who major in accounting attain the necessary 150 credit hours of education in four years of undergraduate study. Accounting students may elect to take 18 credits per semester during their junior and senior years. These additional three credit hours per semester are included in your regular tuition without any overload fee.

Students who wish to attain the 150 credit hours of education within the four years of the accounting degree program will need to take 15 credits of summer semester classes in addition to the 135 credits attained during their eight semesters at King's. Summer semester classes require an overload fee.

King's accounting students who wish to further their education can also enter the University of Notre Dame Master of Science in Accounting Program (MSA) upon graduation. This program is a collaborative agreement with King's College William G. McGowan School of Business and Notre Dame's Mendoza College of Business. Open to undergraduate accounting majors, this is a one-year, full-time (30 credit hours) program. Students who complete the program will also earn the credits necessary for a CPA license following successful completion of the CPA exam.

Degrees Offered from the Kearney & Company Department of Accounting

  • Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) with a major in accounting degree
  • Accounting minor
  • Forensic accounting minor

Accounting Degree Course descriptions

View a comprehensive list of accounting education requirements here.

MSB 110 - Introduction to Financial Reporting (3)

A survey of financial accounting concepts and procedures as applied to service and trading business with an emphasis upon the uses and interpretation of financial statements.

MSB 120 - Introduction to Management Accounting and Planning (3)

An introduction to the role of accounting information in the measurement of business and employee performance, and to facilitate planning decisions such as product and service selection, budgeting, investments, and profit measurement. Prerequisite: MSB 110.

ACCT 210 - Fraud Examination I: Forensic and Investigative Accounting (3)

Topics include discussion of criminal statues related to financial crimes, techniques used in solving financial crimes, interviewing, rules of evidence, sources of information, forensic accounting procedures, and current issues in financial investigations. Practical exercises involving interviewing techniques and an indirect method of proof used in resolving a financial crime will be included to facilitate the understanding of the topics discussed. Prerequisite: MSB 110.

ACCT 211 - Fraud Examination II: Forensic and Investigative Accounting (3)

Topics include discussion of laws related to financial crimes, techniques used in solving financial crimes, a review of interviewing, rules of evidence, sources of information, forensic accounting procedures, including a discussion of electronic crimes and the cybercriminal. Also included are special techniques used in litigation support including the computation of monetary damages and business valuations. A practical exercise involving business valuations will be included to facilitate an understanding of the topics discussed. Prerequisite: ACCT 210.

ACCT 230 - Tax Accounting (3)

Taxes and their impact on decision-making. Tax principles will be applied to cases involving individuals, corporations, and partnerships. Prerequisite: MSB 120.

ACCT 240 - Intermediate Accounting I (3)

The course further develops understanding of the accounting cycle and examines recording, summarizing, and interpreting financial data for partnerships and corporations, including cash flows, long-term liabilities, plant assets, and payroll accounting. This course also presents the conceptual framework of accounting, accounting environment, information systems, and the presentation of formal financial statements. Prerequisite: MSB 110. Students must also register for ACCT 240L - Financial Accounting II Lab.

ACCT 240L - Intermediate Accounting I Lab (1)

This course requires students pursuing an accounting degree to complete the accounting cycle and prepare solutions to accounting problems utilizing computer applications. A practice set and general ledger and/or spreadsheet computerized accounting are required. One hour lab per week is required in addition to the class time required in ACCT 240.

ACCT 301 - Intermediate Accounting II (3)

The first upper-level course is a comprehensive sequence in financial accounting with an emphasis upon the study of the generally accepted accounting principles underlying financial statements. These topics are discussed in the context of professional standards, ethical values, and fundamental accounting concepts. A thorough study of the balance sheet components, such as cash, receivables, inventories, operational assets, liabilities, and stockholder's equity. In addition, concepts fundamental to accounting are analyzed, with special attention given to revenue recognition. Prerequisites: ACCT 240 and MSB 110 (A student must have earned a minimum of 2.0 G.P.A. in each course.).

ACCT 302 - Intermediate Accounting III (3)

This course focuses on the formation and financial operations of a corporation. Debt and equity transactions such as those encompassing investments in securities, leases, derivatives, deferred income taxes, and pension plans are examined in detail. The reporting function of the corporation as interim and segment reports are reviewed. Prerequisite: ACCT 301.

ACCT 310 - Advanced Accounting (3)

Topics include accounting for business combinations, segment reporting, and financial reporting by multinational companies, including approaches to foreign currency translation. Complex problems of the partnership and accounting for a non-profit organization will be included. Prerequisite: ACCT 301.

ACCT 340 - Advanced Managerial Accounting (3)

A study of the broad range of cost and advanced managerial accounting concepts. Topics include the measurement and accumulation of costs, including direct and indirect costs, costs allocation procedures, cost volume relationships, and the application of overhead. The controls in applying cost accounting to the design of the information system, inclusive of flexible budgets, responsibility accounting, profit center analysis and standard costs will be studied. How cost accounting assists in decision making and planning for capital budgeting and inventory planning will be considered. Prerequisites: MSB 110 and 120.

ACCT 410 - Auditing (3)

A study of the contributions of the independent accountant or the internal auditor to the reliability of financial and other data. Topics include generally accepted auditing standards, professional ethics, accountants' legal responsibilities, internal control, and the auditor's reports, utilizing the computer to audit, auditing computerized systems, and statistical sampling. Prerequisites: ACCT 301.

ACCT 440 - Accounting Information Systems (3)

This course provides the accounting major with a systems perspective applied to traditional and current accounting topics. Topical coverage includes accounting systems concepts and tools, the structure of internal control in a computerized environment, computer auditing and the cycle of transaction processing. Prerequisites: CIS 110 and ACCT 302.

ACCT 460 - Advanced Federal Taxation (3)

A study of federal taxation involving partnerships, corporations and estates, and trusts. Problem solving, planning, and research will be emphasized. Prerequisite: ACCT 230.

ACCT 470 - Accounting Policy & Professional Responsibility (3)

This course will familiarize the accounting major with the GAAP Standard Setting process and function of the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) and The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). It will also integrate professional responsibility of the accountant through case study analysis of ethical issues. Prerequisite: ACCT 410.

ACCT 480 - CPA Review (3)

A CPA Examination Review, including the pronouncements of the Financial Accounting Standards Board and the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as a review of theories and problems of accounting as related to the CPA examination. Prerequisites: ACCT 310, 340, 460.

ACCT 490 - Independent Study in Accounting (3)

Advanced projects in a specialized area of accounting under the supervision of a faculty member in the Accounting Department. Senior status required. Open to juniors and seniors only with permission of the Department Chair.

ACCT 498 - Topics (3)

Topics selected from contemporary accounting issues which may be offered from time to time to meet the need of the students. Prerequisites may be required based upon the content of the course.

ACCT 499 - Accounting Internship (1-6)

Work experience within a recognized accounting firm or industry setting. Selection determined by academic background and interviews, with Department Chair's approval required in writing prior to the work experience. Open to accounting majors only.

BUS 345 - Business Law II (3)

A study of the legal relations created in the various forms of business organizations (sole proprietorships, partnerships, and corporations). Topics include the substantive law of property including real, personal, and intellectual property; wills, trusts, and estates; secured transactions, principal and agency; sales law; insurance; negotiable instruments; and securities regulation. Selected actual cases illustrate practical problems encountered in business. Prerequisite: MSB 240.

CIS 110 - Introduction to Business Information Systems (3)

This course is designed to familiarize students with terminology, computer applications, and concepts related to technologies used in business information systems. Students will gain a better understanding of how technology empowers business and can create transactions through strategic competitive advantages and efficiencies. Students will be introduced to business applications and learn how these applications support the business mission. This curriculum addresses the six general knowledge and skills areas detailed in the AACSB standards. This course focuses on Microsoft Excel, Access, and Power BI.

ECON 111: Introduction to Macroeconomics (3)

Macro-Economics: the theory of national income, aggregate demand, and the level of employment; money and banking; and government fiscal policy.

ECON 112 - Introduction to Microeconomics (3)

This course covers micro-economic principles, the theory of price under various market conditions, the economic function of government, and elements of international economics.

ECON 221 - Statistics and Predictive Analytics (3)

An introduction to statistical and mathematical methods used in business fields and economics. Topics include descriptive statistics, sampling, probability, basic statistical distributions, estimation, hypothesis testing, and introduction to regression analysis. This course applies statistical analysis, predictive techniques, and data analytics to problem-solving and business decision-making. Excel utilized.

IB 241 - Globalization (3)

This course will provide a broad overview of the environment in which international business takes place. The topics to be covered include, but are not limited to, analysis of the political, legal, ethical, and cultural environments in which international businesses operate; understanding corporate strategy formulation in the face of government intervention; understanding the international monetary system; and discussing international trade and foreign direct investment. The course covers a broad spectrum of topics to equip students with the fundamentals of international business.

MATH 123 - Finite Mathematics and Business Analytics (3)

Topics include lines and linear functions; a geometric approach to linear programming; the simplex method; sensitivity analysis; integer-valued optimization problems; sets and counting; elementary probability; probability distributions and statistics. Students will utilize graphing technology for the visualization of data and solve multivariable problems using Excel. Business applications are emphasized. Prerequisite skills in arithmetic and Algebra II required.

MSB 100 - Introduction to Business (1)

This course introduces students to the William G. McGowan School of Business in conjunction with the Angelo P. DeCesaris '53 Executive in Residence initiative, which assists students in making informed and proactive career decisions. The Executive in Residence develops student knowledge of the professional competencies of business and community and has students apply these competencies in supporting the common good. The career development process in this course will allow students to understand and make career choices based on an assessment of their interests, skills, and values as well as up-to-date information and mentoring about occupations and trends in the job market.

MSB 110 - Introduction to Financial Reporting (3)

A survey of financial accounting concepts and procedures used as applied to service and trading business with an emphasis upon the uses and interpretation of financial statements.

MSB 120 - Introduction to Management Accounting and Planning (3)

An introduction to the role of accounting information in the measurement of business and employee performance, and to facilitate planning decisions such as product and service selection, budgeting, investments, and profit measurement. Prerequisite: MSB 110.

MSB 200 - Principles of Management (3)

The course provides an overview of the history of management thought and of managerial activities and analysis of the process of planning, organizing, leading, controlling, and forces of environments in which businesses operate. Topics include strategic planning, organizational design, human resources management, decision-making, ethics, and social responsibility. Relating topics to the current business environment are emphasized. The case analysis concerned with each of these forces is discussed, with emphasis on problem solving.

MSB 210 - Principles of Marketing (3)

An introduction to marketing with emphasis on how companies develop marketing programs responsive to consumer needs and wants for products and services.

MSB 220 - Financial Management (3)

The course introduces basic principles in finance such as cash flow, the time value of money, valuation of the firm and financial assets, and capital budgeting. Prerequisites: MSB 120, and ECON 221.

MSB 240 - Business Law I (3)

A study of the nature of law, legal reasoning, and procedures relating to the court systems, government regulation, administrative agencies, and the private judicial systems of arbitration and mediation. Topics include crimes and torts and the business-related aspects of each. Special emphasis is placed on contract law, including the formation, breach of contract, and legal remedies. Selected actual cases illustrate practical problems. Prerequisites: ENG 110, COMM 101, and CIS 110.

MSB 250 - Business Communication and Mentoring (3)

This course will help students to become more effective writers and presenters in the business workplace. The course focuses on the essentials of style, organization, and professionalism in the development of fundamental business correspondence, reports, and presentations. An interactive software program will be used to examine and refine writing abilities. Students will be required to produce documents and present information that reflects the appropriate and effective use of technology. Career exploration and mentoring components will be woven throughout the curriculum. Prerequisites: MSB 100, ENG 110, and COMM 101.

MSB 287 - Business Ethics (3)

Examination of the vocation and moral context of business; critical reflection, through engagement with the philosophical and Catholic traditions, on how to make a living and live well; and extended consideration of issues and problems that arise in contemporary business settings. Prerequisite: PHIL 101.

MSB 305 - Organizational Behavior (3)

An introduction to the field of organizational behavior, which is an interdisciplinary field that examines human behavior in organizational settings and concerns the behavioral interactions of individuals, groups, and the organization itself. Prerequisite: MSB 200.

MSB 400 - Professional Seminar (2)

The course gives students pursuing a business degree the opportunity to draw upon and enhance the professional knowledge learned and applied throughout their coursework. This course will also permit the students to combine their prior professional knowledge, career planning, and mentoring experiences to formulate a final action plan for a lifelong commitment to learning, career, and socially responsible behavior. Prerequisites: MSB 100, MSB 210, MSB 220, MSB 240, MSB 287, and MSB 305 and senior status.

MSB 480 - Strategic Management (3)

This capstone course uses strategic planning to confirm and integrate participants' comprehensive business competencies. Conceptual knowledge acquired from business foundation courses is applied to the realities of the global management environment. This course's goal is to allow students to synthesize concepts, identify problems, analyze, and evaluate alternative solutions, and formulate socially responsible actions. Prerequisites: MSB 100, MSB 210, MSB 220, MSB 240, MSB 287, and MSB 305 and senior status.

Degree Requirements for Accounting

View a comprehensive list of all accounting degree requirements here.

To continue as an accounting major (i.e., enroll in ACCT 301 - Intermediate Accounting I), a student must have earned a minimum of 2.0 G.P.A. in Introduction to Financial Accounting II. This requirement also applies to transfer students and students pursuing an accounting minor.

Accounting majors may-with written permission from the Department Chair-participate in an accounting internship for a maximum of six credits per semester.

REQUIREMENTS FOR ACCOUNTING MAJORS (9 CREDITS)

The following courses will be used to fulfill CORE requirements:

  • ECON 111 Principles of Economics: Macro
  • MATH 123 Finite Mathematics and Business Analytics
  • MSB 287 Business Ethics

BUSINESS FOUNDATIONS (42 CREDITS)

The following courses will also be included:

  • CIS 110 Introduction to Business Information Systems
  • ECON 112 Principles of Economics: Micro
  • ECON 221 Statistics and Predictive Analytics
  • IB 241 Globalization
  • MSB 100 Introduction to Business (1 credit)
  • MSB 110 Introduction to Financial Reporting
  • MSB 120 Introduction to Management Accounting and Planning
  • MSB 200 Principles of Management
  • MSB 210 Principles of Marketing
  • MSB 220 Financial Management
  • MSB 240 Business Law I
  • MSB 250 Business Communication and Mentoring
  • MSB 305 Organizational Behavior
  • MSB 400 Professional Seminar (2 credits)
  • MSB 480 Strategic Management

MAJOR SEQUENCE REQUIREMENTS (29 CREDITS)

  • ACCT 230 Tax Accounting
  • ACCT 240 Intermediate Accounting I
  • ACCT 240L Intermediate Accounting I Lab (1 credit)
  • ACCT 301 Intermediate Accounting II
  • ACCT 302 Intermediate Accounting III
  • ACCT 310 Advanced Financial Accounting
  • ACCT 340 Advanced Managerial Accounting
  • ACCT 410 Auditing
  • ACCT 440 Accounting Information Systems
  • BUS 345 Business Law II
  • CARP 412 Career Planning II (1 credit)

ELECTIVES

Elective (6 Credits) - Students may choose from any elective course offered/accepted by the College including non-business courses.

MINOR SEQUENCE REQUIREMENTS (6 COURSES - 16 CREDITS)

Monitoring student progress in pursuing a minor in accounting is necessary to enhance the student learning experience. Therefore, a written declaration must be submitted by the student to the Registrar.

  • ACCT0 230 Tax Accounting
  • ACCT 240 Intermediate Accounting I
  • ACCT 240L Intermediate Accounting I Lab (1 credit)
  • ACCT 301 Intermediate Accounting II
  • ACCT 302 Intermediate Accounting III
  • ACCT 340 Advanced Managerial Accounting

In fulfilling the accounting education requirements of the minor, students are required to complete more than fifty percent of the coursework at King's College.

MINOR SEQUENCE REQUIREMENTS - FORENSIC ACCOUNTING

6 ACCOUNTING COURSES - 18 CREDITS

Monitoring student progress in pursuing a minor in accounting is necessary to enhance the student learning experience. Therefore, a written declaration must be submitted by the student to the Registrar.

  • MSB 110 Introduction to Financial Accounting
  • MSB 120 Introduction to Management Accounting and Planning
  • ACCT 210 Fraud Examination I: Forensic and Investigative Accounting
  • ACCT 211 Fraud Examination II: Forensic and Investigative Accounting
  • ACCT 230 Tax Accounting
  • ACCT 460 Advanced Federal Taxation

In fulfilling the requirements of the minor, students are required to complete more than 50 percent of the coursework at King's College.

Students shall not earn credit for more than 15 hours in any designated course, or combination of courses within the William G. McGowan School of Business Foundation Courses and/or the major courses, in accounting, management, marketing, finance, human resources management, and international business without being declared as either a major or minor student of one of those majors, or being granted permission by the Dean of The William G. McGowan School of Business.

All McGowan School of Business (MSB) and accounting courses numbered 300 and above must be completed at King's College to receive the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (B.S.B.A.) with a major in accounting degree, a minor sequence in accounting, or for the fulfillment of any required course in any other degree or minor offered through the William G. McGowan School of Business, unless permission is granted by the Department Chair in writing prior to the start of any course.

Faculty and Contacts

Tara Shawver, DBA
Department Chair, Kearney & Company Department of Accounting, Finance
Professor of Accounting
B.A., New England College
M.B.A., Plymouth State College
D.B.A., Nova Southeastern University
E-mail: tarashawver@kings.edu
Barry H. Williams, J.D.
Dean and Professor of Accounting
Dean, McGowan School of Business
Professor of Accounting
B.S., M.B.A., Wilkes University
M.T., Villanova University
J.D., Widener University
C.P.A., Pennsylvania
E-mail: barrywilliams@kings.edu

Full-time Faculty

Office Contacts

Major resources

Resources

Student Organizations

  • Accounting Association
  • Beta Gamma Sigma
  • Beta Alpha Psi

Beta Gamma Sigma is the international honor society serving business programs accredited by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest recognition a business student anywhere in the world can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International.

Lifetime membership in the King's College William G. McGowan School of Business Chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma is by invitation. To be eligible for invitation, students must be in their second semester of their sophomore year and rank in the upper 10 percent of their class or be in the upper 10 percent of the junior or senior class. Other questions and requirements for invitation can be found on the Beta Gamma Sigma website.

Beta Alpha Psi is an international honor society for students who major in accounting, finance, and information systems. To be eligible for membership, students need to have completed their sophomore year, met minimum GPA requirements, and completed a certain number of accounting credits. Members of Beta Alpha Psi participate in professional development activities, community service projects, and networking events.