The Department of Accounting strives to produce graduates who are capable of using their education advantageously to forge satisfying careers. In turn, the employers of our graduates make use of the talents of Razorback accountants advantageously to further their organizational goals. Our alumni are employed at a wide variety of organizations-business, non-profit and government-located throughout the world.

We have a local presence of many of these global organizations, they have shared with us why it is important for students to have an Accounting Degree, a MAcc, and a CPA in their "Letter from our Empoyers." 

 

the importance of an accounting degree, a macc and a cpa...
what employers really think

Ernst & Young
"Accounting is a great entry point to a company. The reason being, you get to see all aspects of a company, including how the money flows. People are always hiring accountants, through thick and thin, companies will always have a need for accountants. You will always be able to take the skills and continue in accounting or go to alternative opportunities. Accounting core skills are crucial."
John Williamson, CPA, Ernst & Young Partner

PriceWaterhouseCoopers
"Having a degree in accounting means there are countless job opportunities in any industry. It prepares you for many professions and will give you a good foundation."
Jana Kim, CPA, PriceWaterhouseCoopers
 
"Being a CPA does not necessarily mean you will be sitting behind a desk all day. You go out and see clients; thus, people interaction is key."
Ashley Dayton, CPA, PriceWaterhouseCoopers

Walmart
"Accounting is the language of business. It will provide the base knowledge to be able to understand what makes a company tick. It provides a strong foundation and skill set that you have to have. Companies can’t function without accounting. Quality work all boils down to managing accounting and its issues."
Mark Secker, Walmart Stores, Inc.

Deloitte

KPMG
"Without a MAcc degree and 150 hours of accounting background, you cannot sit for the CPA exam and we can’t hire you. The more knowledge and education, the better prepared you are to face Wall Street and economic disasters."
Karen Gregorvic, Office Manager, KPMG
a letter from our employers              dear UA accounting students,  

We represent some of the largest businesses in Arkansas and the world, and we employ the vast majority of accounting graduates from the University of Arkansas. Our respect for and support of the accounting program at the University of Arkansas is unified and unmatched.

Pursuing an accounting degree at the University of Arkansas is an excellent launch toward a professional business career. As you pursue the academic credentials needed for a challenging and rewarding career opportunity, we offer the following comments for your consideration:

Your Education

Just as we operate in nationally and globally competitive marketplaces, you will also compete in national and global job markets over the course of your career. Professional certification is a critical attribute of our profession. Professionally certified individuals command greater compensation and more opportunities for advancement over the course of their careers. Early passing of the CPA exam represents one of the most important ways to boost and ensure a successful start of your career. You should also consider the role that certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor and Certified Management Accountant, among others, might play in helping you reach your career objectives.

We strongly encourage you to consider the value of a graduate degree in accounting. Many students underestimate the challenge of meeting CPA Exam eligibility requirements without a graduate degree. In addition, a graduate degree increases your ability to compete for future career opportunities. Although not all careers require graduate degrees, we strongly encourage students to pursue graduate education, such as the University of Arkansas MAcc degree.

The accounting program at the University of Arkansas is challenging and rewarding. Don’t discount the importance of maintaining the highest level of commitment to your course work. Historically, greater performance leads to more desirable employment opportunities. Stay focused and steadfast.

Your Activities

Professionally-minded extracurricular activities are a great way to expand your experiences beyond the classroom and distinguish your strengths to potential employers. Your involvement in Beta Alpha Psi will help you connect with other students and employers. Internships allow you to experience the work place and better enable you to confidently choose among potential employers. International experiences greatly develop your appreciation for the global marketplace in which we all work and live. Volunteer service activities and student membership in professional organizations can also assist you in defining your career objectives.

Your Mind

Keep an open mind when you evaluate the career possibilities in accounting. Take the time to explore the various employment opportunities in government, industry, and public practice. You will be pleasantly surprised at the variety of exceptionally rewarding career paths that we can offer. An accounting degree can lead to many exciting pursuits, whether you are interested in external or internal audit, corporate accounting, tax, advisory, management, or financial services. Our fervent desire is to see you embark on a successful career.
You have picked a great place to start at the University of Arkansas. We look forward to talking with you soon.

Go Hogs!

Download the Letter from Employers

 

Other great comments:

"You get a fuller picture of how business works and a better understanding of what is happening in the business world."
Kelly Tucker, CPA, CMA, Tyson Foods

 

"Having a CPA prepares you to become a more well rounded individual and move to the top of a company faster. You can also start your own business, work in the corporate setting, banking, real estate, public accounting. You can do anything with a CPA."
Jeff S. Fender, CPA, BSBA ‘95

 

"Accountants are always needed, you will not have any issue finding a job. You get paid more, that’s always great too."
Wade Carter, More Stephens Frost, MAcc ‘07

 

"Accounting is the degree that opens doors to all areas in business. In the short-term, it’s still a growing opportunity for a college grad to start their career; in the long-term, it pays better."
T.J. Boyle, CPA, Moore Stephens Frost

 

"A CPA is the most valued advisor for clients. We steer them in the right direction to reach their financial goals as well as through hardships, especially when things get tough."
Barbara Hambrick, CPA, Beall Barclay

 

"Federal regulations from SEC require CPAs to work in different industries such as manufacturing and distribution, cost accounting, non-profit, and other. A CPA is crucial and it will open doors."
Adam Ago, CPA, BKD, BSBA ‘07

Grant Thornton

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