Accounting and Business Law
Phone: 718.489.5301
Department Mission
The primary mission of the Department of Accounting and Business Law is to provide accounting and business majors with a platform to gain the appropriate skills, knowledge, and abilities to become successful professionals. The accounting major prepares students for careers in public accounting, private industry, or not-for-profit accounting (government agencies, foundations and associations, hospitals, colleges and universities, libraries, museums, schools, religious organizations, and arts groups). Upon satisfactory completion of the major in accounting, the student may sit for the CPA examination. The degree requirements are registered with the State of New York. (See the section on CPA Certification for clarification.)
Internship programs that provide a guided practical experience in corporate, public, and not-for-profit accounting are available to students. Graduates of the accounting program of St. Francis College have been employed by a broad range of CPA firms (from large international firms to medium and small regional and local firms), corporations, banks, brokerage houses, manufacturing firms, retail establishments, government agencies, and not-for-profit groups.
Program Student Learning Outcomes:
Accounting (Non- C.P.A. Track), 130-Hour
- PLO 1: Demonstrate the ability to prepare, interpret, and analyze financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), auditing standards, and other appropriate professional pronouncements of the accounting profession.
- PLO 2: Conduct themselves in an appropriate ethical manner with honesty and integrity in their professional endeavors by demonstrating professional conduct and demeanor in business settings.
- PLO 3: Communicate accounting information effectively to a professional audience consisting of business clients, investors, regulatory authorities.
- PLO 4: Apply their knowledge of the design and application of information technology to identify the risks and benefits associated with this technology.
- PLO 5: Think critically and develop a systemic and rational approach in their decision-making skills to successfully handle challenges that arise in the business arena.
- PLO 6: Perform tasks in a team-oriented environment and work with others to achieve a common goal.
Accounting (B.S./M.S.)
Program Student Learning Outcomes: B.S. Track
- PLO 1: Demonstrate the ability to prepare, interpret, and analyze financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), auditing standards, and other appropriate professional pronouncements of the accounting profession.
- PLO 2: Conduct themselves in an appropriate ethical manner with honesty and integrity in their professional endeavors by demonstrating professional conduct and demeanor in business settings.
- PLO 3: Communicate accounting information effectively to a professional audience consisting of business clients, investors, regulatory authorities.
- PLO 4: Apply their knowledge of the design and application of information technology to identify the risks and benefits associated with this technology.
- PLO 5: Think critically and develop a systemic and rational approach in their decision-making skills to successfully handle challenges that arise in the business arena.
- PLO 6: Perform tasks in a team-oriented environment and work with others to achieve a common goal.
- PLO 7: Demonstrate specific knowledge in areas of Accounting tested on the CPA exam.
Program Student Learning Outcomes: M.S. track
- PLO 1: Interpret, analyze, and classify relevant accounting information and communicate financial results in a clear and unequivocal form.
- PLO 2: Research various accounting issues utilizing the Financial Accounting Standards Board Codification database and online sources of data.
- PLO 3: Recognize and grasp the meanings of various accounting principles and theories and apply the use of this learned material to new situations.
- PLO 4: Identify the key principles in the fields of Economics and Finance and how they underpin the development of the financial accounting framework.
- PLO 5: Understand the issues that pertain to professional and business ethics and what constitutes ethical behavior.
Accountancy (M.S.)
- PLO 1: Demonstrate their advanced knowledge in a range of areas such as financial accounting, managerial accounting, governmental accounting, auditing, and taxation. The breadth and depth of study in these areas will serve as the basis for graduates of this program to prepare for the CPA examination.
- PLO 2: Utilize critical thinking skills to make effective decisions in the business environment. Graduates of this program will be able to analyze the financial reporting processes of a firm and make suggestions for improvement.
- PLO 3: Communicate accounting information effectively in a clear and unequivocal manner to a professional audience consisting of business clients, investors, regulatory authorities.
- PLO 4: Conduct themselves in an appropriate ethical manner with honesty and integrity in their professional endeavors by demonstrating professional conduct and demeanor in business settings.
- PLO 5: Perform tasks in a team-oriented environment and work with others to achieve a common goal.
Transfer Students
Students from other institutions may transfer into any accounting program. Transfer credit may be awarded depending on the institution that awarded the original credit and the grade(s) earned. According to department policy, no more than five designated undergraduate accounting [ACC] courses may be accepted for transfer credit. Graduate transfer credit is rarely granted. The prospective transfer student should see the Chairperson for additional information.
Students Seeking C.P.A. Certification
New York State requires that individuals who apply for licensure in public accountancy must complete 150 credit hours in a registered program. Accounting majors at St. Francis who seek to obtain the CPA credential can pursue the 151 credit combined BS/MS program (if acceptance criteria are met). This program fulfills the course of study required by the New York State Department of Education and the New York State Board of Accountancy. Students must qualify for entry into the BS/MS degree program.
In order to enter the combined BS/MS program, students are required to have a minimum grade point average of 2.8 in six specific accounting courses. Students not meeting this requirement may be given reconsideration if a satisfactory score is achieved on the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Additionally, students in the B.S./M.S. program are required to maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average in their graduate courses.
In addition to the combined B.S./M.S. program, the College also offers a stand-alone M.S. degree in Professional Accountancy. This degree is offered to students who already possess an undergraduate degree in Business Administration/Management (e.g., Finance, IT, Marketing, Management, HR, etc.) and now want to pursue additional studies to enable them to acquire the knowledge and skills to enter careers in accounting and to accumulate the necessary credits to sit for the CPA examination. Completion of this M.S. degree fulfills the course of study required by the New York State Education Department and the New York State Board of Accountancy.
Students Not Seeking CPA Certification
Students interested in an accounting program who do not need or want C.P.A. certification may pursue a four-year program culminating in a B.S. degree. This program primarily prepares students for careers in management or industry where a solid foundation in accounting is helpful or required, but C.P.A. certification is not necessary.
Intended for non-business majors. An introduction to accounting as the universal language of business. A study of the postulates and concepts underlying the preparation of basic corporate financial statements. The preparation of such statements is considered; analysis and interpretation of the statements are strongly emphasized.
An introduction to the basic principles of accounting including the accounting cycle, classified financial statements and the measurement and valuation of current assets, current liabilities and non-current assets. Inclusive textbook fee added for Spring 2021.
A continuation of the basic accounting principles learned in ACC 1101. Specific topics include accounting for partnerships, corporate owners' equity, long-term liabilities, statement of cash flows, financial statement analysis, and aspects of managerial accounting.
This course introduces students to the fundamental accounting conceptual framework and generally accepted accounting principles. That platform of knowledge is used to explore the specific issues relating to financial management in the healthcare sector. This course is not for Accounting or Business Management majors.
An in-depth analysis of accounting theory and financial reporting, combining theory and problems. Emphasizes asset and liability valuation and the corresponding measurement of revenues and expenses. Specific topics include the accounting process and adjustments, classified financial statements, conceptual framework underlying financial accounting, and recognition and measurement of current and non-current assets. Several assignments using EXCEL are required during the semester.
A continuation of ACC 2101. Specific topics include recognition and measurement of intangible assets, current and non-current liabilities, stockholders' equity, dilutive securities, investments, revenue recognition problems, accounting for income taxes, accounting changes and errors, and statement of cash flow. Several assignments using EXCEL are required during the semester.
This course is designed to introduce the student to computer applications in accounting. Students learn about the design and development of accounting systems. In addition, students learn how to computerize a manual system of accounting using a general ledger package. A variety of accounting problems are demonstrated. Students have hands-on experience completing various computer projects.
The managerial use of cost data for routine planning, budgeting and control, and for long-range planning; product costing using job order, process, and standard costs.
The course provides a comprehensive study in the areas of business combinations, consolidated financial statements, foreign currency transactions, segment reporting, fund accounting, and governmental accounting. A detailed analysis is conducted on the use of the purchase method of accounting for investments in subsidiaries. The underlying concepts behind accounting for nonprofit and governmental entities are also examined.
Principles, standards, procedures, and techniques of auditing. Emphasis on the analytical approach, including electronic data processing, statistical sampling, and risk assessment; types of audit examinations with appropriate reports; and evaluation of assets and substantiation of liability and equity accounts.
This course is a continuation and expansion of ACC-4401. The auditor's use of programs to audit information systems through computer applications, including evaluation and testing of internal control while being cognizant of fraud, will be a major focus. The integration of integrity and ethics to both financial and internal audits through professional and legislative rules will be stressed throughout the course.
A study of the basic principles of federal income taxation as applied to individuals.
A study of the basic principles of federal taxation emphasizing corporations, individuals, partnerships, estates, trusts, and gift taxes. Special emphasis is given to the differences between federal income tax principles and financial reporting according to GAAP. Review and application of individual tax returns using computer software packages.
Supervised work experience in various fields of accounting--including submission of a written report. This course may be taken for a maximum of two semesters. Requires approval of the departmental chairperson.
Individual research and study--including submission of a written report. Maximum two semesters. Requires chairperson approval.
A study of current literature, current accounting topics, and recent professional pronouncements through active participation, oral presentations, and a research paper. Maximum enrollment of 15 students.
Graduate students only. An in-depth analysis of accounting theory and financial reporting, combining theory and problems. The course emphasizes asset and liability valuation and the corresponding measurement of revenues and expenses. Specific topics include the accounting process and adjustments, classified financial statements, conceptual framework underlying financial accounting, and recognition and measurement of current and non-current assets. International Financial Reporting Standards to be incorporated, as appropriate. Several assignments using EXCEL are required during the semester. A comprehensive project (incorporating transaction analysis, EXCEL schedules and complete statement preparation) is required of all students. Open to MS_ACC students only.
Graduate students only. A continuation of Accounting Theory and Reporting I (ACC 6101). Specific topics include recognition and measurement of intangible assets, current and non-current liabilities, stockholders equity, dilutive securities, investments, revenue recognition problems, accounting for income taxes, accounting changes and errors, and statement of cash flows. International Financial Reporting Standards to be incorporated, as appropriate. Several assignments using EXCEL are required during the semester. A comprehensive project (incorporating transaction analysis, EXCEL schedules, and complete statement preparation) is required of all students.
Graduate students only. This course is designed to introduce the student to computer applications in accounting. Students learn about the design and development of accounting systems. In addition, students learn how to computerize a manual system of accounting using a general ledger package. A variety of accounting problems are demonstrated. Students have hands-on experience completing various computer projects. Students will be required to complete a comprehensive project on analysis of internal controls of a public traded corporation. Open to MS_ACC students only. Lab fee.
Graduate students only. This course is designed to provide a detailed study of integrated components within an accounting information system. A thorough investigation of current issues that pertain to information technology is conducted. Students utilize the database approach to design and develop a complex system of storing and retrieving data. The REA model is used to analyze the relationship between an organization's essential resources, events and agents. Students use Microsoft Access to query data to write analysis reports for various case assignments. Open to MS_ACC students only. Lab. fee.
Graduate students only. The course will focus on the managerial use of cost data for routine planning, budgeting and control, and for long-range planning. Product costing using job order, process and standard costs will be stressed. Students will be required to complete a term paper contrasting a company using a job-order system with a company using a process cost system. Open to MS_ACC students only.
Graduate students only. Principles, standards, procedures, and techniques of auditing with emphasis on the analytical approach; including electronic data processing, statistical sampling, risk assessment, types of audit examinations with appropriate reports, evaluation of assets, and substantiation of liabilities and equity accounts. A comprehensive term project involving the analysis of a specific auditing standard must be completed by each student. Open to MS_ACC students only.
Graduate students only. This course is a continuation and expansion of ACC 4401. The auditor's use of programs to audit information systems through computer applications, including evaluation and testing of internal control while being cognizant of fraud, is a major focus. The integration of integrity and ethics into both financial and internal audits through professional and legislative rules is stressed throughout the course. Open to MS_ACC students only.
Graduate students only. A study of the basic principles of Federal Income taxation as applied to individuals. Students will be required to complete a comprehensive tax return utilizing current software.
Graduate students only A study of the basic principles of federal income taxation emphasizing corporations, individuals, partnerships, estates, trusts, and gift taxes. Special emphasis is given to the differences between federal income tax principles and financial reporting according to GAAP. Review and application of individual tax returns using computer software packages.
Graduate students only. This course will examine the managerial use of cost data for routine planning, budgeting, and control, as well as for long-range planning. Students will explore the differences between generally accepted accounting principles and cost accounting principles. Students will be introduced to the managerial use of cost data for routine planning and budgeting within for-profit and not-for-profit entities.
Graduate students only. This three-credit course examines the use of accounting data in facilitating management decisions. Students will be introduced to the fundamental principles of financial accounting with an overview of financial reporting and how to read and interpret the four basic financial statements. Using a measurement, communication, and decision-making framework, this course provides a solid foundation for student learning - focusing on the elements of the accounting cycle. While available in an alternative format, the rules of debits and credits and detailed transactional reporting required by accounting majors are removed without disruption. The course concludes with a detailed section on Financial Statement Analysis in the form of ratios and other vital measurement tools and criteria. Major topics include a comprehensive look at various elements of the income statement and balance sheet. The course concludes with an in-depth financial statement analysis using ratios and other metrics used to assess performance.
Graduate students only. Supervised work experience in various fields of accounting--including submission of a written report. Requires approval of the departmental chairperson.
Graduate students only. Independent research and study in a topic in Accounting, including submission of a written report. Maximum: two semesters. Prerequisites: graduate standing and approval of the department chairperson.
Graduate students only. An in-depth analysis of accounting theory and financial reporting. Course coverage includes partnerships, installment sales, consignments, consolidations, international accounting and accounting for government and not-for-profit entities. International Financial Reporting Standards will be incorporated, as appropriate. A specific comprehensive case analysis which involves a not-for-profit or governmental entity will be assigned to each student. Open to MS_ACC students only.