Accounting  
 

 

  

The AQ Difference

The Accounting Department is committed to the development of broadly
educated individuals who will actively contribute to their profession,
community and society. As professionals in business and not-for-profit
organizations, graduates will be able to think analytically, communicate
clearly, research effectively, and work cooperatively with others. The liberal
arts and career oriented focus of the Accounting curriculum provide students
with the specialized knowledge to understand the necessity of efficient and
effective managerial practices in an ethical environment.

 

Students will have opportunities for internships and field experiences which
will help to develop and define their long-term goals. This integration of
academic and work experience will prepare students for graduate school or
careers in a variety of organizations.

  

2011 Outstanding Senior Awards

Graduating senior John Broderick was honored as the Accounting Department's Outstanding Senior for the 2010-2011 academic year. 
 

Accounting Department Goals

  1. General Business Knowledge
    Students will understand and be able to apply effective marketing, management, business law, economics, finance, and planning strategies.
  2. Accounting Knowledge
    Students will be able to understand, analyze, synthesize, and apply core accounting principles and concepts in for-profit and not-for-profit organizations in the areas of financial accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, tax, and accounting information systems.
  3. Communication: Technology, Research, Oral, and Written Presentation
    Students will be able to identify and analyze problems, use research tools to determine alternatives, and effectively communicate recommended solutions using appropriate technology.
  4. Students will demonstrate an understanding of professional accounting in a global environment and practice within an ethical framework.
 

Internships

Read more about what AQ accounting students have experienced at their internships! >Past Internships

 

Kristi Labinski - Summer 2009
This past summer I had an amazing opportunity as an intern at Crowe Horwath. My main responsibility was with the Audit Department. I was able to go out on several different engagements which enabled me to use what I have learned in the classroom in a professional setting. I had the opportunity to audit accounts payable, cash, payroll for several different industries. As an intern, I performed inventory counts and was able to interact with clients.

 

My internship was a beneficial experience to me in many different ways. It allowed me to obtain a hands-on experience in a field that I want to pursue after graduation. It also gave me an opportunity to network with many different people in my career field. Last, but not least, my internship allowed me to start gaining skills that are a necessity in public accounting.

 

Mitchell Hoffman - Spring 2009
I have had the opportunity, while attending Aquinas, to do three internships. My first one was with Alticor then Deloitte and last was Ernst & Young.  In each of these internships I worked in the area of Tax.  I found all three of my internship experiences to be unique and very beneficial to the start of my career. Personally, I liked working in the public side of accounting more than the private. I enjoyed the fast pace environment and the variety of work I was able to do in this area. Everyday there was something new to learn. I was also given the fantastic opportunity to travel extensively in the Midwest to cities such as Chicago, Detroit, Cincinnati, and Indianapolis.

 

Throughout all my internships, I have been able to build a social network, gain knowledge in tax and develop many skills used in the professional work environment. It was nice being able to put the knowledge I learned in the classroom to good use. The internships that I have been fortunate enough to acquire, have given me great insight into the accounting profession. In the accounting field of today, I have found the 'Big Four' firms to be wonderful places to work.  So, after much deliberation and thought, I have chosen the Deloitte firm for my full-time employment upon graduation.  I feel that this firm will be a good fit for me.