Lakeland College

Accounting

If you are a student looking for a business career that has numerous job opportunities upon graduation, then an accounting degree may be for you.

Did You Know?

• Accounting is the most employable, sought-after major by employers in the Midwest (Source: NACE Job Outlook 2012 Survey)
• Jobs for accountants and auditors are expected to grow 16% between 2010 and 2020 (Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics)
• The nationwide average starting salary for a bachelor's degree graduate in accounting is $50,400 (Source: NACE Salary Survey — Septmber 2012)
• Lakeland College is one of the few colleges or universities in the entire nation that offers an emphasis in Forensic Accounting at the undergraduate level

Accounting is the way businesses communicate, keep score, and share financial information. The accounting major at Lakeland College trains students to be economic problem-solvers and analysts, not just someone who balances the books. Students learn to be professionals who are able to identify, measure, and make judgments about all types of economic information. These accounting skills lead to rewarding positions in financial reporting, tax planning, business consulting, auditing, fraud examination, and many other fields in the global marketplace. In addition, with a few additional courses, the Lakeland accounting major qualifies its students to sit for the CPA and CMA examinations.

Useful Links

For some useful sources of information on careers for accounting graduates see:

• www.bls.gov/ooh — Occupational Outlook Handbook (search for "accountants")
• www.aicpa.org — American Institute of CPAs
• www.wicpa.org — Wisconsin Institute of CPAs
• www.startheregoplaces.com — Interactive site for students pursuing an accounting career
• www.nasba.org — CPA exam information

Forensic Accounting

Have you ever seen the TV show CSI where a team of forensic investigators are trained to solve crimes by examining physical evidence? Forensic accounting is the CSI of the financial world. Forensic accountants are financial detectives who are trained to investigate fraud and white-collar crime by ascertaining the accuracy of financial reporting documents and ferreting out questionable financial data. Lakeland's Forensic/Fraud Emphasis Track for accounting majors introduces students to this exciting area of accounting. Learn more about the courses in this emphasis area.

For some useful sources of information on careers in forensic accounting see:

• www.fbijobs.gov — Click "Career Paths" on the site
• www.acfe.com — Click "Careers" to help chart your path as a fraud examiner
• www.nafanet.com — National Association of Forensic Accountants

Accounting Faculty

To learn more about Lakeland's Accounting faculty, follow the link associated with their name.

Brett Killion

Mr. Brett M. Killion, CPA, joined the Lakeland faculty in 2012. He is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he earned both his bachelor's degree in accounting and Master of...
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Abe Qastin

Mr. Abdul Qastin, Bemis Professor of Accounting, joined the faculty in 1985. Qastin participates regularly in the International MBAA conference. In his spare time, he volunteers at his church and...
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J. Garland Schilcutt

Dr. J. Garland Schilcutt, Professor of Business Administration, holds the distinction of Lakeland's longest-serving faculty member, with a tenure of over fifty years. Schilcutt, or "Prof" as he...
Read more about J. Garland Schilcutt