Leverage your math skills for a successful career.

Nichols Accounting program prepares you to take on accounting-related roles across the spectrum of corporate, government and nonprofit environments. It will immerse you in both public and private accounting, including:

  • financial
  • cost
  • taxation
  • governmental
  • mergers and acquisitions

You’ll be learning with professors who are also Certified Public Accountants (CPA), and prepared to help you understand current professional issues, such as:

  • business ethics
  • enhanced audit standards
  • legislative regulations
Career Opportunities

Many Nichols graduates successfully complete the CPA exam. As an accounting major, many career opportunities await you:

  • CPA
  • CFO
  • financial analyst
  • fund manager
  • banking officer
  • controller
  • company owner
  • financial consultant

Recent Graduates Employed

  • Michael Evers, Accounting: Accounts Receivable Coordinator, Barkam Management
  • Shelby Leone, Accounting: Staff Accountant, Sullivan Bille Group PC
  • Kevin Quinn, Accounting and Finance: Staff Accountant at Alexander, Aronson and Finning & Co., P.C.

Other recent graduates are employed at:

  • U.S. Treasury
  • NASA
  • Internal Revenue Service
  • Price Waterhouse Coopers
  • Ernst & Young
  • Time Warner
  • U.S. Secret Service

Career Success!

Kevin Quin

Class of 2011: Kevin Quinn
Hometown: Manchester, NH
Major: Accounting and Finance
Position: Staff Accountant at Alexander, Aronson and Finning & Co., P.C., Westborough, MA

How he did it:
“Internships are the way I got my foot in the doors,” says Kevin Quinn, who started positioning for one in his freshman year by attending the Nichols College Career Fair. “By the time the accounting firms came to campus in my third-year, they had already seen ten of my resumes. And that made an impression on them!”

His first internship was with Graham Shepherd P.C. from January to April 15, 2010. His second internship was with Alexander, Aronson and Finning & Co., P.C. from June to August 13, 2010.

“My parents are really ecstatic that I have a job and so am I!”

Read about internship experiences.

Specialization Courses

Accounting majors must complete 121 credit hours (approximately 40 courses), including courses from the foundation and business core curricula, focused electives and these required accounting specialization courses:

ACCT 341
 
Intermediate Accounting III		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

A study of complex accounting topics and analytical procedures. Topics include accounting for pensions, leases, and income taxes; accounting changes, errors, incomplete records, and analysis of cash flows. Computer usage is integrated. 
Prerequisite: ACCT 242
ACCT 342
 
Advanced Accounting		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

In-depth study of complex entities including partnerships, branch accounting, mergers, consolidations, and foreign currency translations. Requires computer usage.
Prerequisite: ACCT 341
ACCT 343
 
Cost Accounting		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

Students analyze cost behavior, accumulation and allocation concepts in job and activity based costing and process costing systems. Students also examine estimated cost systems; budgetary control with standard costs; and cost and profit analysis for decision-making purposes. Computer usage is integrated.
Prerequisite: ACCT 238
ACCT 402
 
Federal Taxes		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

This course is intended to make the student aware of the major tax issues that influence decision-making by businesses and investors. Specific topics include tax planning, income determination, capital vs. ordinary income, the deductibility of expenses, and the tax implications of various forms of business entities.
Prerequisite: FIN 203
ACCT 404
 
Auditing		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

A course designed to give the accounting student an understanding of auditing theory. Topics include generally accepted auditing standards, audit reports, professional ethics, fraud auditing, internal control, and sampling and evidence-gathering techniques.
Prerequisite: ACCT 242
ACCT 480
 
Accounting Seminar		 3 Hours, 1 Semester
 

Integration and practical application of accounting concepts. The course involves a comprehensive study of accounting theory and careful examination of the contemporary problems facing the accounting profession today. Includes computer applications.
Prerequisite: ACCT 404

College Catalog

Review or download the college catalog for additional details and information about courses and requirements.

Key Faculty
John Armstrong
  • John Armstrong
  • Program Chair
Marcia Behrens
  • Marcia Behrens
Sean Cote
  • Sean Cote

Questions about the accounting program? Contact Professor John Armstrong, CPA, Program Chair, at john.armstrong@nichols.edu or 508-213-2124.