Accounting department makes advances in the classroom and out
The Department of Accounting in the Rankin College of Business at Southern Arkansas University has seen opportunities and growth for students in the classroom and within the accounting industry.
The department hosted a Career Fair for accounting majors in the fall with tremendous success. Several students received job offers after graduation, while several other students received offers for internships while completing their degrees. Accounting firms and other businesses from the area and the region sent representatives to meet with students. Those businesses include:
- Wood and Wood CPAs of Magnolia
- Southern Aluminum of Magnolia
- First Financial Bank of El Dorado
- Murphy USA of El Dorado
- ECG CPAs of El Dorado
Other companies attending were:
- Thomas and Thomas CPAs of Texarkana
- Frost CPA of Little Rock
- the Legislative Audit of Little Rock
- ATA CPAs of Hot Springs
- KPMG of Houston
- Bell and Company of Little Rock
“It was a great opportunity for our accounting students to meet with employers,” said Dr. Shane Warrick, Freeman Professor of Accounting at SAU.
Dr. Caroline Chen, assistant professor of accounting, agreed. “According to the feedback from students, they really enjoyed it. Many of the students received job offers because they could meet with employers.”
Students in accounting have found continued success in the classroom.
Chen earned her Certified Management Accounting license in July 2022, and now she is helping students earn their CMA. Ten SAU students received scholarships to help prepare to take the CMA exam.
In addition, all 18 students in the Auditing class in the fall completed the Ethical Leadership Training course for the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). This is the first year the certification program was offered.
New Classes
With data usage becoming more important in all business areas, SAU offers an Accounting Data Analytics class. The class provides students the opportunity to engage in a simulation of what accountants do each day. This course, which began in 2021, allows students to become familiar with current accounting tools used in the industry.
“This class is more hands-on,” said Chen. “The students learn data analysis tools they will use once they get in the job field.”
Warrick stressed that the accounting program always looks for ways to incorporate new technology in the classroom.
“We’re trying to update our curriculum to help prepare students for their careers. There will be a much greater emphasis on technology,” said Warrick.
Another new course the College of Business offers is a Survey of Accounting Class for non-business majors. This one-semester accounting class is designed to help non-accounting majors prepare for and begin the MBA program.
New Faculty Member
NaTashia Riley joined the Department of Accounting at SAU in January 2022. Originally from Gould, Ark, Riley received her undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, and her MBA from Texas A&M – Texarkana. She earned her CPA in the fall of 2022.
“I love it,” said Riley of teaching at SAU. “Instead of sitting behind a desk and looking at a computer screen all day, I get to stand in front of a classroom full of students and teach what I know.”
Riley has helped get accounting students involved in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, allowing low-income families to receive free advice and income tax preparation. Currently, seven SAU accounting students are participating while also gaining experience. The program is sponsored by the Central Arkansas Development Council and is held locally at Cadence Bank.
The Department of Accounting is committed to providing students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in accounting. The department offers a variety of courses and programs, as well as opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience through internships and volunteer work.
Warrick Serving on State Board
Warrick has served on the State Board of Public Accountancy for four years. He was appointed by the governor of Arkansas in 2019 and is currently the Secretary of the Board. The board oversees CPAs in the state and works to protect the public from accounting and tax issues. Warrick is one of seven board members from around the state, which includes five CPAs and two public members.
The Board held its monthly meeting on the SAU campus in September. Students had the rare opportunity to attend the meeting, and members of the Accounting Department participated. The day also included a luncheon for Board members, which accounting students were invited to attend. Students had the opportunity to visit and ask the Board members and staff questions.
“That was big,” Warrick said of the meeting. “It was another tremendous opportunity for our students.”
