Sacred Heart University is now offering four accounting certificates at the graduate level.
The new certified public accountant (CPA) exam requires candidates to be skilled in financial accounting, auditing and taxation and these topics are tested in three core sections. In addition, CPA candidates must have deeper knowledge in one of three discipline sections—business analysis & reporting (BAR), information systems & controls (ISC) and tax compliance & planning (TCP).
SHU is now offering certificate programs that will assist students in their preparation for each of the new CPA exam disciplines: the BAR graduate certificate, the ISC & forensic graduate certificate and the TCP graduate certificate. In addition, the accounting graduate certificate allows students to choose any four master of science in accounting (MSA) courses. Regardless of which certificate is completed, students that wish to earn their MSA will need just six additional courses to complete the degree program.
Accounting graduate certificate
The graduate certificate program is ideal for busy professionals who wish to advance their career or prepare for the CPA exam. It is designed to provide students with specialized knowledge and practical skills essential for success in the accounting field.
“The general certificate is for students who want to choose any four MSA classes they see fit for their career, to complete education requirements for the CPA license or as a low-commitment way of deciding whether an MSA may be the right path,” said Linda Hughen, associate professor in the accounting & information systemsdepartment.
Business analysis & reporting (BAR) graduate certificate
The BAR certificate program is designed for accounting professionals to cultivate their expertise in accounting and business analytics and prepare for the CPA exam’s BAR portion. Students will learn to interpret data, communicate insights effectively and understand advanced accounting, such as government and nonprofit accounting.
“Five or ten years ago, we did not have any curriculum or content related to analytics. But now, it is in high demand by employers,” said Mahfuja Malik, associate professor in the accounting & information systems department.
Information systems, controls (ISC) & forensic graduate certificate
The ISC & forensic graduate certificate program is for students preparing for the CPA exam’s ISC portion. It will help them understand financial controls, fraud detection, information technology, data governance, assurance or advisory services related to business processes, internal control testing and information system security.
“For those who want to work in the audit field, understanding ISC and forensics is very important,” said Xinxin Wang, assistant professor in the accounting & information systems department.
Tax compliance & planning (TCP) graduate certificate
The TCP program is for students looking to pursue a career in taxation and who are preparing for the CPA exam’s TCP discipline. It offers programs in federal taxation, individual tax compliance, entity tax compliance and tax research.
“This certificate will provide a practical and hands-on approach to the study of federal taxation,” said Paul Iannone, associate professor in the accounting & information systems department.
