Florida State University’s Top Ranking Accounting Program

In recent years, Florida State University’s accounting program has consistently ranked among the top in the country. With a dedicated staff of professors who are experts in their respective fields, students have a wealth of knowledge available to them in the classroom. However, in order to progress beyond concepts and ideas, real world experiences in the accounting profession are emphasized as well. Most students who complete the undergraduate accounting program will work on both individual and corporate tax returns during their time as students. They will also have the opportunity to work with a team of fellow classmates on various projects, including an auditing report. In addition, the college of business strongly encourages students to partake in internships relevant to their majors, providing an extra incentive of school credit to those that complete an internship that meets requirements.

After students complete their undergraduate studies, they then have the option of applying for the Master’s of Accounting program. It can be completed in one or two years, depending on if the student is an accounting or non-accounting major. The program offers four fields of specialization: Accounting Information Systems, Assurance Services, Corporate Accounting, and Taxation. For those students pursuing a Master’s degree, the additional classes will provide them with the required number of hours to sit for the CPA and attain licensure.

Throughout their time at Florida State University, accounting students can find support in their academic endeavors with various organizations. Most notable for accounting students is Beta Alpha Psi, an honor organization for financial information students and professionals. Outside of organizations, there are plenty of networking opportunities on campus to assist in building connections and by extension, opportunities for career growth in any number of industries. The largest event of this type is Seminole Futures, which is open to students of all majors and businesses of every industry. However, students in the college of business can attend a smaller Meet the Firms networking event. The companies present at this event consist strictly of accounting firms, including the Big 4 accounting firms: KPMG, PwC, Ernst & Young, and Deloitte. Students are given the opportunity to network with these accounting professionals who have been provided the resumes of all the students attending.

Florida State University is already recognized for its exceptional accounting program, and its progression as a program shows no signs of slowing down. Students have the opportunity to learn from professors with diverse backgrounds in business, who can provide insight into how accounting is applied in real world situations. The accounting department and university as a whole provide students with the resources and knowledge to not only excel academically, but be successful members of the workforce upon their departure from college.

In fact, due to Florida State’s reputable accounting program, Moore, Ellrich, & Neal’s staff includes multiple alumni. Most prominent is managing partner Dave Ellrich, a member of the Florida State University graduating class of 1973. Following college graduation, Dave worked as an Internal Revenue Service Special Agent before starting his own accounting firm, which would later be merged with the accounting firm of Becky Moore. During his career as an accountant, Dave Ellrich has attained the distinction of Certified Public Accountant, Accredited Senior Appraiser in Business Valuation, Certified Fraud Examiner, and various other certifications. Dave continues to support Florida State University both financially and with his time, currently sitting on the Department of Accounting Professional Advisory Board.

Joshua Angell, Senior Manager of Valuation Advisory Services at Moore, Ellrich, & Neal, is also a Florida State University alumni. Joshua graduated Summa Cum Laude with a double major in both Accounting and Finance. He began work for Moore, Ellrich, & Neal as an intern in early 2008, becoming a full time employee in late 2009. He has received his certification as an Accredited Senior Appraiser and Chartered Financial Analyst, and he currently authors a business valuation blog. Earlier this year, Moore, Ellrich, & Neal also hired recent graduate Kevin Foyteck, who graduated with a double major in Accounting and Finance as well. He serves as a Valuation Analyst, working with Joshua Angell on various valuation assignments.