Department Overview

Brief Description of the Accounting Field

Accounting and Information Assurance, in a limited sense, is the analysis, classification and recording of financial events, and the reporting of the results of such events for an organization. In a broader sense, accounting consists of all financial systems for planning, controlling and appraising performance of an organization. Among its many facets, accounting includes: financial planning, budgeting, accounting systems, financial management controls, financial analysis of performance, financial reporting, internal and external auditing, and taxation.

Smith's accounting curriculum provides an educational foundation for careers in accounting and other management areas, whether in private business organizations, government and nonprofit agencies, or public accounting firms.