Accounting methods have a significant impact not only on decisions made by management teams but also on the behavior of investors, creditors, regulatory agencies, consumers, and employees. Through their teaching, research, and professional activities, faculty members in Wharton’s Accounting Department strive to develop the best ways to measure and communicate an organization’s economic activities.
To meet the needs of today’s complex markets, the Accounting Department takes a multidisciplinary approach to the field, integrating finance and economics with broader perspectives on organizational issues and the business environment.
The Department offers courses in financial, strategic cost analysis for decision making and control, tax planning, accounting for mergers and acquisitions, valuation and predictive analytics. Although strong quantitative skills and attention to detail are important qualities for an accounting concentration, students need to acquire other skills as well. Many students find the accounting concentration to be useful preparation for careers in consulting, investment banking, general management, strategic planning, and securities analysis.