Siena's Accounting program is ranked in the top 10% nationwide — combining rigorous academics, guaranteed internship pathways, and a direct route to CPA certification through our unique 3+1 B.S./M.S. program.
| program Type | Department | School |
| Undergraduate Major, Certificate, Master of Science | Accounting and Business Law | School of Business |
Accounting is more than a career—it’s a profession that protects the public, supports ethical decision-making, and keeps organizations accountable. Siena’s accounting program prepares students to step into that responsibility with confidence, skill, and purpose.
At Siena, accounting students don’t just study business—they prepare to make an impact. Applied learning, paid internships, and strong employer partnerships are built into the program from the first year. Many students begin internships as early as freshman year, often complete two to three paid internships, and graduate with job offers already in hand.
At Siena, the accounting experience is more than just theory; it’s about applying what you learn in real-world scenarios. You won’t just study principles like GAAP or IFRS; you’ll use them. For example:
Simulated Audit Projects: You’ll take on the role of an auditor, applying auditing standards to evaluate a company’s financial statements. This hands-on experience allows you to hone your analytical skills and make recommendations as if you were already in the field.
Our standout courses aren’t just academic—they’re designed to immerse you in the real-world challenges of accounting:
Forensic Accounting and Fraud Examination: Dive into the world of fraud detection and prevention. This experiential course teaches you to identify financial fraud, giving you a critical skill set that’s increasingly in demand.
Managerial Accounting: Learn to support decision-making by developing and using accounting information and data analytics. This course equips you with the analytical tools to guide a company’s financial strategy.
Unlike larger institutions, Siena offers smaller class sizes, meaning you get more one-on-one time with experienced faculty who are genuinely invested in your success. You won’t be just another face in a lecture hall; you’ll be known by name and supported in pursuing unique internship opportunities and projects that align with your career goals.
“I love Siena's accounting program because of how welcoming the professors are, and they are always there to help when needed! I've learned many aspects of accounting that will be on the CPA exam, setting me up for future success. Siena taught me how to be a leader in the accounting world. It's a great program, and I wouldn't trade my time at Siena for any other college!” – Morgan Campbell
Students master core accounting and auditing concepts by learning the language of business—the rules, structure, and, most importantly, the “why” behind financial reporting. The focus is on understanding how businesses operate and how accounting information supports sound decision-making.
Courses: ACCT 200 Financial Accounting; ACCT 205 Managerial Accounting
Students deepen their accounting knowledge through topics such as cost accounting, taxation, and ethics. Coursework strengthens critical thinking, data analytics and prepares students to apply standards thoughtfully rather than mechanically.
Courses: ACCT 300 Intermediate Accounting I; ACCT 305 Intermediate Accounting II; ACCT 340 Taxation I; ACCT 350 Cost Accounting with Data Analytics Applications
The curriculum shifts toward application and analysis. Students work through real-world cases, use accounting systems and data analytics tools, and engage in technology-driven problem solving. Many students complete paid internships, applying what they’ve learned in professional settings.
Courses: ACCT 370 Accounting Information Systems, Accounting electives including Fraud and Forensic Accounting, International Accounting (with travel to London and Amsterdam), and Taxation II
Students complete coursework focused on CPA Exam–aligned practicum experiences that mirror real client situations. This final year integrates advanced analysis, professional practice, and experiential learning—preparing students to enter the workforce confident, capable, and CPA-ready.
Courses: ACCT 430 Auditing
Siena's 3+1 B.S./M.S. pathway lets you earn both degrees in just four years, providing a fast track to your CPA certification. It’s one of the reasons why our M.S. in Accounting graduates have a 99% job placement rate. You'll gain guaranteed internship opportunities that give you a competitive edge in the job market.
Students master core accounting and auditing concepts by learning the language of business—the rules, structure, and, most importantly, the “why” behind financial reporting. The focus is on understanding how businesses operate and how accounting information supports sound decision-making.
Courses: ACCT 200 Financial Accounting; ACCT 205 Managerial Accounting; ACCT 300 Intermediate Accounting I
Students deepen their accounting and auditing knowledge through topics such as risk assessment, internal controls, taxation, ethics, and professional judgment. Coursework strengthens critical thinking and prepares students to apply standards thoughtfully rather than mechanically.
Courses: ACCT 305 Intermediate Accounting II; ACCT 340 Taxation I; ACCT 350 Cost Accounting with Data Analytics Applications; ACCT 370 Accounting Information Systems
The curriculum shifts toward application and analysis. Students work through real-world cases, use accounting systems and data analytics tools, and engage in technology-driven problem solving. Many students complete paid internships, applying what they’ve learned in professional settings.
Courses: ACCT 400 Advanced Accounting; ACCT 430 Auditing; ACCT 495 Applied Accounting Research & Data Analytics; Accounting electives including Fraud and Forensic Accounting, International Accounting (with travel to London and Amsterdam), and Taxation II
Students complete master’s-level coursework focused on CPA Exam–aligned practicum experiences that mirror real client situations. This final year integrates advanced analysis, professional practice, and experiential learning—preparing students to enter the workforce confident, capable, and CPA-ready.
The M.S. in Accounting education program prepares you for your career, while providing a framework of enhanced complementary skills of technical abilities, global acumen, relationships, and business acuity to develop the ability to make sound judgments and quick decisions to assist in building leaders who will build the future.
A group of Siena business students have earned their IRS tax prep certification and are helping local community members prepare and file their tax returns. The outreach was organized by Elaine Phelan, C.P.A., professor of accounting, through an IRS program called the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA). This program helps students develop skills to succeed in all areas of business while giving their time to the local community in a very personal way.
You’re not just a student here; you’re part of a community. The faculty’s commitment to your growth, the guaranteed internship placements, and the accelerated degree options set Siena apart from other private and SUNY colleges. You’ll graduate with a well-rounded, pragmatic accounting education that employers notice.
Our Accounting graduates launch their careers with impressive results, with average starting salaries of $75,000 for those who continue into the M.S. program. From payroll and taxes to budget analysis and auditing, they are prepared to lead in corporate businesses, public companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. Alumni work in roles such as accountant, accounting analyst, audit associate, fiscal analyst, and tax auditor. Siena Accounting graduates have built careers at organizations like KPMG, Deloitte, PwC, IBM, General Electric, The Bonadio Group, UHY Advisors, Goldman Sachs Ayco, Morgan Stanley, SiriusXM, CommerceHub, and the New York State Department of Labor.
Yes. An accounting degree can prepare you for careers in accounting, auditing, tax, consulting, finance, and business. As technology changes the profession, employers also need accountants who can analyze information, solve problems, and make informed decisions.
You do not need to be a math expert to become an accounting major. Accounting uses basic math, but success depends more on problem-solving, organization, attention to detail, and understanding financial information.
A master’s degree is not always required to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), but CPA licensure has specific education, examination, and experience requirements that vary by state. Siena’s 3+1 accounting program gives qualified students the opportunity to earn a B.S. and M.S. in Accounting in four years while preparing for the CPA pathway.
AI is changing accounting, but it is also changing the skills accountants need. Technology can automate routine tasks, while accountants remain important for analysis, professional judgment, strategy, communication, ethics, and complex financial decisions.
An accounting degree can lead to careers in public accounting, auditing, taxation, corporate accounting, forensic accounting, financial analysis, consulting, risk, compliance, government, and nonprofit organizations.
Internships are one of the best ways for accounting students to build professional experience before graduation. Siena accounting students can pursue paid internships, connect with employers, explore different accounting careers, and strengthen their résumés while earning their degree.
