Accounting students

Appointments can be arranged through the school’s receptionist by calling (352) 273-0200. Both in person and remote Zoom appointments are available. If you request a remote Zoom appointment, prior to the start of the meeting you will be emailed a link to your Zoom appointment.

Examples of questions requiring a formal advising appointment:

• Questions regarding future scheduling beyond one semester
• Graduation checks
• Students seeking to add a minor
• Any questions requiring confidentiality

Walk-in advising is available for undergraduate students on Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., during the Fall and Spring semesters. We also hold special walk-in advising during drop/add every semester. During these times, undergraduate students may stop by Gerson 210 for advising in person, or click the appropriate Zoom link below for virtual advising. The links will also be available in our Friday email announcements.

Walk-in advising sessions are designed to answer quick questions and last no longer than five to ten minutes. Walk-in advising cannot develop an extensive plan of study beyond one term, resolve complex questions, or address matters requiring privacy.

Common types of undergraduate walk-in advising questions:

• Degree audit problems or questions
• Questions clarifying FSOA Student Handbook policies
• Registration questions (holds, prerequisites, scheduling for next term)
• Questions relating to dropping a course during the current term
• Universal tracking holds and FSOA holds
• Undergraduate, 3/2, or 4/1 MAcc application questions
• Access to university resources (Study abroad, Wellness Center, Bursar, Career Resource Center, etc.)

*Please note that we will do our best to assist you in walk-ins. While we may be able to answer your immediate question during walk-in advising, additional assistance may require an appointment in the future. During drop/add, we are only able to address matters related to the current semester.

Note: Students are expected to treat Zoom advising as they would any business appointment. This means being prepared with questions for your advisor; dressing appropriately as if you were meeting in-person; and securing a quiet, private space to talk. Do not attend from a moving vehicle or while walking to class, etc. We strongly discourage the use of smart phones for Zoom advising, as this limits the visibility of important information your advisor will share. Please use a laptop, desktop, or tablet if at all possible. Failure to adhere to basic standards of professionalism is grounds for your advisor to end the advising session.

2025-2026

2024-2025

2023-2024

2022-2023

2021-2022

2025-2026

2024-2025

2023-2024

2022-2023

2021-2022

Course	Title	Summer	Fall	Spring
ACG 2021	Intro to Financial Accounting Prereq: sophomore standing	Offered* Summer A	Semester-long course	Semester-long course
ACG 2071	Intro to Managerial Accounting Prereq: ACG 2021	Offered* Summer B	Semester-long course	Semester-long course
ACG 2391	Exploring Careers in Accounting Prereq: None. Open to all majors.	Not offered	Semester-long course	Semester-long course
ACG 3101	Financial Accounting and Reporting 1 Prereq: ACG 2021 “B”; ACG 2071 “B”; 70% on Financial Accounting and Managerial Accounting Competency Exams	Offered* Summer C	Semester-long course	Semester-long course
ACG 3401	Business Processes & Accounting Information Systems Prereq: ACG 2021 “B”; ACG 2071 “B”; and CGS 2531 or ISM 3013	Not offered	Semester-long course	Semester-long course
ACG 4111	Financial Accounting and Reporting 2 Prereq: ACG 3101 “C”; FIN3403	Offered* Summer C	Semester-long course	Semester-long course
ACG 4341	Cost and Managerial Accounting Prereq: ACG 3401 “C”; ACG 3101 “C”; QMB 3250; MAC 2234	Offered* Summer C	Semester-long course	Semester-long course
ACG 4632	Introduction to Auditing Prereq: ACG 4111 “C”; ACG 4341 “C”; AC standing	Not offered	Not offered	Semester-long course
ACG 5637	Auditing 1 Prereq: ACG 4111 “C”; ACG 4341 “C”; AC standing	Not offered	Module 1 course (Dates/FAQ)	Module 3 course (Dates/FAQ)
ACG 5647	Auditing 2 Prereq: ACG 5637 “C”; AC standing	Not offered	Module 2 course (Dates/FAQ)	Module 4 course (Dates/FAQ)
TAX 4001	Introduction to Federal Income Tax Prereq: ACG 4111 “C”; ACG 4341 “C” AC standing	Not offered	Not offered	Semester-long course
TAX 5025	Federal Income Tax 1 Prereq: ACG 4111 “C”, ACG4341 “C”, AC Standing	Not offered	Module 1 course (Dates/FAQ)	Module 3 course (Dates/FAQ)
TAX 5027	Federal Income Tax 2 Prereq: TAX5025 “C”, AC standing	Not offered	Module 2 course (Dates/FAQ)	Module 4 Course (Dates/FAQ)

Course	Title	Summer	Fall	Spring
ACG 2021	Intro to Financial Accounting Prereq: sophomore standing	Offered* Summer A	Semester-long course	Semester-long course
ACG 2071	Intro to Managerial Accounting Prereq: ACG 2021	Offered* Summer B	Semester-long course	Semester-long course

Any student who plans to register for ACG 3101 for the Spring 2024 semester or later. This course is required for the following students:

• Undergraduate Accounting majors
• Undergraduate Finance majors with a catalog year of 2018 or later. If you are unsure of your catalog year, please check with an advisor in the Heavener School of Business.
• Undergraduate Accounting minors

Even if you are not sure of your major or minor, we recommend you take the exams at the appropriate time (see below) if you believe there’s a chance you may select one of the programs above.

ACG 3101 is a challenging course that requires a strong foundation in accounting principles. We have found that some students can earn the required grades in introductory courses but still not understand some of the information that is important to succeed in ACG 3101. Because we want students to be successful, we have implemented this requirement to ensure all students have an equal and comprehensive understanding of accounting principles before moving on to this more advanced course.

You are encouraged to take each exam as soon as you are eligible AND believe you have a good understanding of the topics covered. In ACG 2021 and ACG 2071 (when taken at UF), the exam topics are covered early enough in the course to permit students to pass the competency exams prior to the end of the course. When taking courses at other schools, the topics may be covered at different points in the semester, possibly at the end. See below for more information on exam topics.

Any UF student is eligible to take the exams. Transfer students will be eligible once they are formally admitted to the university.

The exams will be available in the Canvas learning management system year-round. However, be aware that if you take the exam during a university closure, the UF Help Desk (for Gatorlink/Canvas problems) and other resources will not be available.

Once you have passed both exams, you will be given consent to register for ACG 3101 (assuming you meet all other prerequisites). Please note that this is a manual process, and could take up to 5 business days, during which you will not be able to register for ACG 3101. You should keep this in mind when determining when to take your second exam, and plan accordingly. We will attempt to give permission more often during heavy registration periods such as advance registration and drop/add. We will not process individual requests to give consent, as doing so only slows down the process. You will receive an email once consent has been granted.

We strongly recommend you pay close attention to the topics provided below while taking ACG 2021 and ACG 2071, and then review the topics well prior to attempting the exams. You will be given three attempts at each exam. If you do not pass an exam by the second attempt, you will be required to meet with an academic advisor prior to attempting the third exam. If you do not pass either exam by the third attempt, you will not be permitted to register for ACG 3101.

The online exams will be administered within the Canvas learning management system. Students who are in a relevant program (finance or accounting major, or accounting minor), who have not yet earned a C or better in ACG 3101, are already in the Accounting Competency Exam site in Canvas. Students who are not already in the site, but change into one of the relevant programs, will be added soon after. If you are not in one of these programs, but would like to be added to the Canvas site, please email our accounting exam inbox from your GatorLink email address and include your UFID number. Please allow 3-5 business days for the site to appear on your Canvas list of courses.

Yes. The exams will be proctored via Honorlock, a virtual proctoring service. Access to a webcam and reliable, high-speed internet will be required. More information on using Honorlock will be available in the Canvas site.

No. The exams and required proctoring are offered at no cost to UF students.

Students with disabilities who experience learning barriers and would like to request academic accommodations should connect with the Disability Resource Center (DRC). Get started with the DRC. If approved by the DRC for accommodations, students should request accommodations for these exams by emailing John Laibson at least four business days prior to the intended exam date. If taking the exam close to the beginning of the semester in which you want to take ACG 3101, you should plan accordingly. Please be sure to take the Pre-Quiz for the exam you intend to take prior to requesting accommodations, as we are not able to change the quiz time or other factors until the exam is available to you, which requires passing the Pre-Quiz.

To receive accommodations, you must provide Mr. Laibson with a DRC accommodation letter that applies to the semester in which you are taking the exam, or, if in between semesters, to the semester immediately prior to or immediately following the break. For example, if taking the exam December 31, 2023, you must have an accommodation letter that applies to the Fall 2023 or Spring 2024 semester.

Yes. In order to register for ACG 3101 (Spring 2024 or later), you must earn a grade of B or better in ACG 2021 and ACG 2071, and pass both Accounting Competency Exams.

No. Although you can normally register for a class before earning the required grade in a prerequisite course (while registered for it), you may not register for ACG 3101 before you pass both competency exams.

After passing your second exam, you will automatically be given consent to register for ACG 3101 (assuming you meet all other prerequisites). Please note that this is a manual process, and could take up to 5 business days, although we will attempt to give permission more often during heavy registration periods such as advance registration and drop/add. If, by the 6th business day, you are not able to register for ACG 3101 because of a prerequisite error, please email the accounting exam inbox from your GatorLink email address. Do not email right after passing your exams expecting to be given permission individually. We will not process such requests, as doing so only slows down the process. You will receive an email once consent has been granted.

If you see limited seats available in ACG 3101, do not be concerned about waiting for permission. Enrollment is monitored regularly, and enrollment caps are adjusted as needed. We expect to have enough space for all students to take ACG 3101, although we cannot guarantee a specific section, time, or instructor.

The following information is provided to assist you in preparing for the exams. We recommend you review the topics for each exam prior to taking it for the first time. If you are taking the exam for the second or third time, you should be reviewing even more thoroughly. If you do not pass either exam by the third attempt, you will not be permitted to register for ACG 3101.

This information is not intended to replace the instruction you receive in your introductory accounting courses. UF students admitted as freshmen are strongly encouraged to take ACG 2021 and ACG 2071 at UF. Both courses are available online and are available in the Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters. Data shows that students who take both courses at UF have a much higher chance of success in ACG 3101.

In addition to the exam topics, we have listed the textbooks we use to teach these topics at UF. We recommend referring to these textbooks if you have not learned the material well enough to pass the exams. In addition to the recommended textbooks, all UF students have access to LinkedIn Learning, where you can find courses and videos on numerous accounting topics.

Financial Accounting Competency Exam

Textbook: Financial Accounting; Spiceland, Thomas and Herrmann, 6th Edition. McGraw-Hill.

Topics Covered:

1. Framework of Financial Accounting
   • Purpose of financial accounting
   • Statement of cash flows: Operating, Investing, and Financing Activities
   • Measuring business activities: the basic accounting equation
   • Communicating through financial statements: four basic financial statements and links between the financial statements
2. The Accounting Cycle: During the Period
   • Transaction analysis: effects of transactions on the accounting equation
   • Debit/Credit rules and their effect on account balances
   • Journal entries: recording transactions in the journal
   • T-accounts: use of T-accounts to analyze accounts
3. The Accounting Cycle: End of the Period
   • Revenue/expense recognition principles
   • Accrual Accounting: accrued revenue and expense vs. deferred revenue and expense
   • Accrual accounting: adjusting entries
4. Receivables and Sales
   • Net revenue: recording of trade discounts, sales returns and allowances, and sales discounts
   • Estimating uncollectible accounts: allowance method of recording uncollectible accounts
   • Recording uncollectible accounts under the direct write-off method
5. Inventory and Cost of Goods Sold
   • Relationship between inventory and cost of goods sold
   • Multi-step income statement: calculation of Gross profit, operating income, income before income taxes and net income
   • Inventory cost flow assumptions: specific identification, weight-average cost, FIFO, and LIFO
   • Lower of cost and net realizable value
6. Long-term Assets
   • Asset acquisitions: determine the cost of an asset
   • Intangible assets: accounting for goodwill
   • Accounting for expenditures after acquisition of an asset
   • Depreciation of long-term assets: straight-line, double declining balance, and activity- based depreciation
   • Recording sale/disposal of a long-term asset
7. Current Liabilities
   • Apply the appropriate accounting treatment for contingencies
   • Recording of warranties
8. Investments
   • Account for investments in equity securities when the investor has insignificant influence (passive investments): Fair value method
   • Account for investments in equity securities when the investor has significant influence: Equity method
   • Account for investments in held-to-maturity debt securities

Managerial Accounting Competency Exam

Textbook:
Introduction to Managerial Accounting, Brewer et al., 9th Edition. McGraw-Hill.

Topics Covered:

1. Cost Classification
   • Direct versus indirect costs
   • Manufacturing costs: Materials, labor, overhead
   • Product versus period costs
   • Variable costs, fixed costs, and mixed costs
   • Differential costs, sunk costs, and opportunity costs
   • Contribution margin income statement
2. Job Costing
   • Predetermined overhead rates
   • Applying overhead costs to jobs
   • Product costs using plantwide overhead rate
   • Product costs using multiple overhead rates
   • Journal entries for job costing system
   • Cost of goods manufactured and cost of goods sold
   • Underapplied or overapplied overhead costs
3. Process Costing
   • Flow of costs through a process costing system
   • Equivalent units of production
   • Cost per equivalent unit
   • Cost of units completed and cost of units in ending inventory
4. Variable and Absorption Costing
   • Product costs using variable versus absorption costing
   • Effect of costing method on operating income
   • Reconciling variable and absorption costing income
5. Cost-Volume-Profit Analysis
   • Effect of changes in costs, prices and volume on margins and income
   • Sales needed to break-even
   • Sales needed to achieve target profit
   • Margin of safety
   • Operating leverage
   • Break-even point for multiproduct company
6. Segment Reporting
   • Segmented contribution margin income statements
   • Traceable versus common fixed costs
   • Break-even points for segments
7. Operational Budgeting
   • Sales budget and expected cash collections
   • Production budgets, inventory purchases budgets, and expected cash payments
   • Labor, overhead, and selling and administrative expenses budget
   • Cash budget
   • Budgeted income statement
   • Budgeted balance sheet
8. Variance Analysis
   • Planning budget versus flexible budget
   • Revenue and spending variances
   • Materials price and quantity variances
   • Labor rate and efficiency variances
   • Variable overhead rate and efficiency variances
   • Fixed overhead budget and volume variances
   • Standard cost system for inventory
9. Performance Measurement of Segments
   • Return on investment, turnover and margin
   • Effect of changes in sales, expenses, and assets on return on investment
   • Residual income
10. Differential Analysis
    • Relevant versus irrelevant costs
    • Drop or add product line or segment
    • Make-or-buy decisions
    • Special sales order decisions
    • Product mix when resources are limited
    • Value of obtaining more of a limited resource
    • Sell or process further decisions

If you have questions about the exams that are not answered here, please send an email to our accounting exam inbox from your Gatorlink email address. Note that this email does not address exam topics. Resources for those have been provided above.

If you have other questions regarding your academic plan, concerns regarding your ability to enroll in ACG 3101, etc., please contact an academic advisor in your major.

Mar. 24	Fall Advance Registration begins for MAcc Accounting and Business Core Courses (at or after assigned time)
July 28, 10:30 a.m.	Fall Registration begins for MAcc Approved Business Electives and ISOM classes
Aug. 18	Module 1 classes begin
Aug. 18-20	Module 1 drop/add (drop a class or change sections)
Sept. 5	Fall fees due by 3:30pm
Sept. 26	Deadline to drop a Module 1 class (with fee liability, “W” assigned)
Oct. 3	Module 1 classes end
Oct. 13	Module 2 classes begin
Oct. 13-15	Module 2 drop/add (drop a class or change sections)
Oct. 24	Module 2 drop/add fee adjustment due (by 3:30pm)
Nov. 21	Deadline to drop a Module 2 class (with fee liability, “W” assigned)
Dec. 5	Module 2 classes end

Oct. 27	Spring Advance Registration begins for MAcc Accounting and Business Core Courses (at or after assigned time)
Dec. 3, 10 a.m.	Spring Registration begins for MAcc Approved Business Electives and ISOM classes
Jan. 12	Module 3 classes begin
Jan. 12-14	Module 3 drop/add (drop a class or change sections)
Jan. 23	Spring fees due by 3:30pm
Feb. 20	Deadline to drop a Module 3 class (with fee liability, “W” assigned)
Feb. 27	Module 3 classes end
Mar. 2	Module 4 classes begin
Mar. 2-4	Module 4 drop/add
Mar. 13	Module 4 drop/add fee adjustment due (by 3:30pm)
Mar. 14-22	Spring Break
Apr. 17	Deadline to drop a Module 4 class (with fee liability, “W” assigned)
Apr. 24	Module 4 classes end

What are modules?

Modules divide the semester into two halves. The first half of the Fall term is Module One, and the second half is Module Two. Similarly, the first half of the Spring semester is Module Three, and the second half is Module Four. Module courses are seven weeks long, and do not include a final exam week. Finals are typically administered during the last week of class (similar to Summer semesters). There is typically a week break between modules, but in Spring this break sometimes occurs during a module.

How can I determine which courses are modular and in which module a course is offered?

The university Schedule of Courses will indicate the beginning and end date of all classes, including module classes.  Most classes will also have a note indicating the module. MAcc students are encouraged to visit the MAcc course availability for more information on when courses are offered.

Why do some modules begin earlier than the University Academic calendar?

To ensure sufficient contact time in class, graduate modules frequently begin before the university calendar. Important dates for module courses are not posted on the University Academic calendar and can only be found on this website.

I registered for a Module 2 (or 4) course at the beginning of the semester, but no longer plan to take the class. How do I drop the course before the module begins?

You can adjust your schedule using ONE.UF any time before the drop/add deadline. Drop/add deadlines are listed above.

Remember that even though you can use ONE.UF to adjust your schedule, you must still meet all course prerequisites, and there must be seats available in the section you seek to add. Also, some approved electives require you to seek help to add certain courses to your schedule—this still applies. The comment section on the approved elective page instructs you who to contact for help with these courses.

I registered and paid for a Module 2 or 4 course at the beginning of the semester, but will be dropping the course during schedule adjustment. When can I expect to receive a refund?

Refunds for Module 2 or 4 courses dropped during schedule adjustment typically take two weeks to process and are added to your Bursar account. For questions about fees, contact the Bursar’s Office.

During Module 2/4 schedule adjustment I dropped a 2-credit module and added a two 2-credit module. Why did I receive a bill?

Even if you are adding a course and dropping a course with the same number of credits, material and supply fees may not be the same amount for all courses, and you may owe money to Student Financial Services. For questions about fees, contact the Bursar’s Office.

I added a course during the Module 2/4 schedule adjustment period. When must the additional tuition and fees be paid?

To avoid a late fee, all amounts due must be paid by the Mod 2 or 4 fee adjustment deadline listed above. Note that if you get tickets to sporting events, fees due will have to be paid prior to picking up the tickets. For questions about fees, contact the Bursar’s Office.

Summer 2025 – Spring 2026 accounting courses

Summer 2025 – Spring 2026 business core courses

When registering for approved electives, be sure to only select courses and sections that are on the list below.  Failure to do so could result in the course not counting toward your MAcc, and the need to take an additional course.  In addition, some sections may be restricted to students in specific programs and unavailable to MAcc students.

• Spring 2026 approved electives will be available in mid-November. Registration for these courses will begin on December 3, at 10:00 a.m.
• Fall 2025 approved electives

Previous Semesters:

• Summer 2025 approved electives
• Spring 2025 approved electives 

Beta Alpha Psi is an honorary organization for Financial Information students and professionals. The primary objective of Beta Alpha Psi is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business information field. This includes promoting the study and practice of accounting, finance and information systems; providing opportunities for self-development, service and association among members and practicing professionals, and encouraging a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibility. This honorary accounting fraternity has 115 chapters nationally. The Upsilon Chapter of the University of Florida was the 18th chapter to be founded (in 1938).

The Florida Students of Accounting Council (FSOAC) is part of the campus-wide Board of College Councils. The Council serves as a liaison between accounting students and faculty. It sponsors professional and social programs for the benefit of its members and participates in projects that serve our community. Members have the opportunity to attend various events to meet other students interested in the field of accounting.

The purpose of the National Association of Black Accountants (NABA) is to engage, empower, and educate future black business leaders by providing a platform to enhance skills and elevate voices.

Thanks to the generous contributions of some accounting firms, the Fisher School of Accounting has scholarship programs designed to reward undergraduate students who have distinguished themselves after completion of all required 3000 level accounting courses (ACG 3101 and ACG 3401). These are one-time awards that typically range from $2,000-3,500.

Each year, applications will be posted on this page beginning in October or November. The deadline to apply is typically the first week of the Spring semester. Specific applications procedures, deadlines, and eligibility criteria will be included on the applications. Eligible students are welcome and encouraged to apply to all scholarship programs, but may only be awarded one.

Attended UF as undergraduates

Thanks to the generous support of numerous donors, the Fisher School of Accounting administers several awards for students pursuing a Master of Accounting degree. The amounts, number, and source of awards vary from year to year. Academic performance, particularly in upper-division accounting coursework, is emphasized in selecting recipients. Generally, 20 to 40 one-time cash awards are made in amounts ranging from $2,500 to $4,000.

To be considered for graduate awards, students should complete and submit an Application for Graduate Awards, which is available on this page from mid-November to February 1. Completing this one application makes the student eligible for all available endowed scholarships and fellowships. Finalists for awards will be mailed an invitation in mid- to late-March to attend our annual Awards Banquet in April where the winners will be announced. The cash proceeds will be disbursed during the first week of Fall classes.

MAcc students should also consider filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), even if they are not interested in receiving student loans. Some scholarships/fellowships awarded by the Fisher School require the student to have a financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. We can only verify this for students who have completed the FAFSA.

Attended other universities as undergraduates

Students entering the MAcc program from another undergraduate institution MAY be eligible for the scholarships and fellowships described above. However, to obtain one of these awards, a student needs to be enrolled in the Spring semester to apply, and the following Fall semester to receive the award, if offered. Students who begin the program in the Summer or Fall semester, and graduate the following Spring or Summer, are not eligible. The length of the program varies from student to student and depends in large part on the preparatory courses completed prior to enrolling.

We do not offer graduate teaching or research assistantships.

Some students are hired by the school to assist instructors with their teaching assignments. Duties typically include holding office hours, grading, or other tasks. In general, students must have taken upper-division accounting courses and earned at least a 3.5 GPA in those courses to be considered. Selected students typically have built a relationship with an FSOA faculty member but are sometimes approached for consideration based on their previous performance. We also have an application for student employment, and will refer to the applicant pool when considering students for a particular course

The Student Assistant positions are hourly paid positions. They are not considered assistantships, and do not include a stipend or tuition waiver. MAcc students who attended another school for their undergraduate degrees are rarely considered because instructors tend to prefer students who took the class with those instructors.

Information on other types of jobs on campus can be found on the Office of Student Financial Aid and Scholarships Employment webpage.

We’ve included here a select list of scholarships offered by entities other than UF which are available to accounting students. We encourage students to research other opportunities that may not be listed here. All information below is subject to change without our knowledge. You are encouraged to visit the links provided and review carefully information on eligibility criteria, deadlines, application procedures, etc.

• FICPA Foundation: The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants offers 76 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. The application period is typically January 1 – March 31, and are for students who will be in their 4th or 5th year the following Fall semester, are US citizens or permanent residents, are planning to sit for the CPA exam and obtain CPA licensure in Florida, and who indicate a desire to work in Florida. Applicants must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
  • James Wilcox Endowed Scholarship: One of the FICPA scholarships, this program awards $5,000 to African American accounting students that will be in their 5th year the following Fall.
  • For detailed information, eligibility criteria, and application deadlines and instructions, visit the FICPA Foundation.
• Clay Ford Scholarship Program: The Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation (DBPR) offers scholarships of up to $8,000 per semester for a maximum of two semesters. Students must have a financial need as determined through completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); complete 120 credit hours; and be a Florida resident. Applications are normally due June 1. For more information, visit the DBPR Clay Ford Scholarship Program.
• DC Gator Club: Each year, the DC Gator Club awards the J. Richard Sewell Internship Scholarship of $1,500 to a UF student with an internship based in the greater Washington, DC area during the Spring semester. Application is typically in January. For more information, visit the DC Gator Club.

Students are encouraged to utilize two career portals. Both portals offer the ability to sign up for career fairs and apply for jobs and internships.

• HIREWarrington, offered by Warrington’s Business Career Services
• Gator CareerLink, offered by UF’s Career Connections Center

All employers interested in hiring accounting majors are encouraged to post their job/internship opportunities, as well as recruiting events, in HIREWarrington. You are encouraged to log in and review your information, upload a current resume, keep your profile up to date (including reporting your internships and full-time job placement), and explore the information available to you. Check back often for more employment opportunities and events throughout the year.

All students in the Warrington College of Business are encouraged to access resources offered by Business Career Services (BCS). In addition to the HIREWarrington career portal, BCS offers Career and Peer (CAP) Mentors, which include accounting student mentors who are familiar with the unique accounting recruiting process described below. They also offer one-on-one career coaching and recruiting events beyond those that are exclusive to Fisher School students.

In addition to seeking the advice of CAP Mentors and Career Coaches, students should still discuss the timing of their recruiting activities with an academic advisor in the Fisher School, to ensure their plans match the timing of their coursework.

Accounting majors should recognize that the standard recruiting process is very different than it is for many other majors. For example:

• Unlike other business majors, the accounting major does not require an internship. Therefore, students should not feel pressured to complete an internship prior to completing the BSAc requirements, unless they are considering changing to another business major. With that said, some students do complete an internship during the BSAc. Students interested in doing so are strongly encouraged to discuss their plans with an academic advisor.
• Most accounting majors plan on completing a Master of Accounting degree. Because of this, they are typically looking for full-time employment to begin after their fifth year and an internship at the end of their fourth year (either after completing the BSAc, or while enrolled in the 3/2 Program).
• Recruiting starts very early. Many students are accepting internship offers that will (hopefully) lead to full-time positions, over 2 years before graduation!

Summer Leadership Programs (SLPs)

SLPs are an excellent way to build relationships with accounting firms and companies. The programs are typically two to three day retreats where students focus on learning about the culture of the profession including: team building, networking, professionalism, etiquette, and client service. Some students who attend an SLP may be offered an internship with the employer for the following Spring/Summer.

Recruiting for SLPs takes place during the beginning of the spring semester and typically involves a campus or virtual interview. SLPs are recommended for students who have completed Financial Accounting and Reporting 1 (ACG3101) and Business Processes and Accounting Information Systems (ACG3401) prior to the spring semester in which they are recruiting for an SLP. See below for more information on timing of courses and SLP’s.

Students currently enrolled in ACG 3101 and / or ACG 3401 during the spring SLP recruiting period are off-cycle. It may be possible for these students to get back on cycle by taking Summer courses. If these students stay off-cycle, attend an SLP, and it ultimately results in an internship offer for the following spring or summer, their MAcc graduation will be delayed one year if the offer is accepted.

For students enrolled in class during the summer, SLPs, though only two or three days long, can conflict with class meetings, assignment deadlines, quizzes or exams. Class commitments should be a priority. Instructors are not required to make accommodations for students who are attending SLPs.

Note: Many firms have stopped offering SLP’s, and instead are making earlier internship offers. For example, in Spring of the third year, a student may be offered an internship for Spring/Summer of the following year. For the upcoming Summer (after the third year), instead of an SLP, the employer may hold a special celebration event for newly-hired students who will intern the following year.

Internships

As long as it does not delay progress towards graduation, students are encouraged to complete an accounting internship one year before graduation. This would typically be the Spring/Summer at the end of the senior year, before the final year of the MAcc program. The internship experience provides students with the opportunity to apply the accounting concepts they have studied in the classroom. It helps develop practical skills that will be required of entry-level professionals. Finally, an internship exposes the student to the culture of the profession and reinforces the importance of communication and interpersonal skills. To be on-track for a spring or summer internship, students should complete TAX 5025, TAX 5027, ACG 5637 and ACG 5647 during the fall semester of their senior year. See below for more information on timing of courses and internships.

Although it varies by employer and city, there are typically more spring internships available than summer. Spring internships can often provide a richer professional experience, particularly in the audit area.

International students: Please be aware that due to federal regulations regarding Curricular Practical Training (CPT), pursuing an internship may not be possible as an accounting major, since neither the BSAc nor MAcc require an internship. More information on CPT can be found on the UF International Center’s website. If you are hoping to pursue an internship, you should discuss your plans very early on with an academic advisor.

Many employers are actively recruiting accounting students very early, with the hope of hiring them after they graduate from the MAcc. The following information describes the typical timeline of recruiting activities for many of the large employers, and the accounting courses students should plan on completing in order to remain “on-cycle” for completing an internship and earning the MAcc in five years. We recognize that some students may choose to forgo a master’s program, join a different type of graduate program, or seek a job/internship that follows a different timeline. Students should discuss their plans with an academic advisor, especially if their plans deviate from the timeline below.

Year	Semester	Accounting courses to complete	Recruiting activities
1	Fall	None	Attend recruiting events, seek career advice, explore options
1	Spring	None	Attend recruiting events, seek career advice, explore options
2	Fall	ACG 2021 Introduction to Financial Accounting	Attend recruiting events, seek career advice, explore options
2	Spring	ACG 2071 Introduction to Managerial Accounting	Attend recruiting events, seek career advice, explore options
3	Fall	ACG 3101 Financial Accounting and Reporting 1; ACG 3401 Business Processes & Accounting Information Systems	Begin to focus on type of employment desired, attend recruiting events, prepare for Spring applications
3	Spring*	ACG 4111 Financial Accounting and Reporting 2; ACG 4341 Cost and Managerial Accounting	Apply for SLP’s (to take place year 3 Summer) or internships (to take place year 4 Spring/Summer)
3	Summer		Attend SLP’s if invited and not already offered internship for next year
4	Fall**	ACG 5637 Auditing 1; ACG 5647 Auditing 2; TAX 5025 Federal Income Tax 1; TAX 5027 Federal Income Tax 2	Apply for internships if no offer yet
4	Spring/Summer	Required MAcc courses/internship	Start MAcc courses Spring, intern Summer, or vice versa
5	Fall	Required MAcc courses	Apply for full-time job if no offer yet
5	Spring	Required MAcc courses

*Students who do not complete both courses with a C or better by this term will be off-cycle, and will need to attend class over the Summer to get back on-cycle. Classes/exams/etc. should take priority over SLP’s or other activities. SLP’s or other activities could conflict with classes.

**Students who do not complete these courses by this semester and choose to do an internship will delay their MAcc graduation by one year.

Senior internships

Because the FSOA is a highly-structured program, it is critical that students remain on cycle with all accounting coursework to complete an internship without delaying graduation. Being “off cycle” (ahead or behind) by one accounting course, as early as your sophomore year, can delay graduation by an entire year! Off cycle students can get back on cycle and graduate on time by remaining on campus in the summer of their senior year instead of completing an internship.

For example, to be on-cycle for a spring or summer internship, students must complete TAX 5025, TAX 5027, ACG 5637 and ACG 5647 during the fall semester of their senior year. The chart above gives a brief overview, and the Course Sequencing Chart for the 3/2 program describes the timing of courses in more detail. Students who are off cycle (completed TAX 5025, TAX 5027, ACG 5637 and / or ACG 5647 during the spring semester of their senior year) must start the MAcc program in the summer to get back on cycle. If these students complete a summer internship, they will miss the required foundation graduate-accounting courses (which are prerequisites for most graduate accounting courses taken during the fifth year).

As described above, many firms are making internship offers during Spring of the third year for the Spring/Summer of the following year. However, internship recruiting also occurs at the beginning of the Fall semester. Students who do not obtain an internship offer prior the fourth year, but are on-cycle, should plan on applying for internships in early Fall for the following Spring/Summer.

Early internships

While the most common internship for accounting majors takes place at the end of senior year (with the hope of an offer for full-time employment to start the following year after earning the MAcc), many firms also recruit students to complete special internships one or two years earlier. These can be excellent opportunities for students to learn more about the profession and the firms, and to gain some professional experience. With that said, because the accounting major requires a significant amount of rigorous coursework, some students may not be able to complete an earlier internship and also remain on-cycle for completing a second, senior internship before earning the MAcc. This is especially true if the student has to drop and retake an accounting course. Students interested in pursuing an internship prior to their senior year are strongly encouraged to discuss their schedules with an academic advisor prior to applying for early internship positions. The advisor can help you decide whether you have time in your schedule for such an experience.

Don’t be short-sighted. MAcc graduates who do not complete an internship have virtually the same placement rates as students who complete an internship. Forgoing a few thousand dollars from an eight-week internship pales in comparison to the cost of losing an entire year of professional wages and paying for an extra year to remain on campus. In addition, employers traditionally expect students to graduate one year after their internship.

Students facing delayed graduation are strongly encouraged to have a frank conversation with their prospective employer, academic advisor, and family about consequences of accepting an internship under these circumstances. Depending upon the relationship built with students, employers may be willing to consider full-time employment without an internship.

Off-cycle students should never be tempted to unintentionally misrepresent their graduation date by hoping there may be a way to accept an internship and graduate on time. The school regularly meets with employers to discuss the optimum timing of recruiting activities. Most employers who actively recruit FSOA students will be able to determine if students are on-cycle simply by viewing transcripts; unrealistic graduation plans of study based upon hypothetical course offerings may prove to be embarrassing or even jeopardize prospects for employment.

Remember when academic performance deteriorates students lose marketability. Students are often intimidated by the recruiting process and will never ask for an accommodation when employers schedule events that create conflicts with other commitments. Employers want our students to succeed. They will do their best to make changes to scheduled activities (e.g., office visits) whenever possible. Employers also understand that students cannot attend every recruiting activity they host on campus. Students facing conflicts, especially with school-related activities, need to communicate conflicts with their recruiting contacts. Recruiters can’t help resolve conflicts if students are afraid to ask for help.

It’s okay to say no. Office visits are time consuming for both the student and the employer. Students should carefully choose among offered visits and only accept those from potential employers for which the student holds a serious interest. This may also open opportunities for your classmates who may still be seeking employment. Recruiters are aware that students are talking with more than one potential employer. This is not something a student needs to hide.

Recruiting for employers is simply a business decision. If students are not a good fit for the firm or company, then the employer will end the recruiting process. Students should approach the recruiting process in a similar way. Is the employer a good fit for you and your career aspirations? A few signals that commonly indicate the employer may not be a good fit include:

• Exploding offers—all offers must have a deadline, but is the employer forcing me to accept an offer before I get an opportunity to visit with other firms or companies?
• No flexibility in scheduling—does the employer expect students to attend an office visit that conflicts with a major exam?
• Expects students to complete graduate school elsewhere—does the employer recommend that students graduate with an undergraduate degree from UF and complete their education at a program of lesser academic caliber to accommodate their needs?

Accepting an offer, whether for a job, an internship, or a Summer Leadership Program (SLP), is a firm commitment. If you are not sure whether you can make that commitment, you should not accept the offer, or at the very least, you should discuss your situation with your company contact. If you are waiting for offers from other companies, ask for an extension. If you have every intention of following through, but there is a chance something may come up (maybe you are considering dropping a class and retaking it over the summer?), make that clear before accepting the offer. It is much better to be up front and honest, than to indicate you can commit to the offer and then back out at the last minute.

Remember that you were given a spot that could have gone to another student, and it may be too late for them to replace you. Backing out of offers can reflect negatively on you, the Fisher School, and your fellow students. With that said, everybody understands that things do come up. If you have accepted an offer, and find out later you are unable to take the position, contact the company representative immediately, explain your situation, and provide a sincere apology for your change in plans. Be sure you receive an acknowledgement of your withdrawal so that you are sure they know not to expect you. In most cases, they will be understanding of your situation and appreciate your timely, professional notification.

• CPA requirements vary from state to state. For information on requirements in all states, visit that state’s Board of Accountancy. Total credits required, specific subjects to be covered, and the number of accounting or other types of courses, can vary.
• Regardless of whether they want to become CPAs, most accounting majors are seeking additional accounting education beyond the foundation provided by an undergraduate degree and go on to complete a graduate degree in accounting. A graduate degree can be a way of obtaining additional credits to meet CPA educational requirements while earning an additional credential, but students should verify the completion of their intended graduate degree, combined with their undergraduate degree, will meet the CPA educational requirements in the jurisdiction in which they plan to practice.
• In general, you will find there are two sets of requirements: one for sitting for the CPA exam; and one for becoming licensed as a CPA. Make sure you understand the difference, as you typically need more classes to be licensed than you do to sit for the exam. This is so that you can start taking the exam prior to completing all your classes.
• It is your responsibility to understand the requirements for the state or jurisdiction where you plan to practice.

The CPA exam is divided into four parts, each of which can be taken separately. The American Institute of CPAs provides detailed information about the exam.

If you are completing the BSAc without the MAcc, you will not earn enough credits to be licensed as a CPA in Florida. However, you will earn enough credits to take the CPA exam in Florida, IF you take the graduate versions of Tax and Audit. If you take the undergraduate versions, you will only have 22 credits of upper-division accounting courses.

You will need to make sure you meet all requirements for sitting for the CPA exam prior to your first exam. Visit your state’s board of accountancy for requirements. Aside from that, when to take each section of the exam is a personal decision that varies widely from student to student. Here are some things to consider:

• Many public accounting positions do not start until late Summer or Fall, so if you graduate in Spring, you will likely have some time to take some of the sections after graduation.
• It is strongly recommended, however, that you complete all sections prior to starting full-time employment. Often, people who don’t do this find they get too busy with work (and life) to study properly for the exam.
• You will want to build in a lot of time to study for each section. Consider how many classes you’ll be taking each semester/module. Also consider work or other extracurricular activities that you may be busy with during certain parts of the year. The amount of time required to study varies a lot from student to student.
• Note that you must pass all four sections within 18 months. The calculation of when the 18-month timeframe begins varies by jurisdiction. Check with your board of accountancy for details.
• We don’t know for sure when UF students typically take the exam, but in speaking to our MAcc students, we believe many start the exam by the Fall of the 5th year, but some wait until Spring, or even after graduation. Our survey of graduating MAcc students indicate that the average number of sections students plan to complete before graduating is just over two, with about one out of five not completing any, and one out of five completing all four, prior to graduation. As we said, this is an individual decision, and varies greatly from student to student.

In the 3/2 program, students are admitted to graduate school prior to completing all BSAc requirements. The BSAc and MAcc are awarded concurrently after requirements for both degrees have been met. In Florida, you can take the CPA exam while in the 3/2 program, as long as you have met all requirements for sitting for the exam, even if you have not yet earned your bachelor degree. However, some states require a bachelor’s degree to be awarded prior to sitting for the exam. Many of these states will accept a letter from our office describing the 3/2 program and confirming that you have met the BSAc requirements but have not yet been awarded the degree. However, some states may not accept such a letter, and will only allow you to sit for the CPA after your degree has been posted to your transcript.

If you are in the 3/2 program, have met all BSAc requirements, and are applying to sit for the CPA exam in a state that requires a bachelor’s degree, you may request a letter to submit to your state’s board of accountancy.

Some students who do not complete the MAcc at UF go on to complete a MAcc at another university, or another graduate degree that may offer the opportunity to take additional credits. Note that at UF, in general only MAcc students may take MAcc courses. See below for an exception for MS-ISOM students. Also note that in Florida, introductory accounting courses such as those taught in UF’s MBA program, even though taken at the graduate level, will not be considered “upper-division” for CPA exam/licensure purposes.

If you are not going to earn the credit via a graduate program, you should research schools that offer a non-degree option to take classes. The Fisher School of Accounting does not permit non-degree students to take accounting classes, but some schools do. Some may also offer certificate programs. We do not maintain a list of such schools, so we encourage you to research them. Be sure to verify the school meets accreditation requirements for the board of accountancy in the state you’ll be seeking to sit for the exam or seek licensure. For example, Florida lists accrediting associations on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.

Maybe. The Fisher School offers a graduate minor in Auditing to students enrolled in the MS-ISOM program. This is a “special minor,” which means the requirements vary from student to student. Students interested in this option should review the CPA requirements in the jurisdiction in which they plan to practice, and meet with an undergraduate advisor before taking Tax and Audit to discuss their plans. Also, note that MS-ISOM students in the Business Analytics track will likely have to extend their time in the program to complete the Auditing minor.

As you approach the year in which you plan to begin taking the exam, we strongly recommend you review the latest CPA Exam Candidate Guide, which is available on the NASBA website. If you are taking the exam for Florida, additional information can be found on the Department of Business and Professional Regulation website.

• This Way to CPA
• National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA)
• Association of International Certified Professional Accountants (AICPA)

The J. Michael Cook/Deloitte Student Commons (Gerson 114)

Located on the ground floor of Gerson Hall, the J. Michael Cook/Deloitte Student Commons is an informal gathering area where accounting students can study, relax, and meet with their fellow accounting students. The 2,500 square foot room space has wireless access, ten study booths, four open tables, and 20 lounge chairs.

Eligibility and terms of use:

1. Must meet one of the following:
   1. Be an accounting major, and earned a grade of B or better in ACG 2021.
   2. Be an undergraduate accounting major with junior standing* or higher (earned 60 credits or more), or be a Master of Accounting student.
2. No food is permitted.
3. Smoking is prohibited.
4. Nonalcoholic beverages may be consumed in the Commons.
5. Must abide by the code of conduct listed herein.

*class standing as determined by the Office of the University Registrar

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The Gina Babicz Memorial Terrace (NW corner of Gerson Hall)

Located behind Gerson Hall (adjoining the Student Commons) the Gina Babicz Memorial Terrace is a trellised terrace open to all students. The terrace has four picnic tables, and eight benches. Eating and nonalcoholic beverages are permitted on the terrace. Smoking is prohibited.

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The Graduate Printer Room (inside Gerson 114)

Located inside the Student Commons is the Graduate Student Printer Room. The room also has a copier/printer for graduate students to use for school-related assignments. The cost for printing and copying will be charged directly to the student’s account with the Bursar. Instructions and fees are posted near the machine.

Eligibility and terms of use:

1. Must be a graduate accounting student.
2. Must honor copyrighted materials (i.e., will not reproduce textbooks, software, study guides, etc.)
3. Must abide by all rules of conduct listed herein.

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Break out rooms (Gerson 232-238)

Located on the second floor of Gerson Hall, the break out rooms are designed primarily to allow classes to divide into smaller groups to work on cases. When the rooms are not being used as part of a class in session, graduate students may use these rooms to study. There are five break out rooms. Depending upon the room, it can accommodate five to eight people. Each room is equipped with a conference-style table and a white board.

Eligibility and terms of use:

1. Must be a graduate accounting student.
2. Must leave immediately if a course needs access to the break out rooms.
3. No food is permitted.
4. Smoking is prohibited.
5. Nonalcoholic beverages may be consumed in the break out rooms.
6. Must abide by all rules of conduct listed herein.

Once your current class standing meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for access to a room(s), you may enter the room(s) for which you are eligible by tapping your digital GatorOne credential via your smart phone or Apple Watch, on the reader attached to the wall outside each location. Once you tap your credential, you will have 5-10 seconds to gain access to the room. If you have a limitation that makes it difficult to access rooms in the time allotted, please report to Gerson 210 to have your access time extended. Note that class standing for undergraduates is based on the total credits posted to your transcripts.

Students who are transitioning from one class standing to a new class standing (e.g., a student who is currently an undergraduate student but has been admitted to graduate school for the following semester) will not have access to rooms until the beginning of the semester in which the new class standing become effective. Students who change their majors to accounting from other UF majors during the semester may need to wait one business day after the major change takes effect for access to be activated.

If you are unable to access a room, first be sure you meet the criteria listed above. Then, make sure you have attempted to hold your phone or watch up to the reader using a few different positions, including holding the phone flat against the reader. If you are still unable to access the room, report to Gerson 210 during normal business hours, 8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday, or email the Fisher School (include your UFID number).

General hours of operation for all rooms are from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, Monday through Friday (excluding holidays and breaks between semesters). The hours of operation are subject to change. Changes in hours of operation will be posted by the entry of room.

Access to Gerson Hall rooms is a privilege. Your continued use of space requires that you exercise good judgment and use common sense. Failure to comply with the code of conduct that follows will result in the removal of your access to all rooms and may result in disciplinary action.

1. Will not prop open doors.
2. Will not allow others access to the rooms.
3. Food and smoking are not permitted in the commons area, the reading room, classrooms, or anywhere in Gerson Hall.
4. Dispose of papers, cans, or other rubbish in the trash cans.
5. Will not store items in the building.
6. Honor copyrighted materials (i.e., will not reproduce textbooks, software, study guides, etc.).
7. Conduct yourself in a professional and courteous manner.
8. Suspicious behavior, disputes, or other disruptive behavior is not to be confronted but instead reported to any staff member in the Fisher School administrative office (210 Gerson) or by calling 273-0200.  Emergencies should be reported to the university Police Department, (352) 392-1111, or by dialing 911.
9. Provide identification (your GatorOne ID card or digital credential), to any Fisher School staff or faculty member requesting your identification, and comply with their requests.
10. Vacate all areas promptly at the close of the posted hours of operation.

Please report all equipment problems to Gerson 210 during normal business hours (8:00 to 4:30 Monday through Friday).

1. In addition to regular meetings with an advisor, the semester before you intend to graduate, meet with an academic advisor to ensure you will meet all degree requirements the semester you plan to graduate. Due to the high volume of traffic during drop/add, it may be difficult to have a graduation check during the first week of the semester.
2. After registering for your final semester, log on to ONE.UF to check your degree audit. If your degree audit does not state “All requirements have been met pending completion of current registration,” then immediately schedule an appointment to meet with your academic advisor.

You must apply to graduate on ONE.UF by the university’s published degree application deadline. Students in the 3/2 program must apply for both degrees in the same semester.

Visit the university’s commencement website to get information on university-wide Commencement Ceremonies.

For students graduating in the Spring semester, in addition to the university-wide Commencement, there will also be a college-specific recognition ceremony. Details about this ceremony can be found on the Warrington commencement page.

All participants in the ceremony wear a university-approved cap and gown, which can be reserved from the University Bookstore.