The School of Business Master of Science in Accountancy program is introducing a new international focus area of study, in addition to its taxation and auditing tracks, to better position its graduates for opportunities in the Big 4 accounting firms, banking, corporate accounting and audit, and other national and regional CPA firms.The global curriculum is new for the incoming cohort of 25 students who represent the program’s highest ever credentialed cohort in GMAT scores and quality of undergraduate institutions.
For twenty years, the School of Business Master of Science in Accountancy program has grown into a high quality, nationally reputable program of distinction. With virtually 100 percent placement rate for graduates over the past four years, the region and state have benefitted from the well-prepared professionals who enter accounting firms and companies or begin their own practices.
Stephen M. Todd, CPA, Ernst & Young’s former global vice chairman, recently joined the accounting faculty and brings a wealth of global accounting industry experience that enhances the students’ perspective and learning in the new international track. Todd managed the assurance professional practice and oversaw its global technical and risk management division in Ernst & Young’s London office for seven years.
“Accounting programs must adopt global learning in order to serve their students and the firms that need better understanding and compliance with international accounting practices,” says Todd. “I’m excited to join the accounting faculty and applaud them for expanding the outstanding quality of its program.”
Career placement for M.S. in Accountancy candidates has been nearly 100 percent at graduation over the past four years. Roger Daniels, professor of accounting and program director, is committed to this high placement rate as well as continued emphasis on CPA licensure.
“The College of Charleston’s accountancy graduate program is an essential part in the recruiting efforts of WebsterRogers,” says Bobby R. Creech, Jr., CPA, past chairman of the S.C. Board of Accountancy, and member of the School of Business Accountancy Advisory Board. “We have formally recruited on campus over the last five years. I believe that the program serves a vital role in supplying qualified accounting professionals to South Carolina and these graduates contribute to our economic growth.”
One of the components of the international track is a European study abroad experience where students earn six credit hours to study in London, Venice, and Florence. The program consists of two courses, European Financial Markets and European Origins of Modern Accountancy. Fourteen students participated in the study abroad program this past summer.
“With the newly incorporated global curriculum, our graduates are even more valuable in the job market. Today, the accountancy program is stronger than ever under the direction of Roger Daniels,” says Alan T. Shao, Dean of the School of Business.
About Stephen M. Todd
During his extensive career, Todd served clients in a variety of industries including manufacturing, financial services, health care, real estate, and retail. He also performed financial due diligence for mergers and acquisitions by corporate and private equity firms and assisted emerging growth companies in initial public stock offerings. Currently, he serves on two boards: the Board of Directors of Dover Corporation and the Board of Trustees of PNC Funds and PNC Advantage Funds. With an M.S. in Accountancy degree from The Ohio State University, he earned his CPA in Ohio and North Carolina. He also attended the executive program at the Kellogg School of Business.
