Accounting

Candidates for the degree will be able to demonstrate:

1. Understandingof the processes by which companies, governments and non-profitorganizations conduct and report financial activities. These processesinclude transactions involving
   1. Customers or users of goods and services.
   2. Suppliers/vendors, landlords, banks, tax agencies and others.
   3. Employees, including payroll.
   4. Inventory
   5. Cash Receipts and Payments.

1. Understanding of the potential uses of accounting reports for
   1. Evaluation of financial performance by managers, inventors, creditors, government agencies, analysts and other users.
   2. Analysis of cash flows.
   3. Planning and control of internal operations by decision makers.

1. Knowledge of Current Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
   1. The process by which the Financial and International Accounting Standards Boards develop new standards.
   2. Ability to apply Accounting standards to contemporary financial reporting issues.

1. Knowledge of Current Generally Accepted Auditing Standards
   1. The process by which the American institute of CPAs develops new auditing standards.
   2. Ability to apply Auditing standards to Audit and Attest engagements.

1. Knowledge of Current Federal Tax Laws
   1. Theprocess by which tax systems are developed by legislatures,administered by governmental agencies and interpreted by the judicialbranch of governments.
   2. Ability to apply currents tax laws.
   3. Ability to conduct research of tax laws, rules and court cases related to individual and business tax issues.

1. Knowledge of Accounting Information Systems and Accounting Software
   1. Ability to utilize information technology to research accounting issues.
   2. Ability to prepare financial and managerial accounting reports utilizing current software.
   3. Understanding of control systems with a computerized environment.

1. Development of skills and knowledge needed for success upon graduation.
   1. Ability to secure employment and perform successfully duties normally performed by accounting majors.
   2. Ability to secure admissions to graduate degree programs.
   3. Ability to pass professional accounting certification examinations such as CPA, CMA, CIA, CFM, CFE, CGFM, CISA

1. Development of Ethical Standards to guide Personal Behavior
   1. Knowledge of laws, rules and codes of ethics established by government and private accounting organizations.
   2. Ability to apply ethical standards to situations which accountants encounter regularly.

1. Development of Interpersonal and Communications Skills
   • Ability to work effectively in team situations.
   • Ability to write, speak and express thoughts persuasively and effectively.
   • Ability to understand diverse cultures and interact effectively in a global environment.

Hawaii Pacific University

Hawai‘i Pacific University (HPU) is a private, nonprofit university with approximately 8,200 undergraduate and graduate students. HPU is rated one of the most culturally diverse universities in America with students from all 50 U.S. states and more than 100 countries. Founded in 1965, HPU prides itself on maintaining strong academic programs, small class sizes, individual attention to students, and a diverse faculty and student population. HPU is recognized as a “Best in the West” college by Princeton Review and a “Best Buy” by Barron’s business magazine. HPU offers more than 50 acclaimed undergraduate programs and 12 distinguished graduate programs.

The diversity of the Hawaii Pacific University student body stimulates learning about other cultures firsthand, both inside and outside of the classroom.  There is no majority population. Students are encouraged to examine the values, customs, traditions, and principles of others to gain a clearer understanding of their own perspectives. HPU students develop friendships with students from throughout the United States and the world and form important connections for success in the global economy of the twenty-first century.

For International Students

Hawai‘i Pacific University has an International Center (IC) that serves as an ongoing resource and support center to international students.  IC Admission Counselors help facilitate international students’ transition to the U.S. and HPU.  IC International Student Advisors are ready to assist with application procedures, visa issues, and work authorization. The IC staff are dedicated to meeting international students needs and speak a total of 17 languages.  The IC also assists the Council of Countries, one of the largest and most active clubs on campus. Every year, the Council of Countries holds Intercultural Day. This event includes a parade, country booths, and performances by various student groups, attracting thousands of students, faculty and staff members, as well as members of the Honolulu community.