Department of Accountancy
Our purpose: To lead the world in accountancy education and thought
Gies College of Business is an accounting powerhouse – and it's easy to see why. Our top-ranked academic programs and faculty deliver unmatched learning experiences. We take our role as a leader in accounting expertise seriously, contributing relevant, impactful knowledge to researchers and professionals throughout the business world. A degree in accounting from Gies Business gives you the tools and opportunities to turn your passion for problem-solving into a rewarding and impactful career.
Setting the standard for faculty excellence
Some business school departments boast excellent teaching faculty. Others attract high-caliber researchers. The accountancy department at Gies Business has both.
Classroom innovators
Professor Fei Du created a groundbreaking textbook that made data analytics storytelling more accessible to learners.
Impactful educators
Lecturer Susan Curtis earned the Illinois Student Success Impact Award for her positive influence on learner experiences.
Equity champions
Instructor Mitch Fisher was named a 2025 Equity Champion for redesigning an introductory accounting course to enhance its inclusivity.
Shaping modern business perspectives
Academics and industry professionals seek out the expertise of Gies Business accountancy faculty members for insights and knowledge they can trust.
Danielle Green
Professor Danielle Green presented tax research to the White House Council of Economic Advisers.
Alex Vandenberg
Professor Alex Vandenberg used novel research design to reveal the prevalence of accounting fraud.
Developing future business leaders
Our STEM-designated degree programs unlock new possibilities for graduates, preparing you for advanced leadership roles in accounting, finance, technology, and more. Whether you're just entering the field looking for a bachelor's in accounting, looking to expand your reach with a master's in accounting or a PhD, or hoping to enhance your expertise with a graduate certificate, Gies Business offers several pathways to reach your goals.
Advancing the profession on a global scale
We serve academic and professional communities by providing world-class leadership in international accountancy, business research, and educational support. Our initiatives include:
- Symposium on Audit Research
- Symposium on Tax Research
- Emerging Management Accounting Scholars Symposium
- Arthur R. Wyatt Young Scholars Research Symposium
- Vernon K. Zimmerman Center for International Education and Research in Accounting
- Illinois International Accounting Symposium
Frequently asked questions
Should I study accounting?
If you like solving puzzles, telling stories with numbers, or are naturally curious about how systems operate, accountancy is a great path of study for you. There are also endless career paths you can take with an accounting degree.
Managers and executives in any field need a strong understanding of the finances that support their operation, and accountancy graduates are perfectly positioned to use that understanding to great effect. Gies Business accountancy graduates have found success in a wide range of industries while retaining the flexibility to decide the next steps on their career paths.
Is accounting a strong career path?
All businesses rely on proper accounting to run efficiently, effectively, and ethically. This means that accountants are in high demand across all industries for their ability to manage finances and help make impactful decisions that help businesses thrive.
At Gies Business, 99% of graduates from the accountancy program have had successful outcomes entering the business world.
What makes the Gies Business accountancy department different from other programs?
Gies Business is a prestige accountancy department, and for good reason. We aren’t just teaching fundamental concepts you could learn anywhere. We’re producing the most impactful body of research for the accounting profession, we’re helping students apply fundamental concepts to modern business challenges, and we’re partnering with top companies to make sure you receive relevant, practical knowledge and experience that will help you launch a successful career.
At Gies Business, you’ll benefit from our close connections with industry leaders, granting you greater insights about the companies you might want to work for and providing you with early opportunities to showcase your talent to recruiters.
