Today, pursuing an accounting and finance degree ensures a promising career aspect. Several companies and accounting firms are adding high-executive positions along with positions dedicated to financial protection to their C-suite departments. Thereby, a background in accounting or finance can prepare students for those career paths. While opting for a top-notch accounting and finance education, students must seek an institution that has earned both business and accounting accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business International (AACSB). AACSB is a widely considered hallmark of excellence in business education earned by a selected group of business schools or colleges worldwide.
Along with AACSB accreditation, students should also seek institutions with a variety of internship and career support. They should also seek institutions that offer specializations or a wide variety of minors and certificate programs to increase their employability. As one of the AACSB accredited business colleges, the Monte Ahuja College of Business at Cleveland University offers various accounting and finance programs that prepare students to venture into diverse career paths. This includes accounting and finance departmental level support, college-level support, and services and programs offered at the broader university level through its central Career Services and Exploration office.
Robust Establishment
The Cleveland State University (CSU) was established in 1964. Its College of Business Administration was one of the first colleges of the university—business and accounting are two of the original majors. In 1999, the college was named after a generous donation from an alumnus, former trustee, and ongoing donor, Monte Ahuja. Mr. Ahuja and his wife, Usha made the largest gift’s in the history of CSU (during that time) by pledging $10 million for scholarships and an endowed professorship in global business.
As an integral part of Cleveland State University, the Monte Ahuja College of Business provides access to the complete resources of Cleveland State University. As a trusted partner to successful businesses all over the region, the college provides not only a practical, applied, effective education, but also a host of engaged learning opportunities beyond the classroom.
Continuous Adoption to Industry Standards
Monte Ahuja College of Business offers various academic programs that can prepare students beyond the normal business curriculum. These include programs such as the Monte Ahuja College of Business Governance, Risk Management, and Compliance undergraduate minor, and graduate certificate programs. The college continually updates to industry standards including information systems and how it impacts every area of business.
In addition to leadership and managerial skills, the college incorporates technology into nearly every course. It is focused on looking forward to addressing the future of business and of the workplace – hybrid (and remote) work requires flexibility, adaptability, and technology. Incorporating technology into finance and accounting classes is a critical aspect as programs such as excel, tableau, and others are considered required by several businesses. Exposing students to applications currently being used by accounting firms and corporations is also critical to learning and incorporated into many courses. At Monte Ahuja College of Business, the Accounting Department has three advisory boards that regularly meet to learn what is being used at the ‘Big Five’ firms as well as in the corporate and public settings.
Spearheaded by Prodigious Leader
Dr. Heidi Hylton Meier spearheads curriculum update efforts and student success initiatives as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Chair of the Accounting Department. She is a CPA in the state of Ohio, teaches managerial and financial accounting, and is considered an expert in the area of auditing.
Her research has been published in Financial Management, Accounting and Business Research, Research in Accounting Regulation, the Journal of Managerial Issues, and Internal Auditor. In 2019, Dr. Meier was honored by the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
Encouraging Diversity and Extra-curricular Activities
The most distinguishing qualities at Cleveland State University are diversity, multiculturalism, and inclusion. The above qualities define the university. They also serve as one of its greatest assets and are integral to its functioning. In addition to a centralized Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Engagement, each college has a Diversity Council. It offers success coaches to assist students from diverse backgrounds and connect them to resources, including faculty mentors, and offers programming in conjunction with student life and academic departments.
Along with promoting diversity and inclusion on the campus, Cleveland State University provides various advantages and opportunities to its international students. Its Center for International Services and Programs office provides several advantages to international students. These include advising, visa assistance, special student services, a variety of student organizations and cultural activities, and more. Moreover, the programs provided by the university are cross-campus and collaborative—welcoming all students.
Along with providing academically-rich educational programs, Cleveland State University also encourages several extra-curricular activities. In addition to NCAA Division I sports teams, Cleveland State University offers 100s of intramural sports, student organizations, and clubs. The department of Student Life offers a ‘City is Our Campus’ ticket program and supports students from day one on campus.
Diverse Career Support Opportunities
Cleveland State University offers a multitude of career support opportunities to its students. Its centralized Office of Career Development and Exploration offers workshops in resume writing, LinkedIn development, conducts mock interviews, virtual interviews, and provides several events designed to engage the students of CSU as a whole while exploring their options. The centralized office has two dedicated liaisons to the College of Business to work with the students and faculty.
At the Monte Ahuja College of Business, various career-oriented services and opportunities are available for the students. These include Meet the Accountants Night, the Business Career and Internship Expo, employer information sessions, additional workshops, and others. It also provides deep meaningful career connections through its faculty and staff’s relationships with industry professionals. Moreover, alumni and business professionals are often invited or appointed as guest lecturers.
Successful Adoption to Transitions
The COVID-19 pandemic had a striking impact on the functioning of the education sector. It compelled educational institutions to shift from offering classroom teaching to adapting online teaching. During the pandemic, the Monte Ahuja College of Business successfully transitioned to 100% remote, online learning. The college faculty and staff worked tirelessly to ensure that students received education in a safe manner.
Optimum Crisis Management
In the Fall of 2020, Cleveland State University implemented social distancing measures and hybrid course delivery. During the Fall of 2021, the university went “all-in” and required students, faculty, and staff to wear masks indoors. It is currently offering incentives to students, faculty, and staff to be vaccinated and is in the process of upgrading classroom technology to continue to offer hybrid or high-flex learning. Currently, there is a heightened demand for career-ready students in the workforce. Various employers are seeking students that have the skills necessary to perform their first day on the job. Most of these technology skills were implemented during the pandemic.
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