Department of Accounting

Academic Department

Accounting at SFSU prepares students for careers in public accounting, industry, government and not-for-profit.

Welcome to Accounting

The Department of Accounting provides high-quality accounting education to prepare our diverse students for professional success.

Through our curriculum, we are committed to instilling expertise in the field, an understanding of the business environment, communication skills, integrity, and the capacity to make positive contributions to society. Our faculty prioritizes excellent teaching and dedication to students and is actively engaged in research and service that advances knowledge and benefits the community.

Our Accounting program was ranked 5th among public universities for salary outcomes in the Wall Street Journal's (WSJ) 2023 “Best College for Your Dream Career in Accounting” ranking list.

Recognitions of the Department

San Francisco State University is proud to be designated a California Society of Certified Public Accountants (CalCPA) 100% Membership School. Through this program, our full-time and part-time students, who have never been a licensed CPA nor achieved a bachelor's degree, are eligible to apply for free student membership to CalCPA. 

CalCPA is dedicated to supporting and advancing the accounting and financial professions by offering its more than 40,000 members a wide range of benefits and services, including networking opportunities, continuing education, industry events, and giving members a voice in shaping accounting standards and practices in California through the legislative and regulatory processes.

Apply for a free student membership →

We are proud to announce that in November 2023, the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) has recognized the LFCoB Accounting Department as one of the Internal Auditing Education Partnership participating programs (IAEP) under the leadership of Professor Yao-Tien Lee.

Being part of the IAEP signifies that our curriculum is endorsed by the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), the global standard for internal auditing education. This endorsement not only highlights the quality and rigor of our academic offerings but also strengthens our connections within the professional community of internal auditors. The partnership with the IIA opens numerous doors for our faculty and students alike, providing access to resources, industry insights, and networking opportunities that are invaluable to our ongoing pursuit of excellence in accounting education.

Our Master of Science in Accountancy program was ranked by GradReports as #16 on their list of the 25 Best Master’s in Accounting Programs in the U.S.A. based on median salary one year after students graduated.

Our Programs

Two students wearing graduation gowns pose for a photograph
Accerlerated Master's Program

SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's

The SFSU Accelerated Bachelor's + Master's program offers undergraduates an accelerated path to a graduate degree, allowing them to earn both a bachelor’s and master’s simultaneously. The program combines the Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA, Concentration in Accounting) and the Master of Science in Accounting and Analytics (MSAA) degrees.

Top Employers

Graduates of our program have secured positions at leading global corporations, regional firms, and fast-growing startups. Each year, our students transition from the classroom to professional roles at leading organizations throughout the region, the nation, and around the world. Below is a selection of top companies where our graduates have secured internships or employment after completing their degrees.

AprioCalifornia Department of Tax and Fee AdministrationGrant Thornton
ArmaninoCity and County of San FranciscoKPMG
Baker TillyCLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)Novogradac & Company
BDO (Binder Dijker Otte)DeloittePwC
BPMEisnerAmperRSM
California Public CommissionEDD (Employment Development Department)State of California - Franchise Tax Board
CBIZEY (Ernst & Young)Withum

 

The Accounting Students Organization's executive board posing for a group photo, with the club's logo projected onto some of their faces

Accounting Student Honor Society

Beta Alpha Psi (BAP) is an International honor organization for financial information students. There are over 300 chapters on college and university campuses throughout the world with over 300,000 members initiated since Beta Alpha Psi's formation in 1919.

Learn more about Beta Alpha Psi, Beta Chi Chapter
Linsey Doo, fifth-year accounting major at SF State, volunteers to help students with tax accounting at the SFSU VITA office on March 30, 2023.

Photo Credits: Tatyana Ekmekjian, Golden Gate Xpress

SFSU Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is a national Internal Revenue Service (IRS)-sponsored, volunteer-based initiative that provides free tax preparation to eligible individuals. The SFSU VITA program has been serving the community for nearly 20 years. With 50 IRS-certified student volunteers annually, it assists over 700 clients each year, making it one of California’s largest VITA programs. The program offers support in up to 20 languages.

Learn more about the SFSU VITA program

Events

All Events
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VITA U Conference 2027

  • Various Times
  • Hyatt Centric Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco, 555 North Point Street, San Francisco, CA 94133
The VITA U Conference 2027 will explore how the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program and related taxpayer-assistance programs are evolving in a changing tax environment, with particular attention to taxpayer access and protection, technology, education and training, community partnerships, student development and the future of VITA. The conference invites: Presenters to submit their work, Sponsors, and Attendees to register for the event.