School of Business Administration

Accountants aren’t just number-crunchers — they are key players in shaping a better world. Beginning in spring 2025, undergraduate students at the University of Dayton’s School of Business Administration (SBA) will have the opportunity to explore the impactful ways accountants contribute to society through the new course, Accounting for Community (ACC 431). This course delves into governmental accounting, not-for-profit accounting, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) reporting, demonstrating how future accountants can use their skills to address pressing social issues.

ACC 431 goes beyond the traditional accounting curriculum, inspiring students to align their professional goals with the University of Dayton’s mission to serve the common good.

Accounting’s Role in Serving the Community

Traditional accounting programs often focus solely on the for-profit sector, but Accounting for Community expands students' understanding of the profession's societal impact. This course offers students a deeper look into how accountants can shape communities through roles in not-for-profit organizations, local governments, and sustainability efforts. By incorporating these principles and government accountability into the curriculum, ACC 431 gives students the tools to understand accounting’s broader responsibilities.

“As we strive to be a University for the Common Good, it is important that our students receive a distinctly UD experience in the classroom,” says Dr. Marsha Keune, senior associate dean of the SBA, who developed the initial concept for Accounting for Community. “Our accounting graduates are well-versed in the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in traditional accounting careers, but we also want them to use this professional foundation to be informed citizens in their communities, philanthropists, future board members of not-for-profit organizations, and more. By opening their eyes to how their professional skills can be beneficial in these ways, we hope to plant seeds for future personal growth and development.”

Real-World Impact: The Charity Pitch

One of the course’s standout projects, the Charity Pitch, connects students emotionally and intellectually with causes they care about. Students select a charity to pitch to the class, presenting both the mission and financial stewardship of the organization. This project pushes students to evaluate both the heart and the mind of an organization, blending passion with critical thinking.

“The pitch must include examples of the importance of the organization’s mission (the heart), but also an evaluation of the numerical impact of the organization’s work and financial stability (the mind),” Keune explains. “Through the project, students see how they can use their hearts and minds to identify truly impactful organizations to champion through their time, talents, and treasure.”

Dr. Curtis Farnsel, assistant professor of accounting who teaches the course, has seen firsthand how meaningful this project can be for students.

“My favorite aspect of the course is probably the Charity Pitch project,” Farnsel says. “I’ve seen students brought to tears during their presentations because of how important the charity has been for their family. The project is impactful, and I have noted several students have gotten more involved with a charity that they or one of their classmates pitched.”

Preparing Students for Purpose-Driven Careers

ACC 431 encourages students to explore how they can use their accounting skills in various sectors, from public service to sustainability accounting. By broadening their understanding of how accounting intersects with community impact, students are better prepared to enter the workforce as socially conscious professionals. This aligns perfectly with UD’s core values, which emphasize linking learning with leadership and service.

Dr. Keune highlights how the course helps students think beyond traditional career paths: “During the time that I taught the course, I had students who already had their first placements after the MPAcc lined up tell me that they were thinking about someday working for a not-for-profit, running for political office, working in their local municipality, and pursuing a career in sustainability accounting.”

This wide range of possibilities showcases the versatility of the accounting profession, and ACC 431 encourages students to consider how they can use their skills to make a lasting impact on their communities.

Aligning With UD’s Mission for the Common Good

The Accounting for Community course aligns closely with the University of Dayton’s Catholic and Marianist values, which emphasize educating the whole person and promoting the common good. By exploring governmental, not-for-profit, and ESG accounting, students gain a uniquely UD experience that prepares them for more than just successful careers — it prepares them to be ethical leaders who can make meaningful contributions to society.

Leonardo Morales-Badillo, a Master of Professional Accountancy student at UD, shares how the graduate version of the course, ACC 703, broadened his perspective: “This class was really useful for showing us how accountants can get involved in different ways. Our professor emphasized that giving back to the community doesn’t always have to be about money; we can also contribute by sharing our time and skills.”

The course offers students the confidence and communication skills to engage in discussions about social issues with family, peers, and future employers. By fostering a sense of purpose and responsibility, ACC 431 helps students realize how their work can contribute to a more just and sustainable world.

As the SBA continues to develop courses that reflect its mission of serving the common good, Accounting for Community exemplifies how students can use their professional skills to better society.