Accounting & Finance Department
The accounting major at Washington and Lee University builds on the liberal arts course foundation, increasing analytical and communication skills while providing the knowledge necessary to work in any number of business areas. Majors take a combination of accounting, finance, business administration, and economics courses which prepares them for a variety of jobs.
The first and second years are spent mainly satisfying the general education requirements necessary to graduate from Washington and Lee University. During that time potential majors should also take introductory economics (ECON 100 or 101/102), a statistics course (preferably BUS 202), introductory accounting (ACCT 100) and corporate financial reporting (ACCT 231), and managerial finance (FIN 221). All these courses, except for ACCT 231 and FIN 221, can be taken during the first year. Students interested in majoring in accounting should plan to take ACCT 100 in the Winter term of their first year, if possible. A listing of accounting major requirements is available for reference. Students wishing to work in public accounting are required to have 150 hours of college credits to sit for the CPA Examination in certain states. To earn these credits, majors may bring in advanced placement credits, attend summer school, and/or elect to overload. Alternatively, the student may elect to attend graduate school. Any member of the department will be happy to discuss the different options.
These faculty have been recognized for their outstanding teaching, scholarship and service to the university.
Sambridhi Tuladhar ’25 to Receive the Global Learning Leadership Award
The accounting major will be presented the award at the Center for International Education awards ceremony on May 27.
Megan Hess ’97 Named Class of 1960 Professor of Ethics and Accounting
Hess, a professor of accounting, will hold the position for three years.
Four sets of twins on W&L varsity sports teams share what it’s like competing side-by-side with their siblings.
W&L Student-Run Investment Fund Ranks Among Nation’s Largest
The Williams Investment Society’s $25.5 million assets under management rank sixth nationally according to a survey conducted by the Center for Investment Research.
Elizabeth Oliver Receives Lifetime Service Award
Oliver was presented with the American Accounting Association’s Jim Benjamin Lifetime Service Award at the organization’s Leadership in Accounting Education Section Seminar on Feb. 14.
In Memoriam: Philip Archel Gibbs, Associate Professor of Business
Gibbs taught accounting, business and management at Washington and Lee University.
Joseph, a captain of the men’s soccer team, chose W&L for its well-rounded liberal arts curriculum and reputable school of commerce.
Mentorship from his major and faculty adviser has helped Saalfrank challenge himself academically and professionally.
W&L Outcomes: Lucy Donahue ’24
After graduation, Donahue is working as a financial analyst at Amazon and pursuing her CPA.
Taking Account of Sustainability Efforts
W&L’s Spring Term Sustainability Accounting class takes a deeper look at the practice of corporations factoring in societal and environmental impacts alongside their financial bottom lines.