Through the Accounting Analytics Lab, Cal State Fullerton’s School of Accountancy is leading the way in preparing the next generation of accounting professionals to be trendsetters in their field.

Founded five years ago in a small faculty office, the initiative now involves student tutors and multiple faculty mentors who ensure tutoring and individualized advising is available to Business Titans grappling with the challenges and opportunities of analytics, AI and next generation accounting in the business world.

Advancing with Emerging AI Through a Distinctive Technology-Focused Education

The mission of the Analytics Lab is to help students understand and apply analytics and AI infrastructure, including programs such as Python, Alteryx, PowerBI, PowerQuery, Tableau, UiPath and Zapier.

In addition to course and career preparation, the lab has helped professors research the accuracy of test problems and questions to be used in classroom instruction.

“Five years ago, when we became a School of Accountancy, we did a lot of thinking about what it would take to make our programs distinctive. Based on consultation with industry leaders on our advisory board, we chose to be a technology-focused program,” explains Vivek Mande, director of the School of Accountancy. “This lab is the support center around which our accounting courses revolve.”

The Value of AI Literacy in Enhancing Student Outcomes and Industry Success

As the lab continues to expand, so does its impact on student success. Employers are increasingly seeking out Business Titans specifically because of the technical competencies developed through the utilization of the Accounting Analytics Lab. “We are producing tech-savvy accountants rooted in accounting principles. Our students teach accounting firms how technology can be leveraged. Much of what our students are learning is more advanced than what’s being used in the industry,” explains Mande. “Our grads will shape and add value to firms by introducing new and more efficient technologies.”

Many of our graduating students have risen to the top of the pile of resumés for recruiters because of their sought-after skills, such as mastery of LLMs, SQL, Python, Alteryx, PowerQuery, PowerBI and Tableau. One student was hired by the IT department of a major international company to take the lead in introducing these emerging technologies into its business sectors. Other students report that during their first few weeks on the job, it was clear their skills were far ahead of most of the new hires, and in some cases our students were tapped to help train the new hires.

Technology Competence: The Great Leveler

The Accounting Analytics Lab teaches students to gather large data sets and utilize technology to interpret them. This approach develops sought-after technology and emotional intelligence skills. “Technology is a great leveler when you have a skilled student who has both technology and critical thinking skills,” says Mande.

A recent Cal State Fullerton accounting grad working for a top 10 accounting firm was tasked with analyzing reams of data submitted by a client. The employer expected the review to last a week, but the knowledge gained through the CSUF accounting program helped the process move forward in record time. “Thanks to knowledge of Python gained through my ACCT 404 course and the Accounting Analytics Lab, it took only three hours for this alum to provide insights and a list of what was needed. Saving the company several days of manual data analysis.” recalls April Morris, the leader of the Accounting Analytics Lab.

Business Analytics student Steven Huynh recognizes the lab as central to his professional development. “Not only am I expanding my own technical expertise, but I am creating resources that help others learn and grow,” he wrote on LinkedIn. “It’s inspiring to be part of an environment where learning, collaboration and innovation go hand-in-hand.”

The School of Accountancy is working towards STEM program designation, highlighting the intersection between accounting, finance and technology, while rooted in the timeless principles of accounting. In the coming years, technology will be infused into all CSUF accounting courses. This change will make the Accounting Analytics Lab central to the student learning experience. The lab offers both in-person and virtual support to students completing their coursework.

Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics is the only business school accredited in both accounting and business administration in the Orange County and Inland Empire region by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB).

How to Get Involved and Make Your Mark

To continue moving forward, we need the support of our alumni and business professionals across all industries. Supporters can sponsor a student, serve on advisory boards, or provide philanthropic gifts through the School of Accountancy Innovation Lab, which supports the Accounting Analytics Lab.

For more ways to get involved, reach out to Director of Development Jesse Palomera at [email protected]. With your support, we can continue helping Business Titans reach higher!