UTC RAVE Alert

Accounting

Department Head

Rebecca Shortridge, PhD
[email protected]
434-E Fletcher Hall 
(423) 425-4664

Administrative Associate

Madison Miele
[email protected]
434 Fletcher Hall
(423) 425-4123

Accounting is the foundation of business, focusing on tracking, managing, and analyzing financial data to ensure financial health and compliance. With advanced tools and technology, accountants play a key role in guiding business decisions, forecasting trends, and identifying opportunities for growth. As businesses become more complex, the demand for skilled accountants who can interpret data and provide strategic insights continues to rise, opening up exciting career opportunities.

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Fast facts

Accounting careers 

A career in accounting offers a variety of opportunities, including:

  • Travel the world managing financial affairs for global companies
  • Go undercover for the FBI to solve financial crimes and uncover fraud
  • Help charities maximize their impact by managing their funds wisely
  • Guide clients through estate planning, retirement and charitable giving
Median salary 

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for corporate or public accountants was $81,000 in 2024.

Where are UTC Accounting alum now?

Graduates work for companies including: 

  • Alterra Mountain Co.
  • Astec Industries
  • Baker Tilley
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Tennessee
  • Deloitte
  • Elliott Davis
  • EPB
  • Erlanger Hospital
  • EY
  • HealthOne Alliance
  • HHM
  • JHM Certified Public Accountants
  • KPMG
  • LBMC
  • Mauldin & Jenkins
  • PwC
  • Smith + Howard
  • TVA
  • United Way Chattanooga
  • UNUM
Career outlook

Nearly 40% of Fortune 500 CFOs hold CPA certifications. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the industry to grow 6% by 2033. 

Resources

Graduation hat with red tassle with hundred dollar bills beneath.

Scholarships

Students hands with papers and pencils around them

Tutoring

Student wearing grey hoodie and glasses at internship working.

Internships

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Faculty/Staff

Next Steps

Next Steps

Student shaking hands with a professor as he walks the stage to graduate

Master of Accountancy

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Preparing for the CPA Exam

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Career Development

Student Testimonials

Zachary Knights testimonial on the accounting department that says "The professors at UTC guided me into a career I never thought was for me, and now I come to work everyday excited and ready to perform and get better. I will always be tremendously grateful for the Professors in UTC’s Accounting Department." Class of 2020
J.D. Coopers testimonial on the accounting department "I was able to bridge my accounting degree with something that I love, snowboarding, through working in corporate accounting for one of the largest ski/snowboarding companies in the United States. There truly are endless possibilities, and I am so glad that I chose to pursue an accounting degree." Class of 2022
Tamia Jones testimonial on the accounting department "Accountants play a valuable role in every business, which offers us a variety of career paths and industries to explore and impact."
2025-2026 Accounting Advisory Board

Suzy Anthony, United Way Chattanooga: Vice President, Finance & Operations 

Beth Chambers, Southern Champion Tray: AR/Billing Manager

Christina Edwards, LBMC: Partner

Linda England, JHM Certified Public Accountants: Partner

Michael  Hakimian, Chattanooga State University: Chair of Accounting

Alicia Juhl, Elliot Davis: Audit Senior Manager

Mike Kaiser, EPB: AVP, Finance

Harrison Lewis, Ernst & Young: Partner

Spencer Mercer, Baker Tilley: Principal

Joe Moser, BCBST: Managing Director; Accounting, Transactions and Processes

Brock Oliver, HHM: Partner 

Hayley Parman, Astec Industries: SOX Compliance Manager

Heather Penney, Erlanger: Sr. Director and Controller

Cindy Pectol, Fulmer Concrete Finishing: Controller

Jordan Pierce, Mauldin & Jenkins: Director

Brooke Standefer, UNUM: Vice President

Anna Turley, Deloitte: Managing Director

Trey White, Health One Alliance: CFO

 

Young Advisory Board

Jordan Barnes- LBMC

Legend Dansby- EPB

Emily Gregg- Mauldin & Jenkins

Nicole Glaser- HHM

Zach Kanady, HHM

Katie Maxwell, LBMC

Olivia O'Hara- EY

Michelle Reburn- EPB

Justin Shugart- Smith + Howard

Tamia Jones- TVA

Hunter Wallace, Elliot Davis

 

 

Gary W. Rollins College of Business

Gary W. Rollins College of Business