Corporate Control & Analysis (CCA)

Information on the Corporate Control and Analysis Program offered by the Accounting Department in the Smeal College of Business.

As of January 1, 2020, and until further notice, the Accounting department is no longer accepting students into the CCA program. Please email Schalyn.Sohn@psu.edu to learn about other accounting opportunities or to discuss career options.

The Corporate Control and Analysis (CCA) Program prepares students for careers in corporate accounting. It specifics coursework in advanced managerial accounting, financial statement analysis, and communication. CCA Program graduates will be positioned to enter the financial leadership development programs of leading corporations. There is a strong demand from corporate recruiters for well-prepared accounting graduates to enter these post-graduation career paths. The CCA Program is an enhancement to the existing B.S. degree in accounting. It culminates with the award of an undergraduate certificate, which is a formal award showing the satisfactory completion of a postsecondary educational curriculum. 

Students who complete all CCA Program requirements will have a notation on their transcript that reads: "Undergraduate Certificate Awarded - Corporate Control and Analysis." To earn this certificate, a Smeal student majoring in accounting must, in addition to satisfying the requirements for the accounting major, complete ACCTG 417, ACCTG 440, ACCTG 481, and an approved internship in corporate accounting.

CCA Certificate and the CMA Certification

Certificates are not certifications. Certifications (also called professional designations or credentials) are awarded by governmental and professional bodies. CCA students are encouraged to seek a professional credential in management accounting, such as the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The CCA Program at Penn State has been endorsed by the IMA. 

The CMA is a globally-recognized professional credential. By passing the two-part examination and meeting the practical experience requirement, candidates demonstrate expertise in financial planning, analysis, control, decision support, and professional ethics. CMAs must complete 30 hours of continuing professional education (CPE) each year. The CCA Program is designed to allow students to sit for both parts of the CMA designation in the senior year. Students are able to take Part 1 of the CMA exam in December of the senior year and Part 2 in May or June after graduation. For more information on the CMA visit: imanet.org.

Eligibility

Admission to the CCA Program is available only to students in the accounting major. Admissions is limited to students who have a GPA of at least 3.40 computed over the following courses:

  • ACCTG 211
  • MATH 110 or MATH 140
  • STAT 200 or SCM 200
  • ECON 102

Program Requirements

The Accounting Department offers dedicated sections of certain courses for CCA students. Students in the certificate program will be enrolled in these designated sections. In order to receive the CCA Certificate, students must achieve a grade of “C” or higher in each of these four courses. The CCA Program also requires students to participate in an internship or equivalent of practical training approved by the CCA Program Director. Internships should be completed during the summer of the junior year.

CCA Student Club

The CCA Student Club offers a series of workshops and events to round out the technical proficiency, intellectual curiosity, and social dexterity of CCA graduates. Professional certification is a key signal of achievement and the content necessary to earn a professional management accounting designation will be woven into relevant courses. Membership in both the CCA Student Club and the IMA student chapter are strongly recommended for students in the CCA Certificate program. Students are encouraged to prepare for and take the CMA examination.

Semester-by-Semester Schedule

Spring of Sophomore Year

  • Apply to CCA Certificate program

Fall of Junior Year

  • ACCTG 404: Managerial Accounting
  • ACCTG 471: Intermediate Financial Accounting I

Spring of Junior Year

  • ACCTG 417: Business Communications for Accounting
  • ACCTG 472: Intermediate Financial Accounting II

Summer of Junior Year

  • Approved Internship or Practical Training

Fall of Senior Year

  • ACCTG 403w: Auditing
  • ACCTG 440: Advanced Managerial Accounting
  • CMA Exam Part I

Spring of Senior Year

  • ACCTG 405: Principles of Taxation
  • ACCTG 481: Financial Statement Analysis
  • CMA Exam Part II