Download pdf - AGRI-ACCOUNTINGaces.illinois.edu/sites/aces.illinois.edu/files/ACE_Concentration...Agri-Accounting applies accounting principles in production, ... Case Studies in Agricultural Accounting

Agri-Accounting applies accounting principles in production, processing, and retail sectors of the agriculture and food industries. This well-structured major opens the door to a diverse set of rich opportunities.

The program prepares students for careers in fields such as corporate accounting and public accounting and for graduate degrees in accounting.

Students may complete additional and elective coursework to prepare for the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) examination.

Coursework includes Accounting, Case Studies in Agricultural Accounting and Financial Planning.

Recent Employers Sample Job Titles

Cargill

Caterpillar

Crowe Horwath

Ernst & Young

Hartford Insurance

John Deere

KPMG

OSI Group

Accounting associate

Finance development representative

IT audit professional

Tax accountant

Jack Rich

“In ACE I will get the knowledge that I need for a job, but I will also build relationships and friendships that I can carry on into my career. So many people here have such a passion for what they do, in turn helping others to learn.”

BRett Guth

Financial analyst, Accenture

“My Illinois experience prepared me by offering opportunities to network with successful individuals, build my Excel skills, and develop a work–life balance. The quality of classes, teachers, and students sets Illinois apart from other academic institutions.”

katie MuRRay

Senior accountant, Archer Daniels Midland

“The agri-accounting program gave me a solid business background and specialization that is allowing me to thrive professionally. At ADM I exercise my analytical skills and work in teams, so communications skills are a must. It’s a challenging position, and I’m constantly learning.”

ACE OffiCE Of UndErgrAdUAtE StUdiES

217-333-1811 | ace.illinois.edu

Department of Agricultural and Consumer Economics

From Our Alums

From Our Students

AGRI-ACCOUNTING

Our graduates are pursued by companies devoted to agriculture

and food because of their applied degree combining

agribusiness and accounting.

Students in Finance in Agribusiness study finance as it is used in agricultural businesses and financial institutions and, more broadly, in the financial services industry.

In addition to becoming loan officers in banks and other lending institutions, recent graduates work in trust and banking operations, investment and securities firms, rural appraisals, firm financial management, insurance, and real estate.

Coursework includes Financial Decision-Making for Individuals and Small Business, Financial Services and Investment Planning, and Modeling Applications for Financial Planning.


Accenture

Bank of America

BMO Harris Bank

Cargill

Continental Grain and Barge

First Farm Credit Services

General Electric

KPMG

Commodity merchandiser

Cost accountant

Credit analyst

Credit/leasing specialist

Finance advisor

Financial analyst

Financial management analyst

Supply chain associate

ali NatioN

“The College of ACES has so many opportunities for its students. For example, last semester, United States Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack came to campus to speak about international food security. I was fortunate to be part of a group of

ACES students that met with him to discuss issues in agriculture. I was not only able to learn a lot, but I was able to make a memory that I will never forget.”

caRlee SilveR

Credit assistant, Farm Credit

“An ACE degree really helps you in many ways. There are quality classes to take within the department, but there are also opportunities outside the classroom. Those really helped me be a better person, student, and now, professional.”

Nick White

Project ecologist, DJM Ecological

“I use the skills that I developed in my ACE classes—Excel, economic concepts, finance, and general decision making—every day. These skills allow me to lead a team and to contribute to the direction of the company.”




From Our Alums

From Our Students

FINANCE in AGRIBUSINESS

Students in Finance in Agribusiness become

data-savvy through excel management classes in ACE.

Students in Agribusiness Markets and Management learn marketing and management skills and meet with industry leaders and managers. Student experiences include hands-on opportunities for learning, from seminars with visiting executives to internships.

Students can study the marketing, pricing, and distribution of production inputs and services used by farmers; the marketing and pricing of grain and feed, livestock, and livestock products; and the marketing and pricing of food ingredients and processed food and fiber to businesses and consumers.

Graduates are prepared for entry-level management and marketing positions with firms involved in the production, marketing, sales, and financing of farm inputs, agricultural commodities, and food ingredients and products.

Coursework includes Agricultural Marketing, Food and Agribusiness Management, and Accounting.


Agrigold

Aldi USA

Archer Daniels Midland

Country Financial

Grainger

McGladery Consulting

Monsanto

OSI Group

Target

Wells Fargo

Account manager

Advisor and broker

Cost analyst

District manager

Futures and options specialist

Grain merchandiser

Production supervisor

aShley BakeR

“As a recent transfer to ACE, I am proud to be a part of some outstanding college experiences and network opportunities with other students and alumni who make our college great. I enjoy speaking with prospective students about how these activities changed me for the better.”

Jacqui heNdRickS

Enterprise operation coordinator, Coyote Logistics

“I loved working with so many great students and faculty members at U of I. When you’re at school, you are in a hub of resources. Professors and faculty members are always more than willing to go the extra mile to help you succeed. It was great knowing that I had

numerous people to reach out to at all times for school, career, and personal advice.”

Mike caRteR

Production supervisor, Hormel Foods

“At the University of Illinois, I learned how to listen, have short- and long-term outlooks, and exhibit charisma, which have helped me succeed already at

Hormel. I value the skills I learned and knowing how to balance demands with an expectation of success.”




From Our Alums

From Our Students

AGRIBUSINESS MARKETS and MANAGEMENT

The International Business Immersion Program, an agribusiness case study

course and tour, has helped more than 200 students

travel around the world to study food companies.

Students in Public Policy and Law become experts in the economics of public policy and its applications to their specific areas of interest.

Public Policy and Law exposes students to the legal and institutional structures in which policies are developed, the analysis of policies’ economic impacts, and special circumstances of public policy and law pertaining to the environment, consumers, the agricultural sector, and international relations.

Graduates are equipped with an understanding of the institutions that make and implement policies in the United States and with skill for the economic analysis of policies and social programs.

Coursework includes Introduction to Public Policy and Food Law.

Students interested in working or learning about careers in Washington, DC are encouraged through scholarships for interns, monthly coffees with students and faculty to talk about policy developments in DC, or through an experiential learning program to Washington, DC during spring break.


DePaul Law School

Illinois Senatorial Campaign

Kent Law School

Liberty Mutual Insurance

USDA

Assistant campaign manager

Implementation specialist

Law student and Juris Doctorate candidate

Quality assurance assistant

MadiSoN ScaNlaN

“The most meaningful part of my ACES experience is definitely the kindness and helpfulness I receive all the time. Perhaps ACES is unique because it is small, but I feel it is much easier to take on a university of over 40,000 people if you have a helpful college to support

you. It means a lot to me to know that the faculty in ACES are willing to take the time to meet with you, listen to you, and work with you.”

NataSha WilkiNS

9th grade world history teacher, Teach For America

“My University of Illinois experience provided the opportunity to work with diverse groups of people from all backgrounds and all walks of life. This has been the single most important aspect of achieving success in my current job. Working in a school requires

constant interactions with people from a wide array of life experiences, and U of I provided the foundation for broadening my cultural competencies.”

tRevoR ackliN

Associate corn merchandiser, Ingredion, Inc.

“ACE taught me three important things. One, I learned how to get along with people who are different than me. Two, I discovered the value of problem solving and critical thinking, and that the hard part is often defining the problem and collecting the needed information.

Three, I learned how to prioritize and balance my time.”




From Our Alums

From Our Students

PUBLIC POLICY and LAW

Public Policy and Law is a great springboard to law

school admission, with economics coursework

assisting with logic, reasoning, and other

valuable traits to law school admission boards.

Students in Policy, International Trade and Development receive broad exposure to policy, international trade, and agricultural development, with a global and societal perspective for administration, government, policy analysis, social processes, and international economics.

This program prepares students to work in firms with international interests, for government, and for NGOs (nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations). Many undergraduate students conduct research on international food issues through a comprehensive study abroad program.

Coursework includes The World Food Economy, Environment and Development or Agriculture in International Development, International Trade in Food and Agriculture, and Agriculture and Food Policies.



Peace Corps

Teach for America

U.S. Navy

World Finance Group

Johns Hopkins Law School

University of Virginia

Legislative correspondent

MBA candidate

Portfolio analyst

Research assistant

Teacher

Volunteer

claudette ReyeS

“I appreciate all of the wonderful opportunities the College of ACES has provided me. My professors’ knowledge of policies within the agribusiness sector has inspired me to pursue a Masters in Agribusiness after graduation.”

Paul BRuiNS

Operations and command center intern, Interpol

“International environmental and agricultural crimes are issues that Interpol deals with, so the strong background I acquired at the University of Illinois has been very beneficial. U of I also provided a unique opportunity to work and study with an above-average

number of international students, which is useful in working at an internationally focused organization.”

PaiGe leydeN

Natural products research associate, SPINS

“Exposure to group projects during my time at the University of Illinois have made me more mindful of deadlines and working with members of my team, as well as doing consulting projects with other coworkers.”




From Our Alums

From Our Students

POLICY, INTERNATIONAL TRADE and DEVELOPMENT

Many PITD students travel abroad during their

college career. More than 25 percent complete a semester

abroad program.

Students in Financial Planning study finance and economics as they apply to individuals, households, and small businesses in the course of accumulating and using financial resources.

Students are introduced to credit management, insurance and other risk management strategies, saving and investing, retirement planning, and estate planning.

Many students secure financial planning internships in firms ranging from small, fee-only firms to fortune 50 companies.

All graduates are eligible to sit for the national CFP exam administered by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards.

Coursework includes Introduction to Insurance, Personal Financial Planning, Tax Policy and Financial Planning, and Financial Planning for Professionals, Estate Planning.


Capstone Financial

GCG Financial

ING

JP Morgan Chase

Merrill Lynch

State Farm

The Ayco Company

Valeo

Waddell and Reed

Agency field specialist

Analyst

Financial paraplanner

Financial planner

Retirement planning specialist

Julia Buchholz

“There are so many opportunities for financial planning students, including the financial planning club, internships at big and small companies, networking events, and more. I feel ready to enter the financial planning industry because of the strong curriculum taught by industry professionals.”

Nicole WeBeR

Financial planner, GCG Financial

“The University of Illinois gave me great baseline knowledge about financial planning. One of the biggest takeaways from my classes was the importance of starting to save at a young age.”

Neil teuBel

Consumer Economics and Finance: Personal Financial Planning Senior Planner, Balasa Dinverno Foltz LLC

“There was a steep learning curve for processes, technology, and day-to-day client management, but my comprehensive academic background allowed me to add value immediately.”




From Our Alums

From Our Students

FINANCIAL PLANNING

The Financial Planning Club, affiliated with the FPA®, has more than 75 student members. They

complete mock interviews, host conferences, and

compete in case studies.

All business starts with an understanding of the consumer. Students in Consumer Economics and Finance learn about the economics of consumer decision making and then apply that to the business field. Coursework in consumer economics, personal finance, and economics of consumption provide a broad-based background in the role of consumers in the marketplace.

Students can choose among emphases in consumer economics, family economics, and financial counseling.

A family economics emphasis prepares students for jobs in business, consulting, insurance, retail, and financial analysis. The financial advising and counseling emphases can lead to careers in the financial services industry.

Coursework includes Personal Financial Planning, Consumer Economics, Economics of Consumption, and Family Economics.


AON Hewett

AXA Advisors

Discover Financial Services

Huron Consulting

ING Financial Partnership

JP Morgan Chase

Microsoft

Wintrust Financial Corporation

Analyst

Asset manager

Benefit administration delivery specialist

Personal banker

Retail banker

Trader

Rachel RichaRdSoN

“My experience studying abroad, as well as representing Illinois at the National Grocer’s Association student competition, has shown me that becoming an Illinois student was the right choice for me. I am enthusiastic about the opportunities I have received as a student in ACE, and want others to know about them, too.”

WilliaM hau

Procurement specialist, Ecolab

“The University of Illinois prepared me for my job by teaching the value of hard work, challenging me intellectually, and providing me with crucial networking opportunities that equipped me for a professional work environment.”

Joy huaNG

Leadership development program participant and marketing analyst, Allstate

“I think that what sets the University of Illinois apart from other academic institutions is the people that comprise it. This includes the students that are driven, kind, and intelligent, that encouraged me to be more like them. This also includes the amazing

professors and staff that invest in you and truly put your development and dreams before grades.”




From Our Alums

From Our Students

CONSUMER ECONOMICS and FINANCE

All business starts with a consumer. Consumer Economics and Finance students apply business

theory to how consumers act in the marketplace.

Students in Farm Management study finance, risk management, and economics as applied to managing a complex farm enterprise or owning rural real estate.

The Farm Management concentration offers several courses approved for state certification. Students learn how to conduct farm and real estate appraisals along with the steps to management of farm land or other small business entities.

Coursework includes Management of Farm Enterprises, Farm Management, Financial Decision-Making for Individual and Small Business, and Rural Real Estate Appraisal.


Adayana

Bunge North America

Busey Bank

Cargill

Dow AgroSolutions

Farm Credit Services of Illinois

Leitz Consulting

Sloan Implement

Business analyst

Crop insurance specialist

Farm manager

Grain merchandiser

Operations associate

Product support associate

chaRlie Mayfield

“As a farm management major, I get to apply course work in finance and economics into the management of farm enterprises, rural real estate, and land appraisal. I am learning from experts who have firsthand experience in this area and have the opportunity to diversify my knowledge in agribusiness.”

daN RieWeRtS

Senior Associate, Natural Resources and Infrastructure Investments, Global Private Markets, TIAA-CREF

“My degree from the University of Illinois provided me with a unique knowledge base that could be applied universally across the business world, or specifically to the agricultural industry. As my professors in ACE told me, it’s easier to put an ag guy on Wall Street than to put a Wall Street guy on a farm.”

MadalyN WalteRS

Business analyst, Adayana

“The biggest thing I got from my classes at the University of Illinois wasn’t the subject material—it was learning how to learn. I continue to learn something new every day, and I wouldn’t be able to do that if I hadn’t figured out how to do things on my own while in college.”




From Our Alums

From Our Students

FARM MANAGEMENT

Farm Management today is more than just managing a

home farm. Graduates work for agribusiness, manage

real estate, or work for firms around the globe.

Focusing on environmental and resource management issues at levels from local to international, students in Environmental Economics and Policy learn how to assess the economic aspects of resource and environmental issues and find rewarding positions in government, industry, consulting firms, and public interest groups.

Students may conduct a special project on groundwater contamination and environmental damages or the costs and benefits of recycling or may do a summer internship with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources.

Coursework includes Environmental Economics, Natural Resource Economics, Environmental Law, and Environment and Development.



CMS Environmental Solutions

United States Air Force

Hitachi Consulting

Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

Sears Holding Company

Environmental analyst

Support officer

Consultant

Economic analyst

fioNa Millett

Intern at McDonald’s Corporation

“ACE has provided a strong background to help me explore topics relating to my interest in sustainability. The diversity of perspectives and endless opportunities have made my time in ACE meaningful, leaving me well prepared for my professional career.”

Matt PfluM

Economic analyst, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant

“It almost feels like a one-place-fits-all university. It is definitely unique that such a highly regarded academic institution has so much to offer students of all academic interests, cultures, and backgrounds. It’s impressive that both the big-city business student and the

small-town agriculture student can graduate with a top-tier education, prepared to succeed in their respective industries.”

zack deeRy

Grain merchandiser, Consolidated Grain and Barge

“Taking all of the ACE and upper-level markets and management classes helped me when I was placed in a job where I used what I had learned every day. Displaying leadership abilities at an early stage in my career has definitely helped me excel in my profession.”




From Our Alums

From Our Students

ENVIRONMENTAL ECONOMICS and POLICY

25 percent of Environmental Economics and Policy students pursue

advanced degrees.