Accounting

Career Programs and Student Development

Explore - What Can I Do with This Major?

Accounting

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AREAS

EMPLOYERS

STRATEGIES

PUBLIC ACCOUNTING
Auditing/Assurance Services
Tax
Environmental Accounting
Forensic/Investigative Accounting
Information Technology Services
International Accounting
Personal Financial Planning

Public accounting firms:

Large, multinational
Regional
Local

Sole practitioners

Public accounting firms hire candidates who meet the
educational requirements for sitting for the Certified
Public Accountant (CPA) exam: 150 hours of
education including 24 hours of accounting, i.e. the
equivalent of an undergraduate degree in
accounting.

State laws govern the practice of accountancy and
specify the requirements to be eligible to sit for the
CPA exam. In most states, the State Board of
Accountancy has a website that outlines those
requirements.

CORPORATE ACCOUNTING
Financial Management
Financial Reporting
Internal Auditing
Cost Accounting
Tax Planning
Budget Analysis

Companies of all sizes, in all industries

Many managers in corporate settings obtain an MBA
degree after several years of work experience.

GOVERNMENT
Auditing
Financial Reporting
Financial Management
Budget Analysis
Research

Federal agencies and departments including:

FBI
IRS
Department of the Treasury
General Accounting Office
Office of Management and Budget
Securities Exchange Commission
State and local agencies

Become familiar with the government application
process.

EDUCATION
Teaching
Research
Consulting

Universities and colleges

A Ph.D. in Accounting or a DBA, Doctorate in
Business Administration, in accounting is
generally required.
Maintain a high g.p.a. and secure strong faculty
recommendations for admittance into graduate
school.

NON-PROFIT
Accounting
Internal Audit
Financial Planning
Budgeting
Money Handling
Record Keeping

Social service agencies and organizations
Hospitals
Public school systems
Universities and colleges
Religious organizations
Libraries and museums
Political parties
Labor unions

Volunteer at non-profit organizations and build a
network of contacts in the non-profit sector.

STRATEGIES FOR PLACEMENT IN ACCOUNTING

· Earn good grades. Grades are an indicator of technical competence in accounting and of a person’s work ethic.
· Actively participate in student organizations to develop leadership skills.
· Develop excellent computer skills.
· Learn to work well within in a team.
· Develop strong communication skills.
· Gain work experience and information about careers through internships.
· Join Beta Alpha Psi, the honorary fraternity for accounting and finance information professionals, to gain knowledge about the accounting profession.
· Certifications available through the Institute of Internal Auditors or the Institute of Management Accountants may increase job marketability in some areas of
accounting.
· Accounting students should develop their analytical, critical-thinking and problem solving skills. Develop high ethical standards.
· Accuracy and attention to detail are important traits for accountants.
· Accounting is a versatile degree. Students who graduate with a major in accounting may find jobs in many areas of business including: sales, production
management, client management, product development, procurement, general management, banking and financial planning.

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