Accounting
Accounting involves the examination, organization, management, and design of accurate recording and reporting procedures of financial and business transactions. The study of accounting helps you learn the various ways of maintaining accurate, up-to-date financial and business records…for individuals, families, or corporations.*
Sample Occupations
- Public Accounting
- Estate Tax Analyst
- CPA
- Tax Preparer
- Property Accountant
- Project Controller
- Financial Planner
- Government
- Tax Compliance Specialist
- IRS Investigator
- Medicare Auditor
- Auditor
- Corporate Accounting
- Director of Finance
- Cost Analyst
- Credit Analyst
- Treasurer
- Financial Analyst
- Budget Analyst
- IRS Investigator
- Financial Advisor
Types of Employers
- Accounting Firms
- Solo Accounting Practices
- Companies—All Industries
- Banks/Financial Institutions
- Tax-Related Agencies
- Nonprofit Agencies
- FBI
- Internal Revenue Service
- Department of Treasury
- Colleges/Universities
- Securities Exchange Commission
- Office of Management and Budget
Preparing for your career in
Public Accounting: Completing educational requirements and passing exam for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) status is required (follow suggestions below as well).
Corporate Accounting: seek part-time employment, internship or co-op with a public accounting firm or in the finance/ banking industry, join a business student organization, serve as treasurer for student organization, develop strong computer skills with database and spreadsheet software, seek entry level position that does not require a CPA, consider pursuing specialized certification as needed (CFA), or pursuing a MACC or MBA for advanced, management related positions in the field, and develop strong logical reasoning, investigative, critical-thinking, attention to detail and organizational skills.
Government Accounting: seek internship or co-op in government agency, become familiar with the government application process.
Education: Maintain high GPA and strong faculty recommendations for admittance to graduate school and obtain Ph.D. in Accounting or DBA.
How do I know if its right for me?
ASSESS: Take a career assessment, such as PathwayU, to see how your interests, values, and personality fit with majors and careers.
RESEARCH: Research the careers on this WCIDWAMI and thousands of other careers using O*Net Online, The Occupational Outlook Handbook or FirstHand.
EXPLORE: Learn more about a career field of interest by job shadowing, attending a career panel, or participating in a Career Trek. Further your exploration while gaining valuable skills by completing an internship, co-op, volunteer, or research experience.