Careers in Accounting

students exploring careers in accounting
Accounting students take a photo op with a larger-than-life EY logo.

Careers in accounting abound with opportunity!

But is this career path for you? And if it is, on which area of accounting will you focus? An accounting degree can take you in many directions, and you want to make sure that you are preparing for the direction that fits you best. While the job market is strong, the best opportunities will always go to those students who, in addition to strong academic preparation, have gotten involved in campus organizations, completed internships and connected with professional associations. The building blocks of an accounting career will always be:

  • A knack for analyzing and understanding numbers
  • Strong problem-solving and math skills
  • Research and analytical thinking
  • Attention to detail

Accountants today must be comfortable with technology, corporate decision-making and communicating across diverse business functions and diverse cultures. No longer “just the bean counters” of the business world, accountants have increasing levels of responsibility within all aspects of the business, governmental and nonprofit worlds.

Online Resources

Certifications and Credentials

Table of Certifications and Credentials
Certification Certification Granted By Additional Information
CPA
Certified Public Accountant
Uniform CPA Exam Licensing by State (see State CPA Requirements) www.aicpa.org
www.nasba.org
CMA
Certified Management Accountant
IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) www.imanet.org
CIA
Certified Internal Auditor
The Institute of Internal Auditors www.theiia.org
PFS
Personal Financial Specialist
Personal Financial Planning (PFP) Section of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants www.aicpa.org/membership/join/pfs-exam.html
CFP
Certified Financial Planner
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. www.cfp.net
CFE
Certified Fraud Examiner
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners www.acfe.com
NAFA
National Association of Forensic Accountants
National Association of Forensic Accountants www.nafanet.com
EA
Enrolled Agent
Internal Revenue Service www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/enrolled-agents/enrolled-agent-information
CGFM
Certified Government Financial Manager
Advancing Government Accountability www.agacgfm.org
CB
Certified Bookkeeper
American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers www.aipb.org
CPB
Certified Public Bookkeeper
National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers certifiedpublicbookkeeper.org
CPP
Certified Payroll Professional
American Payroll Association www.americanpayroll.org
FPC
Fundamental Payroll Certification
American Payroll Association www.americanpayroll.org
QuickBooks ProAdvisor Intuit Inc. proadvisor.intuit.com