Department Program Courses Registration Resources Careers The Ledger |
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Accountancy majors pursue careers in a variety of fields. Some possible career paths for majors (and minors in some instances) include: Public Accounting. Many accountancy graduates pursue certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). CPAs may apply their skills in auditing, taxation, personal financial planning, management policy advising, information systems consulting and other areas. CPAs also pursue careers in business and industry, government or education. Students considering a career in public accounting should consult with a faculty member in the department of accountancy regarding increased education requirements for new entrants to the profession. Private Industry. Accountancy graduates enter private industry through management or financial development programs at large corporations or in entry level positions in accounting and finance departments. Accountants in private industry can pursue certification as a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) or Certified Financial Manager (CFM). Complementing study in accountancy with courses in finance, economics, computer science or a foreign language enhances the educational preparation for careers in private industry. Internal Auditing. Internal auditors examine and evaluate their firms’ financial and information systems, management procedures, and internal controls to ensure accuracy, efficient use of firm assets and compliance with internal and external procedures and regulations. Internal auditors can pursue certification as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Government Accounting. Accountancy graduates pursue careers in a variety of government offices including the Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation and states and municipalities. Combining a major in accountancy with study in the Public Administration Program provides valuable preparation for positions in this sector. Not-for-Profit Organizations. Accountancy graduates are prepared for management positions in the not-for-profit sector. Accountancy majors can complement their major studies with study in the Health, Policy and Management program or courses taken in the Not-for-Profit Management Track offered through the Management department.
The advantages of the minor can be demonstrated by examining paths you can elect within the minor and by examining complementary majors. Some possible career options for minors (and majors) include: Internal Auditor. This career involves working for one entity as the examiner for the various divisions of the firm or for the various investment entities. Some of the recruiters on campus for these positions come from international banks and conglomerates. Although any major would be suitable for this minor track, an aptitude for languages or a language major would be an added plus! Recommended Electives: ACC 350, 406 and 412 Systems Analyst/Designer. This career is ideal for a Math/Computer Science major with a minor in Accountancy. As a systems specialist, you would be responsible for the design and review of computer systems for one company or for many different companies as a consultant. Recommended Electives: ACC 301, 350 and 406 Financial Analyst/Manager. This entry-level position into a variety of corporations involves analyzing, interpreting and summarizing financial results for decision makers. As you progress, you make recommendations for action and the decisions yourself. Complementary majors in this field would be any economics or business-related discipline. Recommended Electives: ACC 302, 406 and 410 Commercial Lending Officer/Credit Analyst. As a lending officer, you would need a solid background in financial matters to enable you to assess credit risk. A Minor in Accountancy would give you an extra advantage in this field. An aptitude for languages could also be a plus if you are interested in international banking. Recommended Electives: ACC 302 and 406 Certified Management Accountant. This professional distinction is obtained by private accountants in the business world who wish to demonstrate a commitment to either management accounting for financial management. A minor in Accountancy would provide most of the necessary background to pass this certifying examination. Recommended Electives: ACC 302, 405 and 412 Pre-law Preparation. Corporate law involves a great deal of interface with the accounting profession and the Securities and Exchange Commission. A Minor in Accountancy would provide the pre-law student with a solid background in the foundations related to this field. Recommended Electives: ACC 302, 401 and 412 Health Care Field. Health care careers emphasize cost control and recovery while providing needed care. A background in accountancy could provide needed financial skills to the health care professional in medicine, nursing, administration and insurance. Recommended Electives: ACC 301, 350 and 406 Other Career Paths - Additional areas where accounting knowledge would be beneficial: * Government organizations such as the FBI, FDIC and IRS * Not-for-profit organizations including administration, fund-raising or development, financial aid * Purchasing and contract administration * Small business management, self-employment
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