What can I do with a major in accounting?

Search for opportunities

Companies:
KPMG
Ernst & Young
Deloitte
PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
Oneida Nation Enterprises
Northwestern Mutual

Titles:
Regional Staff Accountant
Financial Analyst
Tax Accountant

Search for employers hiring graduates in your major

Employers in NY: 8,597
Employers in US: 126,922

 

Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Public Accounting
Areas

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

Employers

Public accounting firms:

  • Large, multinational
  • Regional
  • Local

Sole practitioners

Corporate Accounting
Areas

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

Employers

Companies of all sizes, in all industries

Government
Areas

Auditing
Financial Reporting
Financial Management
Budget Analysis
Research

Employers

Federal agencies and departments including:

  • Federal Bureau of Investigation
  • Internal Revenue Service
  • Department of the Treasury
  • General Accounting Office
  • Office of Management and Budget
  • Securities Exchange Commission
  • State and local agencies
Education
Areas

Teaching
Research
Consulting

Employers

Universities and colleges

Non-profit
Areas

Accounting
Internal Audit
Financial Planning
Budgeting
Money Handling
Record Keeping

Employers

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

General information and strategies

  • Grades are an indicator of technical competence in accounting and of a person’s work ethic.
  • Potential employers place a big emphasis on strong interpersonal skills. Demonstrate these skills by having a well-rounded background.
  • Develop excellent computer, communication, and leadership skills and learn to work well within a team,
  • Gain work experience and learn information about careers through internships. Consider completing internships in the spring semester, not just summer term.
  • 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.
  • Accounting is a versatile degree. Students who graduate with a major in accounting may find jobs in many areas of business including:
    • banking
    • financial planning
    • sales
    • production management
    • client management
    • product development
    • procurement
    • general management.
  • 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 (requirements for sitting for the CPA exam can be found on the State Board of Accountancy website.