Accounting

Career Paths in Accounting

There are many roads one can travel with a degree in accounting. They include law, health care, banking, computer technology, management, among others.

Management Accounting
Certified public accountants in management measure and analyze the actions of a company's owners, managers, and employees. The results of these analyses and their effect on the business is reported to managers, investors, creditors, and regulators.

Not-For-Profit Accounting
Schools, churches, and other charitable organizations such as Goodwill Industries must monitor their finances to make sure that the cost of services and benefits which they provide to the community do not exceed revenues.

Governmental Accounting
Government offices at the federal, state, and local levels need accountants to research and evaluate new plans and programs and to monitor how money is spent. Accountants detect irregularities and inefficiencies in governmental practices.

Public Accounting
As a CPA, one has many career choices. A first choice often is to be a sole practitioner or work for a firm. In a firm, one's career typically begins with the staff accountant position. After one gains experience, the next step is to supervise other members on projects or for particular clients. Many people then aspire to become partners who share ownership interest and manage the firm. Those who reach this level enjoy the benefits of attractive salaries and the prestige that accompanies their status in the profession.

Requirements for an accounting major

• Completion of general university core
• Completion of School of Business courses
• Completion of the accounting course sequence

Curriculum Guides

	CMA - Corporate Accounting
	CPA - Public Accounting

Becoming a CPA

1. Accounting graduates who wish to take the Certified Public Accountant exam are required by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to complete five years of college education (150 credit hours).
   The School of Business offers two methods for meeting this requirement.
2. Students may earn the Master of Business Administration Degree with an additional year of study.
3. Before certification, candidates must pass the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of CPAs. The exam is intended to measure the candidate's level of understanding of professional responsibility, technical knowledge, and ability to exercise good judgment.
4. A candidate also must complete professional work requirements before a CPA certification is granted. An appropriate internship at the university level could qualify toward fulfillment of this requirement.