Accounting is the process of recording, organizing, summarizing, and reporting financial transactions of a business or individual. It helps people and organizations understand how money is being earned, spent, saved, and invested.
WHO IS THIS FOR?
Public Accountants & Auditors
Provide independent auditing, tax preparation, and advisory services to businesses, individuals, and government entities at public accounting firms.
Corporate & Management Accountants
Work within organizations to manage financial reporting, budgeting, financial planning and analysis, and internal compliance.
Tax Professionals
Prepare and file tax returns, advise clients on tax planning strategies, and represent individuals or businesses before the IRS.
Forensic & Internal Auditors
Investigate financial fraud and irregularities, assess internal controls, and ensure organizations comply with regulations and policies.
Considering a career in Accounting?
Some points to keep in mind:
- Master technical fundamentals. Understanding the accounting cycle, journal entries, debits and credits, and financial statements is essential. Top employers may ask for transcripts or require assessments as part of their application process.
- Software proficiency matters. Become proficient in MS Excel and accounting software like QuickBooks. Familiarity with AI tools that help automate manual work is increasingly valuable.
- Certifications open doors. A bachelor’s degree is the standard foundation, but credentials like the CPA, CMA, and CIA significantly improve your job prospects and earning potential. Leadership roles often require a master’s degree.
- Practical experience is critical. Internships, part-time work, and volunteering help you test different roles, build your resume, develop durable skills, and expand your professional network before graduation.
Career Pathways
This is an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of career pathways you can pursue with a background in Accounting:
- Public accounting and auditing
- Corporate and management accounting
- Tax preparation and planning
- Financial planning and analysis (FP&A)
- Internal auditing and compliance
- Forensic accounting and fraud examination
- Payroll management
- Cost accounting
- Government and nonprofit accounting
- Accounting information systems
- Bookkeeping and small business accounting
Employers
This is an extensive, but not exhaustive, list of employers who recruit and hire for roles in Accounting:
- Public accounting firms (Big 4 and regional)
- Corporations and Fortune 500 companies
- Federal, state, and local government agencies
- Nonprofits and higher education institutions
- Financial services and banking firms
- Healthcare systems and insurance companies
- Law firms and legal services organizations
- Small businesses and startups
- Consulting and advisory firms
Career Navigation Strategies
Internships & Simulations:
- Explore organizations that offer accounting internship programs
- Complete a simulation with Forage with organizations like EY, KPMG, Ryan, and more
Volunteering & Certifications:
- Volunteer and earn official tax prep certifications through the IRS VITA program
- Find volunteer opportunities through Catchafire or local nonprofits
Freelancing:
Frequently Asked Questions
Accounting is a strong fit if you enjoy working with numbers, value accuracy, and are drawn to roles that have a direct impact on business decisions. It’s also a field where diverse paths are available — from client-facing work at public firms to analytical roles in corporate finance to investigative work in forensic accounting. If you’re detail-oriented, enjoy problem-solving, and want a career with strong and stable demand, accounting is worth exploring.
Employers in accounting can be grouped into three categories:
- Public Accounting Firms — provide independent auditing, tax preparation, and advisory consulting services to businesses, individuals, and government entities.
- Government & Nonprofit — ensures compliance and public reporting. Hires accountants at federal, state, and local levels for audits, tax oversight, and forensic accounting.
- Industry / Corporate — in-house teams that manage books, perform financial planning and analysis, and support leadership decision-making.
- Volunteer and earn official tax preparation certifications through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
- Complete a simulation with Forage with organizations like EY, KPMG, Ryan, and more
- Explore organizations that offer accounting internship programs
- Find volunteer opportunities through Catchafire, local nonprofits, or community organizations
- Freelance by offering bookkeeping, payroll, or tax preparation services through Fiverr or Upwork
A bachelor’s degree is your foundation, but certifications often set candidates apart and may be required for advancement. The right credential depends on where you want to work: public accounting and audit typically favor the CPA; corporate roles and FP&A often point to the CMA; tax-focused careers benefit from the EA; internal roles and risk management typically look for the CIA or CPA. Here is a snapshot of the most recognized credentials:
- CPA (Certified Public Accountant) — Best for public accounting, corporate finance, and audit. Covers broad accounting & audit across 4 sections (~16 hrs total). Requires 1–2 years of experience; avg. 18–24 months to complete.
- CMA (Certified Management Accountant) — Best for corporate/management accounting and FP&A. Focuses on budgeting, strategy, and analysis across 2 parts (~8 hrs total). Requires 2 years of experience; avg. 12–18 months to complete.
- CIA (Certified Internal Auditor) — Best for internal audit, compliance, and risk. Covers internal controls & risk across 3 parts (~6.5 hrs total). Requires 2 years of experience; avg. 12–24 months to complete.
- EA (Enrolled Agent) — Best for tax practice and IRS representation. Focuses on federal taxation across 3 parts (~10.5 hrs total). No experience required; avg. 6–12 months to complete.
- CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) — Best for investment management and financial analysis. Covers portfolio & investment analysis across 3 levels (~13.5 hrs total). Requires 4,000 hrs of work experience; avg. 3–5 years to complete.
- CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) — Best for forensic accounting and fraud investigation. Covers fraud examination & prevention across 4 sections (~8 hrs total). Requires 2 years of experience; avg. 6–18 months to complete.
Professional associations offer networking, certifications, scholarships, and career resources. Joining a student chapter or obtaining student membership before graduation is often free or very low-cost and gives you access to local and national networking events, job boards, scholarship opportunities, mentorship programs, and discounted exam prep materials. Key organizations in accounting include:
- AICPA (American Institute of CPAs) — the leading professional body for CPAs and accounting professionals broadly. Student membership available; offers resources, scholarships, and networking.
- IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) — focused on management and corporate accountants. Student membership ~$49/yr with CMA exam discounts and chapter access.
- IIA (Institute of Internal Auditors) — serves internal auditors and risk professionals. Student membership available with CIA exam resources.
- ACFE (Association of Certified Fraud Examiners) — for forensic accountants and fraud investigators. Student membership available with CFE exam prep discounts.
- NAEA (National Association of Enrolled Agents) — for tax professionals and EA holders. General membership; useful for tax-focused students.
- State CPA Societies — vary by state and serve future CPAs in your region. Offer student chapters, local networking, scholarships, firm visits, and job boards. Find yours at aicpa.org.