Accounting Career Outlook 2010-2011
Accounting Programs Available at Bemidji State University:
Major: Accounting (B.S.)
Fields of Emphasis: Accounting Information Systems
Minors: Accounting and Fraud Examination
Department Website: http://www.bemidjistate.edu/academics/departments/accounting
Major Highlights:
Accounting is an information system that represents the economic resources and responsibilities of business or nonbusiness enterprises. Monitored over time, it is used as a decision-making tool for the allocation of resources and
evaluation of responsibilities. Accounting information impacts major economic decisions that have national and even
global impact. The Accounting program teaches analytical, theoretical, communication, and leadership skills necessary for
effective accounting and for advancement in public, private, government, and fraud examination careers. Upon
graduation, accounting majors may write the Uniform Certified Public Accounting Examination, the Certified Internal
Auditor Examination, the Certified Management Accountant Examination, and/or the Certified Fraud Examination.
Certificates are issued upon attainment of a satisfactory score and completion of appropriate credits and the appropriate
work experience.
Employment Areas:
The "Occupational Outlook Handbook" reports that accountants and auditors held about 1.2 million jobs in 2010. They
worked in offices, although some work from home. About 24% of accountants and auditors worked for accounting, tax
preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services firms; another 8% worked for finance and insurance; 7% worked for state
and local government, excluding education and hospitals; 6% worked for manufacturing; and another 6% worked for
management of companies and enterprises.
Projected Demand for Accounting Majors in Minnesota:
MnCareers reports that the outlook for accountants is very good, with about 22,170 currently employed, and an average
income of about $28.50 per hour.
Projected Demand for Accounting Majors Nationwide:
The DISCOVER guidance system reports that the nationwide demand for accountants and auditors is growing rapidly,
with an average starting income of about $47,500 in 2010-2011, and an expected growth rate of 2.1% or higher per year.
The "Occupational Outlook Handbook" reports that the accounting field is expected to grow as fast as average through the
year 2020, with a median annual wage and salary earnings of $61,690 in May 2010.
Placement Information for Accounting Graduates:
There are many career opportunities for Bemidji State University accounting graduates. Of the Bemidji State University
2009-2010 accounting graduates, 100.0% reported obtaining related employment within one year of graduation. This
does not include students who were not seeking employment, furthering their education, unavailable, or had unknown
status.
A Partial List of Employers Who Have Reported Hiring BSU Accounting Graduates Since 1997:
(This list only includes employment within one year of graduation.)
Ameripride
Anakkala Berns & Co.
Anderson Homes, Inc.
Arctic Cat
ARDC
Accountant
Staff Accountant
Bookkeeper
Financial Accountant
Assistant Accountant
Bemidji, MN
Little Falls, MN
Sebeka, MN
Bemidji, MN
Duluth, MN
A Partial List of Employers Who Have Reported Hiring BSU Accounting Graduates Since 1997:
(This list only includes employment within one year of graduation.)
Brady, Martz & Associates
Bruce Keller Accounting
C B Richard Ellis
Cargill, Inc.
Cargill, Inc.
Cargill, Inc.
Cenex
Churches United Ministry
Combined Insurance
Community Support Systems, Inc.
Cooperative Solutions, Inc.
Craig & Ross Chartered Accountants
Deloitte & Touche
Divine House
Ecumen
Edward Ryan, CPA
Eide Bailly
Elliott Accounting
Ernst & Young
Fairview Health Services
FarmChek Services, Inc.
Federated Insurance
FM Printing
Fond Du Lac Reservation Enterprises
Glorvigen, Theis, Lind & Company
Hugh Heinecke CPA
Jelinek Metz McDonald
Johanneson's, Inc.
Johnson Tax & Financial Management
Jostens
Kandy B. Anderson, Ltd.
Kern, DeWenter, Viere, Ltd.
Kitchigami Regional Library
KPMG Peat Marwick
Krigbaum, Schnell & Jones, Ltd.
Lake Country Power
Larson, Allen, Weishair and Co.
Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Lindahl & Cage, Ltd.
Lodge at Giants Ridge
Lund, Koehler, Cox & Arkema
McGladrey
McGladrey & Pullen, LLP
Menards
Miller, McDonald Inc.
Miller, McDonald, Erickson, & Moller LTD
Mills Fleet Farm
Minnesota Department of Revenue
Minnesota Department of Transportation
Minnesota Legislative Auditor
Minnesota Office of Investment Management
Minnesota State College & University
Minnesota State Office of the Auditor
MinnTex Investments CO, Inc.
MN Office of the Legislative Auditor
North Country Business Products
Northeast Service Cooperative
Ocel, Heimer & Associates, Ltd.
Office of the State Auditor
Paul Froletz Tax Services
Accountant
Accountant
Associate Accountant
Associate Accountant
Accountant
Accounting Specialist
Accountant
Accountant
Sales Agent
Billing/Accounting Staff
Administrative Assistant
Junior Accountant
Consultant
Accountant
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Accounting Associate
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Accountant
Associate Accountant
Accountant
Enterprise Accountant
Bookkeeper
Auditor
Staff Accountant
Accounts Payable
Accountant
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Bookkeeper
Auditor
Staff Accountant
Accountant
Staff Accountant
Auditing
Accountant
Director of Accounting
Staff Accountant
Auditor
Staff Auditor
Accounting Department
Accountant
Staff Accountant
Internal Auditor
Revenue Tax Specialist
Office Services Supervisor II
Staff Auditor
State Program Administrator
Financial Reporter
Local Government Auditor
Accountant
Staff Auditor
Accounts Receivable Associate
Payroll/Accounts Payable Specialist
Staff Accountant
Local Government Auditor
Tax Accountant/Consultant
Thief River Falls, MN
Thief River Falls, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Edina, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Fargo, ND
St. Paul, MN
Duluth, MN
Bemidji, MN
Bemidji, MN
Grand Rapids, MN
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Minneapolis, MN
Willmar, MN
Shoreview, MN
Eden Prairie, MN
Bloomington, MN
Bemidji, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Mcintosh, MN
Owatonna, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Cloquet, MN
Grand Rapids, MN
Aitkin, MN
Hopkins, MN
Bemidji, MN
Detroit Lakes, MN
Bloomington, MN
Bemidji, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Pine River, MN
Denver, CO
Bemidji, MN
Virginia, MN
Owatonna, MN
Cass Lake, MN
Bagley, MN
Biwabik, MN
Minnetonka, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Duluth, MN
Eau Claire, WI
Bemidji, MN
Bemidji, MN
Brainerd, MN
St. Paul, MN
Bemidji, MN
St Paul, MN
St. Paul, MN
St. Paul, MN
St. Paul, MN
Bemidji, MN
St. Paul, MN
Bemidji, MN
Mt. Iron, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Rochester, MN
Hawley, MN
A Partial List of Employers Who Have Reported Hiring BSU Accounting Graduates Since 1997:
(This list only includes employment within one year of graduation.)
Pricewaterhouse Coopers
Ramsey County
Randy Rozniak Ltd.
Red Lake Band OF Chippewa Indians
Reierson Construction, Inc.
Sibley County Human Services
Stampfli Associates, CPA
State of Minnesota
Stellher Human Services
SuperValu Corporate Offices
Time Warner Cable
Uniprise
United States Internal Revenue Service
US Steel
Virchow Krause & Co.
Winthrop Resources
Accountant
Budget Analyst
Accountant
Grant & Contract Accountant
Accountant
Accounting Technician
Staff Accountant
State Auditor
Administrative Assistant
Staff Accountant
Staff Accountant
Billing Account Representative
Federal Compliance Agent
Staff Associate-Accounting
Staff Accountant
Accountant
Minneapolis, MN
St. Paul, MN
International Falls, MN
Red Lake, MN
Bemidji, MN
Gaylord, MN
Bloomington, MN
Duluth, MN
Bemidji, MN
Eden Prairie, MN
Minneapolis, MN
Duluth, MN
Bovey, MN
Keewatin, MN
Bloomington, MN
Hopkins, MN
Note 1: Some of the above job/career titles require advanced degrees or specialized training.
Note 2: Degrees alone do not get students jobs. Internships, summer jobs, volunteer work, part-time jobs, work-study
positions, and active participation in student organizations on campus are all ways to become more competitive in a
tight job market.
Note 3: Personal Competencies: it is also recommended that individuals be competent in a variety of communication
methods, and computer skills are a must.
Bibliography:
Annual Graduate Follow-Up Study 1997-2010. Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN (2011)
Bemidji State University Undergraduate Catalog 2011-2012. Bemidji State University, Bemidji, MN (2011)
DISCOVER. The American Testing Program, Educational Technology Center, Hunt Valley, MD (2011)
MnCareers/iSeek. Research and Statistics Office, MN Dept. of Economic Security, St. Paul, MN (2011)
Occupational Outlook Handbook. U.S. Dept. of Labor, JIST Publishing Inc., Indianapolis, IN (2010)
For more information, please contact the Career Services Office in 102 Sanford Hall
or call us at 218-755-2038 or toll free at 800-657-3726.