How to Get a Job in...
Accounting
Accounting is expected to grow
about 10-20% over the next 8 years,
according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Business growth, new laws and regulations,
current public focus on business practices,
and natural turnover are cited as resources for
new opportunities in the field.
Trends:
Requirements for the Certified Public Accountant exam are
changing in most states to include a qualification that applicants must complete 150 academic credit hours with 24
hours in accounting prior to application. Employment offers
from public accounting firms to individuals with masters
degrees in accounting, taxation or an MBA in Accounting
have steadily increased over the last few years, while offers
to bachelor degree candidates have declined.
Education & Training required:
Most positions require a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a
similar field. Some employers, such as public accounting
firms, prefer candidates with a master’s degree in accounting, taxation or an MBA with an accounting concentration.
Prior work experience, part-time jobs, or internships in the
field of accounting are helpful to gain full-time professional
employment. Most teaching positions at the university or
college level require an advanced doctoral degree or a masters degree in a related field.
Tips for breaking in:
Obtain an internship, co-op or related part-time position
Consider joining a related professional student organization
Assume a leadership role in student organizations/activities
Network with professionals/conduct information interviews
Develop strong computer, communication (both verbal &
written) and teamwork skills
Implement fair business practices and ethical principles
Consider pursuing specialized certification (such as CMA)
Develop strong logical reasoning, investigative, criticalthinking, attention to detail and organizational skills
Maintain good grades. (Most firms look for candidates with
a minimum 3.0 GPA.)
Helpful, required professional licenses/certifications:
Successful completion of the CPA exam is required for most
positions in public accounting and for some positions in industry. The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification
is offered by the State Board of Accountancy.
Earnings:
Bachelor’s Degree (average salary)
Master’s Degree (average salary)
Types of Employers:
Public Accounting Firms
Nonprofit Organizations
Government Agencies
Healthcare Organizations
Private Practice/Agencies
Corporations
Financial Institutions
Colleges/Universities
Banks
Self-Employed
Example Employers:
PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP
Deloitte, LLP
KPMG, LLP
Grant Thornton, LLP
linas HealthCare Systems
McGladrey&Pullen, LLP/RSM
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Reznick, Fedder&Silverman, PC
Greer & Walker, LLP
Bank of America Corp.
Wachovia Corp.
BB&T Corporation
Ernst & Young, LLP CaroCompass Group
Food Lion
Duke Energy
General Electric (GE)
BDO Seidman, LLP
Desirable qualities, interests & skills
Strong communication (both verbal and written) skills
Computer skills— emphasis on accounting software
Attention to detail, accuracy and organizational skills
Problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical skills
High ethical standards
Mathematical ability
Ability to travel to sites and possibly work long hours
Associations:
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
Institute of Management Accountants
The Institute of Internal Auditors
Information Systems Audit and Control Association
Association of Government Accountants
Directories:
Accounting Jobs Worldwide
The Business Journal’s Book of Lists
The Charlotte Business Journal
Forbes 500
Fortune Magazine
Peterson’s Job Opportunities for Business Majors
Vault Guide to the Top 50 Consulting Firms
Vault Guide to the Top 50 Finance Employers
Websites:
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
http://www.aicpa.org
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
http://www.nasba.org
Institute of Management Accountants
http://www.imanet.org
The Institute of Internal Auditors http://www.theiia.org
Information Systems Audit and Control Association
http://www.isaca.org
Association of Government Accountants
http://www.agacgfm.org
Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation
http://www.acatcredentials.org
Sample Job Titles:
Tax Accountant
Audit Accountant
Corporate Accountants
Financial Analyst
Treasurer
IRS Agent
Internal Auditors
Accountant-Tech Services
Cost Accountants
Controller
Forensic Accountants
Financial Director
$40,647
$42,241
150 Atkins Building 704/687-0795 www.career.uncc.edu