Major

Careers

Accounting - Financial Accounting

Related Skills

  • Excellent computer skills.
  • Learn to work well within in a team.
  • Develop strong oral and written communication skills.
  • Gain work experience and information about careers through internships.
  • Certifications available through the Institute of Internal Auditors or the Institute of Management Accountants may increase job marketability in some areas of accounting.
  • Analytical, critical-thinking and problem solving skills.
  • High ethical standards.
  • Accuracy and attention to detail
  • Accounting - experience with financial transactions and preparing financial statements
  • Ability to meet deadlines and multitask
  • SFAS Rules - knowledge of applicable Financial ACCounting and Standards Board (FASB) accounting rules

Contact

Career Industry Liaison

Kristy Dewall
(309) 438-2200
223 Bone Student Center

Internship Coordinator

Ronald Guidry
(309) 438-2968
SFHB 350

Being Successful in the Field

  • Bachelor's degree
  • Passing the Certified Public Accountant Exam. State laws govern the practice of accountancy and specify the requirements to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. In most states, the State Board of Accountancy has a website that outlines those requirements.
  • Graduate degrees are also a plus.

Related Fields

Public Accounting

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

Employers

Large/multinational, Regional, or Local Public accounting firms
Sole practitioners

Strategies

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. State laws govern the practice of accountancy and specify the requirements to be eligible to sit for the CPA exam. In most states, the State Board of Accountancy has a Web site that outlines those requirements.

Corporate Accounting

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

Employers

Companies of all sizes, in all industries

Strategies

Many managers in corporate settings obtain an MBA degree after several years of work experience.

Government

  • 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, and State and local agencies.

Strategies

Become familiar with the government application process.

Education

  • Teaching
  • Research
  • Consulting

Employers

Universities and colleges

Strategies

A Ph.D. in Accounting or a DBA, Doctorate in Business Administration, in accounting is generally required. Maintain a high GPA and secure strong faculty recommendations for admittance into graduate school.

Non-Profit

  • 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

Strategies

Volunteer at non-profit organizations and build a network of contacts in the non-profit sector.

Other Professions

  • Accounting Manager
  • Accounting Practitioner
  • Accounting Supervisor
  • Actuary
  • Bank Examiner
  • Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
  • CIA
  • Claims Adjuster
  • Commercial Banker
  • Commodity Trader
  • Consultant
  • Consumer Credit Officer
  • Controller
  • External Auditor
  • FBI Agent
  • Industrial Buyer
  • Inventory Control Specialist
  • Payroll Manager
  • Public Accountant (PA)
  • Registered Public Accountant (RPA)