Careers in accounting abound with opportunity!
“Is an accounting career path for you? If it is, on which area of accounting will you focus? An accounting degree can take you in many directions, and you want to make sure that you are preparing for the direction that fits you best. While the job market is strong, the best opportunities will go to those students who, in addition to strong academic preparation, have gotten involved in campus organizations, completed internships and connected with professional associations. The building blocks of an accounting career will be:
- A knack for analyzing and understanding numbers
- Strong problem-solving and math skills
- Research and analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
Today, accountants must be comfortable with technology, corporate decision-making and communicating across diverse business functions and diverse cultures. No longer “just the bean counters” of the business world, accountants have increasing levels of responsibility within all aspects of the business, governmental and nonprofit worlds.
Online Resources
- Texas Society of Certified Public Accounts: Supports, protects and advances the value of accounting and finance professionals in Texas.
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants: Provides valuable training, programs, services and publications for a successful accounting career.
- National Association of State Boards of Accountancy: CPA exam news and information, including state-specific eligibility requirements.
- Texas State Board of Public Accountancy: View information about the CPA exam, educational and work requirements, fees and required paperwork.
- The Institute of Internal Auditors: Specialized information, education, research and accreditation for internal auditors.
- Institute of Management Accountants: Great resource for those working in industry, including the CMA credential.
- Association of Government Accountants: Supports accountants working in government with community networks and education.
- Association of Certified Fraud Examiners: Resources for those interested in fraud examination and the CFE designation.
- National Association of Black Accountants: Accounting information and resources for African-Americans and other minorities
- Beta Alpha Psi: An accounting and business honor organization connecting accounting students, academics and professionals.
- Tax Executives Institute: Education, networking and advocacy for tax professionals.
- PwC Career Advisor: An interactive tool designed to help assess interests and professional goals.
- Robert Half Salary Guide for Accounting and Finance: Comprehensive and up-to-date information on salaries within all areas of accounting and finance.
Certifications and Credentials
| Certification | Certification Granted By | Additional Information |
|---|---|---|
| CPA Certified Public Accountant |
Uniform CPA Exam Licensing by State (see State CPA Requirements) | www.aicpa.org www.nasba.org |
| CMA Certified Management Accountant |
IMA (Institute of Management Accountants) | www.imanet.org |
| CIA Certified Internal Auditor |
The Institute of Internal Auditors | www.theiia.org |
| PFS Personal Financial Specialist |
Personal Financial Planning (PFP) Section of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants | www.aicpa.org/membership/join/pfs-exam.html |
| CFP Certified Financial Planner |
Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Inc. | www.cfp.net |
| CFE Certified Fraud Examiner |
Association of Certified Fraud Examiners | www.acfe.com |
| NAFA National Association of Forensic Accountants |
National Association of Forensic Accountants | www.nafanet.com |
| EA Enrolled Agent |
Internal Revenue Service | www.irs.gov/tax-professionals/enrolled-agents/enrolled-agent-information |
| CGFM Certified Government Financial Manager |
Advancing Government Accountability | www.agacgfm.org |
| CB Certified Bookkeeper |
American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers | www.aipb.org |
| CPB Certified Public Bookkeeper |
National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers | certifiedpublicbookkeeper.org |
| CPP Certified Payroll Professional |
American Payroll Association | www.americanpayroll.org |
| FPC Fundamental Payroll Certification |
American Payroll Association | www.americanpayroll.org |
| QuickBooks ProAdvisor | Intuit Inc. | proadvisor.intuit.com |