Accountants and auditors help ensure the nation’s firms are run efficiently, its public records are kept accurately, and its taxes are paid correctly and on time.
They analyze and communicate financial information for various entities such as companies, individual clients, and government. Beyond carrying out the fundamental tasks of the occupation—preparing, analyzing, and verifying financial documents to provide information to clients—many accountants also offer budget analysis, financial and investment planning, and limited legal services.
*Sources: University of Delaware, Ashland University, Rutgers.
Career Options, Employers, and Transferable Skills
Career Options, Employers, and Transferable Skills
*Some may require a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, further education, or specialization.
Accountant, Public Practice
Accounts Payable Supervisor
Actuary
Appraiser
Audit Manager
Bank Officer
Budget Accountant
Business Credit/Loan Administrator
Claim Adjuster/Examiner
Compensation/Benefits Administrator
Commodities Trader
Consolidation Manager
Consumer Credit/Loan/Collection Manager
Contract Administrator
Controller
Credit Monitoring Analyst
Data Processing Auditor
Director of Financial Aid
Economist
EDP Auditor
Educator
External Auditor
Financial Analyst/Planner
Fiscal Services Accountant
Fund Raiser
Industrial/Institutional Buyer
Information Systems Auditor
Insurance Adjuster/Agent
Internal Auditor
Internal Trade Specialist
Inventory Control Specialist
Investment Banker
IRS Investigator
Manager of Administration
Merger and Acquisition Specialist
Payroll Manager
Pension Fund Manager
Plant Accountant
Project Accountant
Purchasing Agent
Sales Manager
SEC Accountant
Stock Broker
Tax Accountant/Supervisor/Auditor
Underwriter
Private and Non-Profit Organizations
Banks
Brokerage Houses
Chemical Factories
Colleges/Universities
Construction Firms
Consulting Firms
Credit Unions
Engineering Firms
Finance Companies
Food Manufacturers
High Technology Firms
Hospitals
Insurance Companies
Pharmaceutical Companies
Private Accounting Firms
Public Accounting Firms
Transportation Companies
Wholesale/Retail Operations
Government Agencies
Army Finance and Accounting Center
Bureau of Economic Analysis
Bureau of the Public Debt
Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Export-Import Bank of the US
Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board
Federal Trade Commission
Financial Management Service
General Accounting Office
Health Care Financing Administration
Internal Revenue Service
International Trade Administration
National Credit Union Administration
Office of the Comptroller of the Currency
Office of the State Auditor
Securities and Exchange Commission
Small Business Administration
General Skills
Compiles accurate financial data
Thinks analytically
Possesses integrity, honesty, alertness and thoroughness
Develops excellent numeric skills
Teamwork Skills
Belongs to cross-functional teams
Develops close relationships with other departments
Offers recommendations to improve overall business
strategy and goals
Technical Skills
General computer knowledge
Spreadsheet proficiency
Mathematics aptitude
Computerized accounting systems familiarity
Personal Attributes
Integrity
Responsibility
Precision
Communication Skills
Explains and relays financial data to other users
Leads, supervises, and directs others
Possesses strong written and oral communication skills
Reports on financial results
Analytical Skills
Organizes, analyzes, and interprets numeric data
Analyzes and uses financial information
Makes sound judgments to solve quantitative problems
Prepares and conducts performance tests of internal
control procedures
Miscellaneous Skills
Commits to professional standards
Works independently
Prepares tax returns
Improves existing accounting procedures
Experiential Learning
Some examples of experiential learning include:
- Tracking financial investments for a local firm
- Working on the auditing sector of a Big Four firm
- Analyzing accounts payable and receivables in a regional auditing office
- Working in the state auditor's office
- Completing typical monthly closing procedures for a large multinational company
- Handling state, local, and international tax reporting
Professional Associations
- American Accounting Association
aaahq.org - American Institute of CPAs
aicpa.org - American Payroll Association
americanpayroll.org - Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
accaglobal.com - Association of Government Accountants
agacgfm.org - Institute of Management Accountants
imanet.org
Enhancing Your Employability
Here are ways to improve your job prospects:
- Join relevant student organizations to develop leadership skills.
- Participate in internships and field experience placements.
- Become active in alumni and mentor networks.
- Develop advanced computer skills as well as mathematical and problem-solving abilities.
- Take part in mock interview opportunities.
Contact Us
To make a career counseling appointment or for additional assistance in our services, call us at 904-819-6286 or email us using the button below.