Accounting Major

What does an accounting major do?

Accountants are responsible for preparing, verifying and reporting financial data, setting up and maintaining internal accounting-control systems, and providing analyses on which decisions for their organizations may be based.

What types of jobs do accounting majors take after graduation?

Accounting can be divided into four major fields according to the U.S. Department of Labor:

1. Public Accountants
2. Management Accountants
3. Government Accountants
4. Auditors and Internal Auditors

What degrees do accounting majors pursue?

Most accounting jobs require at least a Bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. If you are interested in a career in accounting, you can also pursue a Master’s Degree in Accounting. If you prefer a broader study of the applications of finance, accounting and financial analysis, some accountants obtain a Master of Business Administration (MBA).

How much does an accounting program cost?

School costs vary widely, depending on the type of school you choose and what type of program you are pursing. You can find average school costs for public acccounting colleges and private accounting colleges in our compare colleges section.

How do I pay for an accounting program?

Whether you are paying for an undergraduate or graduate accounting program, it’s important that you complete the FAFSA and review your financial aid options. You should start by trying to obtain college scholarships and college grants (free money) to pay for your accounting program. Then use federal student loans, such as the Federal Stafford Loan. If free money and federal loans are not enough to pay for your accounting program, you can begin to research private student loans to cover the remainder of your costs.

What is the average entry-level salary for accounting majors?

The average salary offer for accounting majors is $48,351, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers¹ . Salary for accounting professionals can increase significantly based on experience and professional licensure.

Are there any required exams or certifications for accounting majors?

As an accounting major, you are not required to pass any specific exams to start working after college. However, many accounting majors work towards becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by pursuing the requirements outlined by their state of residence and passing the CPA exam.

There are many certifications that you can obtain as an accounting major, including:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
• Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• Personal Finance Specialist (PFS)
• Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

An accounting major probably performs well in or enjoys the following subjects:

• Finance & Accounting courses
• Mathematics
• Computer Science
• Ethics