By DeVry University
December 21, 2022
5 min read
December 21, 2022
5 min read
Because the need to track finances and expenditures is universal across the spectrum of business, an accounting degree can be applied in many ways. So, what can you do with an accounting degree?
An accounting degree can prepare you with a variety of skills that are used across many different professions within the financial service industry as well as many other fields. Depending on their needs, large and small businesses, nonprofit organizations and government agencies may choose to staff an accounting department, employ a single accountant or outsource this function to a bookkeeping or accounting firm, giving you a wide array of potential career paths and work environments to consider.
According to CareerExplorer.com, there are several areas of specialty for auditors. Public auditors work with documents that clients are required by law to disclose or provide to potential investors. Forensic auditors combine knowledge of accounting, finance and law with investigative techniques to determine if a financial or business activity is legal. Internal auditors check for mismanagement of company funds and identify ways to find and eliminate waste and fraud. Investors and government agencies rely on external auditors to draw up unbiased and independent reports.
That depends on the career path you choose. If you want to become a CPA, it’s important to know that, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, all state boards require 150 credit hours of post-secondary education in order to sit for the CPA exam. This is typically more credit hours than what you’d earn in a bachelor’s degree program, so oftentimes pursuing an MBA or master’s degree is a good option to consider.
Accounting-related jobs such as Accounting Clerk, Accounting Assistant, Bookkeeper and Auditing Clerk typically do not require you to be a CPA, but may also have their own specific requirements.
As described above, the CPA is a widely known certification in this field, and many employers will require you to obtain this certification to work as an accountant. Other, more specialized certifications include the Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA).
The best way to answer that question is to evaluate your own professional and education goals. A more objective approach is to take a look at the occupational outlook for accounting-related employment. If you’re asking whether this profession is one that will be in demand in the next several years, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6% from 2021 to 2031 on a national level.2 About 136,400 openings for accountants and auditors are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
The question is, would accounting be a good career for you? There is no singular path to any career. If you consider yourself a problem solver, possess good math skills and have a natural desire to help organizations and individuals succeed financially, then it’s likely that you would find a career in accounting to be a good fit for you.
Because each individual brings their own unique attributes and natural abilities to every challenge, the degree of difficulty involved with any academic or professional pursuit is somewhat subjective. Some might find the required math coursework to be challenging, while others would be more challenged by the communications skills or humanities elements of the curriculum. If you apply yourself, take advantage of the tools and resources DeVry offers and adopt a goal-oriented mindset, you can absolutely pursue your dreams of becoming an accountant.
1Most state boards of accountancy require 150 credit hours of post-secondary education in order to sit for the CPA exam. As this program is less than 150 credit hours, this program alone does not meet the minimum coursework requirements to sit for the CPA exam. Students interested in sitting for the CPA exam should check their state’s requirements. Credits and degrees earned from this institution do not automatically qualify the holder to participate in professional licensing exams to practice certain professions. Persons interested in practicing a regulated profession must contact the appropriate state regulatory agency for their field of interest. DeVry is not able to recommend graduates for professional licensure in any state. New York students should contact the NYSED Office of Professions regarding professional licensure.
2Growth projected on a national level. Local growth will vary by location. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm
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