Majoring in Accounting

A Bachelor of Science in Accounting prepares you to measure and report the financial standing of an individual or entity. Additionally, it teaches you to understand the elements of the audit process, analyze financial statements, and apply accounting information to management-level decisions.  For this reason, many accountants eventually move on to other jobs and professions.  Until a few years ago, more than 50% of the CEO’s of the Fortune 500 companies in the United States had accounting degrees.  Although the number has come down in recent years, accounting graduates still account for a large group of business leaders around the world.  If you are considering a career in accounting, you should have an aptitude for mathematics and be able to analyze, compare, and interpret facts and figures quickly. You must then be able to clearly communicate your results to clients and managers

Broadly speaking, accounting can be divided into four major fields:

1. Public Accountants:  Public Accountants often work in an accounting firm, and sometimes within large firms.  They work with companies to ensure that their public records are kept accurately and that their taxes are paid in accordance with the laws

2. Management Accountants:  Management accountants may work internally, or serve as outside consultants.  They analyze the costs of the company’s operations, and try to find ways to reduce them.  They can make important contributions to the planning and decision making of senior management.

3. Government Accountants:  Government accountants can work at any level of government to analyze and oversee fund allocation and use.

4. Auditors and Internal Auditors:  Auditors may focus on investigating the accuracy of financial reporting, the appropriateness of procedures and internal controls, or on establishing accounting information systems. As they advance in their careers, they can become involved in operational management.