The Accounting section of Students Again will provide an introduction to accounting techniques and theories as they relate to business organizations. Transaction analysis and information processing for a service and merchandising concern. Measurement and reporting of assets, liabilities, and equity. Emphasizing is on financial accounting, required reading and example homework is provided.
What is Accounting?
Accounting provides information about economic activities within businesses. Accountants play a essential role by providing relevant information to decision-makers. Accountants can also work independently of businesses as public accountants providing management services, tax advice, and independent audit service.
Reasons To Major In Accounting
Accounting is a business degree that gives you the education to succeed at just about anything in the business world. It can give you the foundation you need to go on and become a CPA. If becoming a CPA is not your path, an accounting degree can prepare you to work in an accounting firm, to pursue a career in finance, to work in government, or to become an entrepreneur ready to tackle the busy tax season. Having an accounting background can open many doors in the business world.
Some Specializations Within the Accounting Major
Specializations related to a degree in Accounting may differ widely at colleges and universities. However, here are a number of common specializations:
- Auditor
- Certified Management Accountant
- Governmental Accounting
- Public Accounting
- Taxation
- Non-Profit Accounting
- Certified Financial Accountant
- Certified Public Accounting
What Courses Do Accounting Majors Take?
Here is a broad list of courses you may attend as an accounting major:
- Accounting Information Systems
- Auditing
- Computer Information Systems
- Cost Accounting
- Economics
- Finance
- Government Accounting
- Management
- Marketing
Some of the Top Schools In the United States for Accounting Majors Include...
- University of Texas - Austin
- University of Illinois - Champaign
- Brigham Young University - Provo
- University of Pennsylvania - Philadelphia
- University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Professional Organizations
As you are getting closer to completing your degree it is important to begin building a network in the accounting field. Professional accounting organizations provide an opportunity to build such a network. Here are links to a few accounting organizations to give you a head start:
- The American Accounting Association (AAA)
- The Association For Accounting Administration (AAA)
- Association of Government Accountants (AGA)
- The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
- The International Network of Accountants and Auditors
Employment Opportunities For Accounting Graduates
Employment opportunities for accounting majors going into the accounting field tend to land in one of three areas: public accounting, private accounting, and government/not-for profit accounting.
Public Accounting
Public accounting firms provide auditing, tax, accounting, and consulting services. These firms range in size from a single accountant to very large international firms. Accountants in a public accounting firm works with a variety of companies and gains wide exposure to the field as well as experience.
Private Industry Accounting
In private industry accounting, you will work for one company. This type of employment will allow you to gain a detailed knowledge base and experience in the accounting for that company. Your daily activities will involve preparing the financial information necessary to help the decision makers of the company plan and control company activities.
Government & Non-For-Profit Accounting
The goal of the accounting department in government agencies is to function within the budgetary constraints mandated by the legislature. Government accountants also monitor the appropriation of funds and awarding of contracts to private agencies that must follow governmental regulations.
