This resource provides a general overview of accounting careers, common career paths, skills, and opportunities. It is not intended to be a comprehensive guide. Career requirements, job responsibilities, and industry trends can vary by employer, location, and specialty area. Students are encouraged to conduct additional research, speak with professionals, and consult career advisors to make informed career decisions.
- A degree in Accounting offers diverse career paths as it prepares you for a variety of roles
- You can work for Accounting Firms, Commercial Banks, in Financial Analysis and Planning, or the business office of any company
- Entry level roles include Accountants/ Staff Accountants, cost accountants, junior internal auditors, Grant Accountants, Tax Specialist, Project Accountants and Auditors
As An Accountant, You’ll:
- Examine and prepare financial data for businesses or individuals focused on accuracy and alignment with regulations and laws
- Inspect accounting documents and systems for efficiency and adherence to accepted accounting practices and identify potential risks for fraud
- Auditors review financial statements for accuracy and compliance. They can work internally, as external consultants or for government agencies
- Accountants may need a CPA while Auditors may need a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
- Accountants can advance into management roles or become consultants
Things to Consider
- Requires strong analytical and math skills
- Usually work regular business hours but have some busy seasons with longer hours. They may work as many as 60 – 80 hours a week during tax season, especially those that work at larger firms
- Requires strong communication and organizational skills
Why Pursue a CPA?
Type of work you can do:
- Preparing tax documents and providing tax advice
- Comb through a government agency’s financial records to search for evidence of fraud or other criminal misbehavior
- Consult with a business on its financial strategies
- Compile a company’s yearly financial reports
Only CPAs Can:
- Represent client in IRS proceedings, External and SOC Audits,
- File financial statements with SEC in publicly traded company
- Increased salary range and increased likelihood to get a promotion
- Many go to work for one of the Big 4 Accounting firms
Requirements to get CPA:
Requirements to get CPA:
Option 1:
> 150 credit hours
> 1-year full time or part time equivalent work experience under supervision of CPA
> Pass all 4 exams
Option 2 (effective November 21, 2026):
> Bachelor’s degree, 120 semester hours (instead of 150)
> Two years of relevant experience
> Pass all 4 exams
Note: CPA requirements can change, so you should refer to the New York State Education Department website for the most up to date information.
> 150 credit hours
> 1-year full time or part time equivalent work experience under supervision of CPA
> Pass all 4 exams
Option 2 (effective November 21, 2026):
> Bachelor’s degree, 120 semester hours (instead of 150)
> Two years of relevant experience
> Pass all 4 exams
Note: CPA requirements can change, so you should refer to the New York State Education Department website for the most up to date information.
Explore Different Accounting Career Paths
Accounting Career Paths
> Audit: Review financial records and internal processes for accuracy, compliance, and potential risks.
> Tax: Prepare tax returns, research tax laws, and help individuals/organizations with tax planning.
> Advisory/Consulting: Help organizations improve financial processes, manage risk, and make business decisions.
> Forensic Accounting: Investigate financial records for fraud, misconduct, disputes, or other irregularities.
> Internal audit: Evaluate an organization’s internal controls, operations, and risk management practices.
> Government Accounting: Work with government agencies on budgeting, auditing, financial reporting, or compliance
> Nonprofit Accounting: Manage financial reporting, grants, budgets, and compliance for nonprofit organizations.
> Corporate Accounting: work within a company managing areas such as financial reporting, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger accounting.
> Tax: Prepare tax returns, research tax laws, and help individuals/organizations with tax planning.
> Advisory/Consulting: Help organizations improve financial processes, manage risk, and make business decisions.
> Forensic Accounting: Investigate financial records for fraud, misconduct, disputes, or other irregularities.
> Internal audit: Evaluate an organization’s internal controls, operations, and risk management practices.
> Government Accounting: Work with government agencies on budgeting, auditing, financial reporting, or compliance
> Nonprofit Accounting: Manage financial reporting, grants, budgets, and compliance for nonprofit organizations.
> Corporate Accounting: work within a company managing areas such as financial reporting, budgeting, accounts payable/receivable, and general ledger accounting.
Where You Could Work as an Accountant:
Where You Could Work:
> Accounting firms both big and small
> Hospitals
> Banks
> Every company and organization has an accounting team including Con Ed, CUNY and Spotify
> Hospitals
> Banks
> Every company and organization has an accounting team including Con Ed, CUNY and Spotify
Key Internship Employers
Key Internship Employers
> PwC
> KPMG
> EY
> Deloitte
> IRS
> The State of New York and the City of New York
> New York State Comptroller
> New York City Comptroller
> KPMG
> EY
> Deloitte
> IRS
> The State of New York and the City of New York
> New York State Comptroller
> New York City Comptroller
In-Demand Skills & Terms to Know
Business Skills
> Business and Management Principles
> Economic and financial markets
> Financial Statements/ General Ledger
> Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
> Internal Auditing/External Auditing
> Internal Controls
> Economic and financial markets
> Financial Statements/ General Ledger
> Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
> Internal Auditing/External Auditing
> Internal Controls
Computer Skills
> Accounting Software/ QuickBooks
> Excel
> SAP Applications
> Excel
> SAP Applications
Key Terms
> Assets, Liabilities & Equity
> Accounts Receivable/ Accounts Payable
> Cash Flow Statements
> Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
> Gross Profit, Net Income
> Income Statements
> Liquidity and Working Capital
> Profit and Loss Statements
> Accounts Receivable/ Accounts Payable
> Cash Flow Statements
> Cost of Goods Sold (COGS)
> Gross Profit, Net Income
> Income Statements
> Liquidity and Working Capital
> Profit and Loss Statements
Interview Preparation
Sample Interview Questions
Interview Tips:
- HireVue is a digital interview tool where you record your answers to interview questions, it is often used for the first round interview
- Record yourself practicing to see how you do
- Read the body language of the interviewer
- Know your why: Be specific about why this career and why this company
- Research more than just the company website
- Search for recent news about the company or news that could impact the company such as new regulations
- Don’t ask questions that could be answered through a Google search
- You should be actively reading financial news
Types of Interviews & Questions
- Behavioral Questions – most commonly asked
- Knowledge-based questions to see if you know the terms from above
- Be ready to apply your skills to answer case questions
Timeline for Applying to Summer Internships
- Internships at large companies like the Big 4 are open in spring, late summer and early fall – the sooner you apply typically the better
- Small to medium size companies will post their internships in the fall or spring
- Pro Tip: Apply early since it could increase the number of times they review your application
Differences: Big 4 & Mid-Sized
Differences: Big 4 & Mid-Sized
> Big 4 firms (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, PwC) offer strong brand recognition, structured training, large clients, and strong alumni networks, but roles may be more specialized and busy seasons can involve longer hours
> Mid-sized firms (BDO, Forvis Mazars, Grant Thornton, etc.) may offer broader exposure, closer mentorship, and different work-life balance expectations, though experiences vary by firm, team, and service line
> Mid-sized firms (BDO, Forvis Mazars, Grant Thornton, etc.) may offer broader exposure, closer mentorship, and different work-life balance expectations, though experiences vary by firm, team, and service line
Additional Resources
Additional Resources
Career Research & Exploration
> EFinancialCareers – Explore jobs, internships, recruiting trends, and career advice across accounting, finance, and financial services.
> O*NET Online – Explore accounting careers, job responsibilities, skills, education requirements, and related occupations.
> U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Research salaries, employment outlook, education requirements, and career trends for accountants and auditors.
Accounting & Finance Education:
> American Express Business Insights – Read explanations of accounting concepts and financial topics from a business perspective.
> CPA vs. Accountant – Franklin University – Learn about the differences between accountants and CPAs, including responsibilities, qualifications, and career options.
> Investopedia – Learn accounting, finance, investing, and business concepts and terminology.
> Wall Street Prep – Build technical skills in accounting, financial statements, financial modeling, and interview preparation.
Career Preparation & Experience
> The Forage – Complete free virtual job simulations from employers and practice skills used in accounting, finance, consulting, and other business careers.
Business & Industry News
> Harvard Business Law – Stay informed about business trends, management, leadership, strategy, and workplace developments.
Professional & Industry Resources
> CFA Institute – Explore resources related to financial analysis, investment management, financial markets, and the CFA credentials.
> EFinancialCareers – Explore jobs, internships, recruiting trends, and career advice across accounting, finance, and financial services.
> O*NET Online – Explore accounting careers, job responsibilities, skills, education requirements, and related occupations.
> U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Research salaries, employment outlook, education requirements, and career trends for accountants and auditors.
Accounting & Finance Education:
> American Express Business Insights – Read explanations of accounting concepts and financial topics from a business perspective.
> CPA vs. Accountant – Franklin University – Learn about the differences between accountants and CPAs, including responsibilities, qualifications, and career options.
> Investopedia – Learn accounting, finance, investing, and business concepts and terminology.
> Wall Street Prep – Build technical skills in accounting, financial statements, financial modeling, and interview preparation.
Career Preparation & Experience
> The Forage – Complete free virtual job simulations from employers and practice skills used in accounting, finance, consulting, and other business careers.
Business & Industry News
> Harvard Business Law – Stay informed about business trends, management, leadership, strategy, and workplace developments.
Professional & Industry Resources
> CFA Institute – Explore resources related to financial analysis, investment management, financial markets, and the CFA credentials.