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OverviewAccounting involves the collection, organization, and presentation of financial information for effective decision-making. Accounting services often include independent auditing, tax advice and tax return preparation, financial and management consulting, and entrepreneurial services. All accounting is characterized by compiling, analyzing, and reporting on the financial conditions of the many functions for companies, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and individuals. For more information, view the Department of Accounting website.
Degree RequirementsIncludes foundation courses required for Professional Admission*, general education requirements, professional core courses, free electives, and a set of specific accounting Courses Sample Accounting Courses:
* Students must achieve Professional Admission (a competitive and selective application process) to move from the pre-professional phase to the professional phase. ** Check the Degree/Academic Progress Report (APRR's) for your specific academic program requirements per your catalog at http://catalog.arizona.edu.
Other PreparationWork Experience & Internships Clubs & Organizations Student organizations for Accounting majors include:
Visit the FESO - Federation of Eller Student Organizations website for more information.
Career OpportunitiesTypes of Jobs and Employers Accountant positions generally require a bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field. A sample of Accounting occupations include:
Public accounting firms hire 37 percent of accounting majors with bachelor's degrees and 53 percent of those with master's degrees. The largest multinational firms have offices across the country (mostly in metropolitan areas) and audit the majority of Fortune 1000 companies. Another 45 medium-sized firms operate regionally or nationally, each employing 50 or more CPAs. There are about 20,000 small accounting firms, partnerships, and self-employed practitioners. Corporate accounting employs up to 60 percent of all accountants, involves guiding management practices so as to pay short-term debt and maximize long-term profits. Government offices hire accountants (about 10,000 in local, state, and federal government, according to the American Almanac of Jobs and Salaries) for accounting positions and as auditors. Not-for-profit organizations - United Way agencies, hospitals, colleges and universities, religious organizations, and others - require accountants to manage revenue and expenditures, maintain records, and prepare financial statements. Personal financial planning is a specialty area in which CPAs review clients' goals and objectives and counsel them on investments, cash management, insurance, taxes, and estate and retirement planning. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) offers a seven-part educational program on personal financial planning. Self-employed accounting graduates work as accountants or in other entrepreneurial areas.
Advancement OpportunitiesIn most large firms, the typical career path is staff auditor/accountant, 2-3 years; senior auditor/accountant, 2-3 years; manager, 3-4 years; senior manager, 3-6 years; possibly principal/associate partner, usually 10-13 years. There is fierce competition for promotions in the largest companies; it is easier to advance in medium-sized companies because the advancement line tends to be flatter. There are also management or senior accounting positions in client companies.
To be designated a certified public accountant (CPA), you must pass the Uniform Certified Public Accounting Examination offered in May and November after graduating with a bachelor's degree and accumulating a specific amount of accounting credit (varies by state). Most states in the U.S. require applicants to have 150 credits of college-level coursework, which is commonly accomplished by the applicant getting both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in accounting. The American Institute for Certified Public Accountants has these requirements listed per state on their web site. Some states also require an ethics examination. Write to the appropriate state board of accountancy or visit www.aicpa.org to find out requirements for taking the Uniform CPA Examination. The information for the Arizona State Board of Accountancy is: Arizona State Board of Accountancy Other certifications available to accountants are certified management accountant, certified internal auditor, and certified fraud examiner.
SalariesStarting salaries vary by size and type of employer, location, course work, and experience.
Recruitment OpportunitiesRecruitment opportunities include the annual "Career Days ", sponsored by UA Career Services, and the spring "Career Showcase" coordinated by Eller BPA Student Council and Delta Sigma Pi. "Meet the Firms" night is coordinated by the Accounting Department and is open to all Accounting majors. Public accounting firms recruit at The University of Arizona, as do consulting companies, retail businesses, manufacturers, and utilities. Government recruiters include defense audit agencies; the state auditor general's office, and other agencies. A sample of employers which recruit UA Accounting majors for both internships and/or post graduation profesional positions are:
For More Information
Professional Associations
Journals and Publications
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