Overview of Accounting Careers
Accounting is often described as the language of business. Accountants analyze financial information, help organizations make strategic decisions, and ensure compliance with financial regulations.
Accounting professionals work across many industries including public accounting firms, corporations, consulting organizations, government agencies, and nonprofit institutions. Because every organization needs financial expertise, accounting graduates often have strong and stable career opportunities.
Many Gies accounting students pursue careers in public accounting, corporate accounting, consulting, or financial analysis, with opportunities to specialize in areas such as tax, audit, advisory services, or forensic accounting.
Accountancy career outcomes
Accounting is one of the most structured career pathways in business, with well-defined recruiting timelines and entry-level roles.
Common Entry-Level Roles
- Audit Associate
- Tax Associate
- Advisory Associate
- Staff Accountant
- Risk Advisory Associate
- Financial Analyst
Many accounting graduates begin their careers at public accounting firms, where they gain experience working with clients across industries.
Examples of Professional Roles
- Controller
- Finance Director
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Consulting Partner
Some graduates also pursue careers in corporate finance, consulting, or entrepreneurship.
Examples of Public Accounting Firms Hiring Accountancy Students
- Deloitte
- PwC
- EY
- KPMG
- RSM
- Grant Thornton
Examples of Corporate Employers Hiring Accounting Graduates
- Fortune 500 companies
- Manufacturing firms
- Technology companies
- Healthcare organizations
- Financial institutions
Many companies recruit accounting graduates into finance development or accounting leadership programs.
Common accounting career paths
Accounting careers typically follow several well-established pathways.
Public accounting firms provide services such as auditing, tax consulting, and advisory services to clients across industries.
Typical entry-level roles include:
- Audit Associate
- Tax Associate
- Advisory Associate
Public accounting is a common starting point for accounting graduates because it provides exposure to many industries and strong professional development opportunities.
Corporate accountants work inside organizations managing financial reporting, budgeting, and internal accounting operations.
Typical entry-level roles include:
- Staff Accountant
- Financial Analyst
- Accounting Analyst
These roles focus on helping companies track performance, manage costs, and support business decisions.
Tax professionals help organizations and individuals comply with tax regulations and develop tax strategies.
Typical entry-level roles include:
- Tax Associate
- Tax Analyst
Tax specialists often work in public accounting firms or large corporations.
Advisory professionals help organizations solve business problems related to risk management, operations, and financial strategy.
Typical entry-level roles include:
- Risk Advisory Associate
- Technology Consultant
- Business Advisory Associate
These roles combine accounting knowledge with consulting and analytical skills.
Accounting recruiting timeline
Accounting recruiting typically follows one of the earliest and most structured timelines in business recruiting. Accounting internships often convert into full-time job offers following graduation. Students pursuing accounting careers are encouraged to begin preparing early in their sophomore year.
Internship recruiting
- Public Accounting: Sophomore – Junior Year (Fall recruiting)
- Corporate Accounting: Fall – Early Spring
Full-time recruiting
- Public Accounting: Junior Year (Fall recruiting)
- Corporate Accounting: Fall – Spring
In-demand accounting skills
Employers hiring accounting graduates look for a combination of technical and professional skills. These skills align closely with the Gies Competencies developed through coursework and experiential learning.
Technical Skills
- Financial accounting knowledge
- Excel and financial modeling
- Data analysis
- Accounting systems and software
- Regulatory and compliance knowledge
Professional Skills
- Attention to detail
- Analytical thinking
- Problem-solving
- Communication and teamwork
- Ethical decision-making
Accounting job search strategies
Students pursuing accounting careers benefit from early preparation and structured recruiting strategies.
- Research different accounting career paths (e.g., audit, tax, advisory, corporate accounting, forensic accounting, and consulting) to identify the areas, industries, and employers that align with your interests.
- Learn about recruiting timelines, especially for public accounting firms, as many employers recruit interns and full-time hires well in advance of start dates.
- Join accounting organizations and participate in case competitions or other experiential learning opportunities to build technical skills, leadership experience, and your professional network.
- Conduct informational interviews with alumni or professionals working in accounting to learn about different career paths, firm cultures, and recruiting processes.
- Schedule a career advising appointment to review your resume and discuss recruiting strategies for accounting internships and full-time positions.
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight technical accounting knowledge, analytical thinking, attention to detail, communication, leadership, and teamwork.
- Use Handshake and LinkedIn to search for accounting opportunities and stay informed about internships, full-time roles, and employer events.
- Attend employer information sessions, networking events, and career fairs to connect with recruiters and learn about organizations hiring accounting talent.
- Practice behavioral and technical interview questions, and be prepared to discuss accounting concepts, internship experiences, coursework, and your interest in the profession.
Because many accounting roles recruit early, planning ahead is especially important.
Interview preparation for accounting roles
Accounting interviews typically include a combination of behavioral and technical questions.
Example Behavioral Interview Questions
- Tell me about a time you worked on a team to solve a problem.
- Describe a time when you analyzed data to make a recommendation.
- Tell me about a challenging project and how you handled it.
Employers often assess communication skills, teamwork, and professionalism.
Example Technical Interview Questions
- Walk me through the three financial statements.
- How does depreciation affect financial statements?
- How would you analyze financial performance for a company?
Students should review key accounting concepts and be prepared to discuss coursework and projects.
Discussing Accounting Projects & Experience
Employers frequently ask candidates to discuss:
- accounting coursework
- financial analysis projects
- internships or part-time work
- leadership experiences
Students should be prepared to explain:
- the problem they addressed
- the steps they took
- the outcome or recommendation
Should you become a CPA?
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is one of the most valuable certifications in the accounting profession. While not required for all accounting careers, it is often essential for roles in public accounting, audit, tax, and senior leadership positions.
Benefits of Becoming a CPA
- CPAs typically earn 10–15% higher salaries than non-CPA accountants.
- Over a career, a CPA may earn up to $1 million more than a non-CPA accountant in similar roles.
- CPAs have strong job prospects due to ongoing demand for accounting expertise.
- The credential can lead to positions with greater authority and responsibility.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants and auditors who hold professional certifications—especially the CPA—have the strongest job prospects. Currently, the profession is experiencing a national shortage of CPAs, which increases demand for accounting professionals.
Students interested in becoming CPAs should review Illinois CPA licensing requirements early in their academic planning.
Should you pursue a Master’s in Accounting (MAS Program)?
The Master of Accounting Science (MAS) program at Gies College of Business is a nine-month, STEM-designated program designed for students who already hold a Bachelor of Science in Accountancy. The program allows students to deepen their accounting expertise while gaining advanced analytical and business skills.
Program Overview
Students choose a core concentration in:
- Financial Reporting & Assurance (FRA)
- Tax
In addition, students select a graduate business concentration aligned with their interests and career goals.
Possible graduate concentrations include:
- Finance
- Data Analytics
- Information Technology & Control
- Supply Chain Management
Data Analytics in Accounting (MAS Focus)
The MAS curriculum emphasizes the growing role of data analytics in accounting.
Students learn to:
- analyze business data
- identify financial trends
- apply data visualization tools
- communicate insights to decision makers
The program integrates team-based problem solving and real-world business analysis to prepare graduates for modern accounting careers.
Is the MAS Program Right for You?
Students may consider the MAS program if they:
- plan to pursue the CPA credential
- want to build advanced accounting and analytics skills
- want to deepen expertise before entering the workforce
The MAS program is a common pathway for students completing the 150-hour requirement for CPA eligibility.
Next steps for exploring accounting careers
Accounting offers clear career pathways, early recruiting opportunities, and long‑term professional growth across industries. Whether you’re exploring public accounting, corporate accounting, tax, advisory, or considering the CPA or MAS program, early planning and informed decisions are key to success.
The Gies Office of Career and Professional Development can help you:
- Explore accounting career paths and specializations
- Prepare for early accounting recruiting timelines
- Build a competitive resume and internship strategy
- Practice for behavioral and technical accounting interviews
- Evaluate CPA, MAS, and long‑term career options