Career Paths

Public Accounting

As a public accountant, you could be tasked with protecting the interest of anyone and everyone, from small family-owned businesses to large publicly-owned companies. That's why so many CPAs start their career here. You'll have the opportunity to gain experience in auditing, tax consulting, financial planning, environmental accounting, and other specialized assurance services. You can choose to work in an international, large, medium or small-size firm, or even start your own practice and be your own boss!

Business and Industry

CPAs in industry work for specific companies or corporations. They're a critical part of a company's management team overseeing financial records, developing business strategies, and securing financing for major projects. Positions include Controller, Financial Analyst, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and even Chief Executive Officer (CEO). At any level, the strategic advice and insight CPAs supply help to determine a company's profitability, growth and overall future.

Government

CPAs work in all levels of local, state, and federal government. They manage governmental finance, examine individual and corporate tax returns, investigate fraud, and evaluate the use of tax dollars for government programs. CPAs in government can work for the Internal Revenue Service, the FBI or any number of public agencies. Learn more about governmental employment opportunities through the Top Five Reasons Government Accounting Provides a Great Career PowerPoint.

Not-For-Profit

Many CPAs make a rewarding career out of working for a cause or group that's meaningful to them. Not-for-profits don't generate large budgets, so they need to maintain a strict financial balance. Working from within the organization or as an outside consultant, a CPA can provide services such as assisting with a fund raising campaign or creating a new budget resource.

Education

A CPA's teaching options are just as vast as their career choices—subjects include: accounting, audit, taxation, ethics, and business applications of information technology. CPA educators also publish books and academic articles, and use their expertise in information analysis to consult companies or act as an expert witness in litigation situations. Many experienced CPAs serve as part-time faculty to college accounting programs.

Audit and Assurance Services

CPAs provide services that improve and assure the quality of information used in making business decisions. They might examine a company's compliance with online purchasing procedures to guarantee that consumers can transact business on the web with confidence (WebTrust) or advise clients on long-term financial plans for themselves and aging relatives (ElderCare).

Environmental Accounting

CPAs involved in this specialty recommend ways companies can be both profitable and environmentally responsible. Corporations are now finding it necessary to become "green," as many investors place a high value on environmental responsibility. CPAs ensure that companies are in compliance with environmental regulations and design systems to avoid future claims or disputes.

Entertainment

In the fast-paced entertainment industry – music, television, movies, theater, media, fashion, and professional sports – accounting knowledge is crucial to financial success. CPAs can position themselves as business managers, handling every aspect of their clients' financial lives, from paying bills, to advising on million-dollar contracts.

Forensic Accounting

Forensic accountants investigate white-collar financial crimes such as embezzlement, tax evasion, money-laundering schemes, fraud and insider trading. Through their information-gathering and accounting background, CPAs assist in determining an individual's guilt or innocence. Often they act as expert witnesses in legal proceedings and prepare evidence to be presented in court. These CPAs work for law enforcement agencies or in private practice.

International Accounting

In today’s global economy, CPAs with an expertise in the areas of international trade, mergers, government regulations and tax laws, and overseas transactions are in great demand. CPAs who work in this area very often travel abroad and have multilingual fluency.

Information Technology Services

CPAs with strong computer skills help companies design and implement their computer systems, software applications, and network security to improve business performance and decision making.

Tax and Financial Planning

Clients rely on the knowledge and guidance of a CPA for tax and investment advice, retirement planning, and help in buying a home, planning for college expenses, or starting a new business.