Explore and Research Accounting Careers

Types of Companies & Industries

Accounting professionals are needed in a variety of companies and industries, use this list as a starting point to explore and build your Top Companies List (learn how in “Career Resources”)

  • Public Accounting* Firms: Deloitte (Big 4), KPMG (Big 4), PricewaterhouseCoopers (Big 4), Ernst & Young (Big 4), Grant Thornton, Moss Adams
  • Corporate: PepsiCo, Intel, Microsoft, Boeing, Target, Nike
  • Government: the Department of Defense, Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Internal Revenue Service (IRS), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
  • Independent: Private practice CPA, business consulting, independent bookkeeping/accounting services

* Certified Public Accountant is a path that many students consider pursuing. Review Path to Becoming a CPA for details

Roles & Functions

  • General Accounting: Lending, consulting, analysis, trading, planning, appraisal, market research, system design, merger services business valuation, human services litigation support
  • Budget Analysis: Analysis, planning, financial management, reporting, budget preparation
  • Financial: Financial statements, analysis, auditing, regulating, consulting, planning, criminal investigation
  • Tax: Tax return preparation, planning, regulating, investigation, consulting, enforcement, legal services, estate planning
  • Managerial: General accounting, cost accounting, budgeting, internal auditing, strategy

Internships & Entry Level Jobs to Explore

Use these as a starting point for further research on Handshake, and Indeed.com.

  • Internal Audit Intern
  • Tax Intern
  • Audit Associate
  • Accounting Clerk
  • Tax Associate
  • Accounting Technician

Common Skills in Accounting

Soft Skills

  • Relationship Building
  • Leadership
  • Analytical Reasoning

Hard Skills

  • Excel
  • Writing
  • GAAP
  • Data Analysis