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I'm a rising junior that is interested in accounting but I'm unsure what are the possible career paths for me. ?

What can I do in the upcoming year and even now to help me? What are the possible career paths for me?

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Kris’s Answer

Hi Katrina,

Here's a list of the top 5 career paths for accounting graduates, each with its own benefits and challenges. I've personally worked in the first three roles, and they were key in helping me grow in my career. Starting at a CPA firm can be a great way to quickly learn a lot and build a strong network. It helped me develop my skills in audit, tax, and advisory. The FP&A role allowed me to connect with important business partners and shift my focus from basic accounting to a deeper understanding of financial analysis.

Top 5 Career Paths for Accounting Graduates

1. Accountant (General or CPA)
Accountants handle financial records, prepare statements, and ensure compliance. CPAs have extra certification and can represent clients before the IRS.

Benefits:
- High demand and job stability
- Clear career growth from staff to partner
- Skills useful in many sectors

Challenges:
- Long hours, especially during busy seasons
- Must keep up with changing regulations

2. Auditor (Internal or External)
Auditors check financial statements for accuracy and compliance. Internal auditors work within companies; external auditors work for firms with multiple clients.

Benefits:
- Strong job security
- Exposure to various industries
- Opportunities to specialize

Challenges:
- Possible travel requirements
- Long hours during busy periods

3. Financial Analyst
Financial analysts assess data, forecast trends, and aid in investment decisions for companies or banks.

Benefits:
- Competitive pay and growth potential
- Involvement in strategic decisions
- Opportunities in many industries

Challenges:
- High-pressure with tight deadlines
- May need advanced skills

4. Forensic Accountant
Forensic accountants investigate financial issues, often working with law enforcement or in legal settings.

Benefits:
- Engaging work with real impact
- Growing demand for fraud prevention
- Involvement in significant cases

Challenges:
- Detail-intensive and sometimes stressful
- May need extra certifications

5. Financial Planner or Advisor
Financial planners help manage finances, investments, and taxes for individuals or organizations.

Benefits:
- High earning potential
- Build long-term client relationships
- Flexibility to work independently

Challenges:
- Requires sales skills and building a client base
- Income may be commission-based initially

These paths offer a mix of stability, growth, and specialization. Choose the one that matches your interests, whether it's investigative work, advisory roles, or strategic analysis.
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Brian’s Answer

Accounting offers many exciting career paths. My son is about to finish his accounting degree and will start working in auditing with a public accounting firm. He looks forward to working with different clients and having new experiences each day. I have worked with accounting majors in personal finance, financial analysis, tax, actuarial work, and any job that involves math.
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Gilbert’s Answer

Hi Katrina,

This is a great profession, being an accountant can open many doors. You can work independently with your own accounting firm or offer consulting services, or you can work for government agencies or private companies.
There’s a wide range of options — you can focus on finance, auditing, analysis, or even teaching.

There are many different paths, so I’d recommend watching some videos about the different branches of accounting and seeing which one grabs your attention.
I imagine you enjoy working with numbers, so I’d also suggest looking into other related fields like Economics, it’s super interesting too!

Regards,

Gilbert
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Christopher’s Answer

Hi Katrina! There are many different career paths you can take with an accounting degree.

Here are some common accounting career options:
Public Accountant: Public accountants work for accounting firms and provide services such as auditing, tax preparation, and consulting for clients. They often pursue certifications like CPA (Certified Public Accountant) to enhance their credentials.

Corporate Accountant: These accountants work within companies, managing financial records, preparing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Roles can include financial analyst, management accountant, and internal auditor.

Tax Accountant: Specializing in tax-related matters, tax accountants prepare tax returns, advise clients on tax strategies, and ensure compliance with tax laws. This role requires a strong understanding of tax codes and regulations.

Forensic Accountant: Forensic accountants investigate financial discrepancies and fraud. They often work with law enforcement agencies and require strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Auditor: Auditors examine financial statements and records to ensure accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. They can work internally within organizations or externally for accounting firms.

Forbes offers some good information about different careers, forecasted job growth, average salaries, etc.
https://www.forbes.com/advisor/education/business-and-marketing/what-can-you-do-with-accounting-degree/
Thank you comment icon I appreciate your support, Christopher Katrina
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Debra’s Answer

Go onto Linked In and search for others who have degrees in accounting. Reach out to them and connect. It is so important to talk to people that are currently in the career field. Also see if you can do an internship through your career placement office at school. Seeing the work for yourself is always best to decide what area you want to be in.
Thank you comment icon I agree with this 100% . Also, ask friends, family members and friends of friends if anyone knows anyone in the field and begin having conversations. Best of luck! ELISSA NESBITT
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Jeff’s Answer

There are many career paths you can explore with an accounting background. You don't have to become an accountant; having accounting skills is always useful. I got my MBA in Accounting because I loved it, not to become an accountant. This knowledge has helped me understand business basics and has opened doors to jobs in financial analysis and sales consulting. If accounting interests you, go for it and see where it leads. Good luck!
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Theresa’s Answer

Hi Katrina - have you checked out LinkedIn? Search accounting - search "internships" and related words. Also, search for networking groups in that field. I would highly recommend trying to get an internship with banks, CPA firms, and actually any accounting department for a large company in your area. This can give you a real life experience and opportunity to interact with others in your field of interest.
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Martina’s Answer

Hi Katrina,

This is a great question. There are only tax accountant options, so if you don't like taxes then this is probably not the field for you unfortunately. Best to graduate then figure out if you like the job or not.
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Rohit’s Answer

Hi Katrina,

Choosing accounting as your major is a smart move, as it leads to great job opportunities. However, pairing it with a finance major can broaden your career options even more.

1. Sticking with accounting allows you to pursue a CPA and work in corporate settings or with the Big 4 firms.
2. Adding a finance minor can open doors to roles like an analyst in Treasury or M&A.

Both paths offer great prospects. Good luck!
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April’s Answer

I understand where you're coming from! Junior year is a great time to get more involved. Try attending as many career fairs and accounting events as possible. Many firms look for talent early at these events, and it's a great way to start your career.

Aim for 2–3 internships before you graduate. Many firms hire entry-level employees from their pool of former interns, so this is important.

You have plenty of career paths to choose from, such as:

- Staff accountant
- Accounts payable/receivable
- Tax
- Audit
- Advisory
- Consulting
- Forensic accounting
- Internal audit
- Government accounting
- Financial reporting
- Corporate finance
- Risk management

There's a path for every interest, whether you like numbers, strategy, investigation, or even technology.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to know that you have interest in accounting.
Below are my suggestions:
1. There are many accounting related careers, eg Accountant, Auditor, Finance Manager, Banker, Financial analyst, etc. You can find out more online.
2. Find out more on these careers and determine what you have interest
3. Speak to someone who are working in these careers. Seek guidance from your mentor, school career counselor, your parents, etc
4. Shortlist 1-2 careers you would like to pursue
5. Find out the entry criteria of relevant subjects in colleges and qualifications requirements
Hope this helps! Good luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
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