Accounting Career Fields

A degree may open the door to a variety of opportunities and diverse career paths. The degree programs offered at AIU will not necessarily lead to the featured careers. This collection of articles is intended to help inform and guide you through the process of determining which level of degree and types of certifications align with your desired career path.

Earning a online accounting degree can help you prepare to pursue your career goals. This qualification is a prerequisite for various opportunities in the accounting field. Furthermore, with an estimated 10% growth in the field through 2026, demand is projected to continue rising.¹

Is Accounting the Right Career for Me?

Accountants are responsible for the preparation and examination of financial records. The role of an accountant may involve ensuring the accuracy of an organization’s financial documentation and that taxes are paid on time. Additionally, an accountant may work to ensure an organization’s financial operations are conducted efficiently.¹ If working with numbers, creating new efficiencies, and making sure your organization is adhering to financial obligations and regulations interests you, then pursuing a bachelor’s degree in accounting may be an important first step in pursuing this career path.

Accounting Jobs with a Bachelor’s Degree

Completing a four year bachelor’s degree may provide graduates with the opportunity to pursue employment in accounting fields, though further certifications or a master's degree in accounting online may be necessary for certain positions.¹

Public Accountant

After graduating with a Bachelor of Accounting or a Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) with a Specialization in Accounting, a student may seek to pursue public accountant opportunities. Typically, public accountants find employment with established public accounting firms where they work under the direction of experienced managers for several years. They may work on accounts for individuals or business entities. The primary functions of a public accountant includes the preparation and verification of important financial documents, planning finances for businesses or individuals, and providing budget analyses. Public accountants may provide advice and information while also assisting with bookkeeping and auditing.¹

Public accountants may choose to specialize in areas like taxation or forensic accounting. However, working in a specialized area requires further education. A student in a bachelor’s degree program may concentrate his or her studies in one of these areas or may have to wait to specialize until he or she is on the job. This choice will depend on the program in which he or she is enrolled. Public accountants may also choose to obtain a certification. This certification grants public accountants with the title of CPA and allows them to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Precise requirements for obtaining the certification vary between states. Therefore, you should compare these requirements with any accounting degree program you may be considering.¹

Corporate Accountants

Accounting degree graduates may also choose to pursue opportunities to become corporate accountants, also known as management accountants. Rather than working for a public accounting firm, corporate accountants are typically employed by a corporation. In this position, the accountant is essentially monitoring the company’s money. Corporate accountants track how much money there is and where it is going. They also prepare budgets and forecasts. In certain companies, the corporate accountant reviews financial reports with regard to topics like taxes and shareholder payments. Some management accountants may also oversee other accounting departments within the corporation, such as payroll and purchasing departments.¹

Government Accountants

Government accountants may find positions with city, county, and state governments. Most government accountants prepare and analyze financial documents. They may additionally audit businesses that are subject to government oversight. Government accountants ensure all expenses are being reported and revenue is being received in accordance with the law and applicable regulations.¹

Internal Auditors

A bachelor’s in accounting is also designed to help you prepare to pursue as internal auditor opportunities. Internal auditors are employed by a corporation or other business entity to analyze the work performed by employees and to uncover any inconsistencies, irregularities, or mismanagement of funds. An internal auditor may additionally detect instances of fraud or embezzlement and uncover more efficient and cost-effective ways of doing business.¹

Learn More About Accounting Degree Programs at AIU

Given the projected growth in the field, a bachelor’s degree in accounting may be a wise first step toward pursuing your career goals. Both the public and private sectors are continually seeking qualified candidates, and demand is projected to continue increasing for accounting professionals as the economy grows and globalization increases.¹

Are you interested in earning an accounting degree? Contact American InterContinental University to learn more about accounting degree programs.

1. “Accountants and Auditors.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved from: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Business-and-Financial/Accountants-and-auditors.htm (Visited 07/29/18). This data represents national figures and is not based on school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary.
AIU’s Bachelors of Business Administration (BBA) with a Specialization in Accounting is not designed to prepare students for the CPA or CMA examination or any other certification exam, but covers the knowledge areas of the uniform CPA and CMA certification.

American InterContinental University cannot guarantee employment or salary. For important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended these programs, go to www.aiuniv.edu/disclosures. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.
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