Accounting: Major-Career Connection Sheets: Explore: University College Academic and Career Development: IUPUI

Accounting

About the Major

Accounting teaches you to track and measure business transaction process information, prepare reports, and communicate results to decision makers. You will study the methods of recording, reporting, and examining the financial information and economic outlook of a business. In addition to the concentration, you will complete a broad base of general business courses and complete coursework needed to take the CPA certification exam. You have the option of adding an accounting specialization to your major.

Skill and abilities this major develops include: analysis, critical thinking, strategic planning, and research.

Complementing Interests

CConventional

EEnterprising

IInvestigative

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Opportunities After Graduation

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow 11% from 2014 to 2024, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Accountants who earn a CPA certification should have the best prospects. Competition for jobs with prestigious accounting and business firms will be strong, and further graduate study will give candidates an edge in landing a position.

According to the IUPUI First Destination Survey in 2017, the average starting salary reported for accounting majors was $45,000 to $49,000. The national median starting salary for accounting majors for the class of 2018 was $51,783, according to the National Association of College and Employers (NACE, 2017).

(This section is intended for informational purposes, not prediction of actual salary.)

In addition to CPA coursework, many accountants will climb a career ladder that could include management, directorship, or chief financial officer. There are various specializations such as certified management accountant, certified internal auditor, and certified information systems auditor, which require experience and additional examinations.

Quick Facts

Sample Coursework

Cost accounting
Internal auditing
Taxation
Financial accounting
Auditing
Ethics and leadership
Economics

Possible Careers

Actuary
Bank officer
Financial analyst
Investment banker
IRS investigator
Underwriter

Where could I work?

Accounting firms
Ernst & Young
JP Morgan Chase
Nonprofit organizations
Self-employment
Small businesses

Where to Get More Information

Kelley School of Business

801 W. Michigan Street

American Institute of CPAs

Kelley Indianapolis Career Services

Business Building, Room 2010

Enterprise, Policy, and Planning Cluster

This major is part of the Enterprise, Policy, and Planning (EPP) cluster. The EPP cluster is the academic home of University College students pursuing or interested in business, economics, labor studies, organizational leadership, public and environmental affairs, sport management, and tourism conventions, and event management.

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