Accounting Careers

Here are some current positions held by Accounting alumni:

Senior Financial Analyst
Controller
Staff Accountant
Account Executive
Tax and Risk Manager
Cash Operations Specialist
Certified Public Accountant
Guidance Counselor
Marketing Manager
Real Estate Broker
Senior Auditor
Software Engineer
Tax Consultant
Director of Training & Compliance
Securities Trader
Insurance Agent
Manager of Business Operations

Overview

According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants,

“Accounting is often called the ‘language of business’ because it deals with interpreting and communicating information about a company’s operations and finances.”

Economic events are measured and described by accounting. Everyone works with and uses accounting ideas, whether they’re managing a business, investing money, or just deciding how to spend their paycheck.
In business, accounting links the past with the future. It provides decision-makers information about recent financial activity, as well as information and recommendations useful for forecasting future events.”

About the Coursework

As part of a Christ-centered college, the business department at Goshen College models a community of faith and learning by incorporating lessons of ethics and social responsibility in all aspects of the business education process. Students are encouraged to question, research, and explore the impact of every business decision on customers, investors, employees, and the environment.

Possible courses for an accounting major include:

Cost Accounting
Auditing
Business Law
Intro to Statistics
Principles of Financial Accounting
Management Policy & Social Responsibility
Principles of Microeconomics
Federal Income Tax: Individual

For a full list of courses and requirements, refer to the course catalog.
Graduates with 150 credit hours are qualified to take the Uniform CPA Examination in order to qualify for licensure as a Certified Public Accountant. GC offers several options for students desiring to complete 150 hours. Students can also meet the state’s 150-hour requirement by completing an accounting degree at GC and transferring to another institution to complete a master’s degree.

Possible Career Paths

Accounting graduates have career opportunities in auditing, banking, financial analysis, financial planning, taxation, as chief financial officers and controllers. Many graduates pursue masters and doctoral degrees in all areas of business, accounting, information systems, economics, and law.

The list below will provide you with several career options, but it is not exhaustive. Please note that some positions require additional education.

Actuary
Auditor
Accountant
Budgetary Control Analyst
Business Analyst
Certified Public Accountant
Chief Financial Officer
Claim Adjuster/Examiner
Consumer Credit Officer
Compliance Director
Comptroller
Controller
Cost Accounting Manager
Director of Financial Reporting
Entrepreneur
Environmental Compliance Analyst
Estate Planner
FBI Agent
Finance Manager
Financial Aid Director
Financial Analyst/Auditor
Financial Investment Analyst
Forensic Accountant
Fundraiser
International Trade Specialist
Inventory Control Specialist
Internal Audit Supervisor
IT Auditor
IRS Investigator
Lawyer
Managing Partner
Personal Financial Advisor/Planner
Professor
Risk Management Analyst
Securities Broker
Stockbroker
State Auditor
Software Developer
Tax Compliance Specialist
Underwriter
Technical Manager
Tax Manager

Additional Resources

Start Here, Go Places in business and accountingSponsored by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

From the Occupational Outlook Handbook:

Professional Designations
from SmartPros.com

The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Accountant Training and Career Guide
from AllBusinessSchools.com