Accounting Career Options
Guide to internships and full-time employment
Office of Career Planning and Placement
What is accounting?
Accounting is the process of analyzing and synthesizing financial data, interpreting and developing financial and investment strategies, as well as managing costs and assets.
Courses within the accounting major cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Preparation and interpretation of financial statements
- Concepts and procedures for financial data to manage a business
- Techniques for database design and information systems auditing
- Concepts related to business and individual taxation
For more information on the accounting program at the Mike School of Business, visit: ilitchbusiness.wayne.edu/accounting
What do accountants do?
Audit | Tax | Advisors/consultants |
| Examine the financial statements of a company or organization and independently certify the statements are valid, accurate, and relevant. | Provide tax services primarily create strategies to minimize tax liabilities for their clients. Additionally, they prepare tax returns, advise on tax laws, assure clients of tax law compliance, etc. | Analyze key data issues, patterns, and trends to identify implications, and improve efficiency and effectiveness for clients. |
Private | Public |
| Work directly for a company, government or non-profit organization. Manage financial data, preparing financial statements, and provides information to company management | Work for a public accounting firm and provide accounting services to companies, the government, etc. |
Traditional career titles | Entry-level accounting titles | Top industries |
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Public accounting career fair
- Annual career fair held for students/alumni interested in public accounting
- Engage with employers recruiting for co-op/internships and full-time positions in public or private industries
- Check Handshake for details
Accounting summer program career night
- Annual networking reception held in February that gives students interested in pursuing a career in public accounting a chance to engage with local CPA firms
- Opportunity to learn more about accounting summer leadership and exploratory programs
- Check Handshake for details
Business career fairs
- Annual career fairs held for Ilitch School students and alumni to meet with employers in various functions for co-op/internship positions and full-time employment
- Check Handshake for details
Quick prep tips
- Apply for jobs, register for Career, Planning and Placement events, research employers on Handshake
- Attend meet and greets, company presentations, career fair prep, and mock interviews
- Attend Ilitch School career fairs
- Submit your resume for review and get approval on Handshake or schedule an appointment with a Career, Planning and Placement advisor
- Prepare for upcoming interviews:
- Meet with a Career, Planning and Placement advisor for one-on-one guidance
- Schedule a "Monday mock" Interviews through Handshake
- Know your options! Research CPA firms and private employers
- Purchase business professional attire or borrow attire from the Mary Ann Goldsberry Professional Dress Closet located in Career, Planning and Placement, Suite 299
- Check Handshake for more details
Summer leadership and exploratory programs
- Introductory exploration programs for freshman and sophomore students interested in public accounting
- Held during the summer months from one day to several weeks at CPA firms along with other college students
- Check Handshake for more details
Internships and full-time employment
- Internships occur during the winter (busy tax season) and summer months
- Full-time recruiting occurs during the first three months of the fall and winter semester
- Check Handshake for more details
What can I do with this major?
Industries | Suggested employers |
| Public Accounting
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| Corporate Accounting
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| Government
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Get involved
- Beta Alpha Psi
- Financial Management Association
- Association of Latino Professionals in America
- Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants
- National Association of Black Accountants
- MPREP (Multicultural Professional Readiness Education Program)
- Warriors in Accounting and Business Student Organization
- Ilitch School student organizations
