Career Planning and Placement

Accounting Career Options

What is accounting?

Accountants process, analyze and synthesize financial data, interpret and develop financial and investment strategies and manage costs and assets.

What can I do with a major in accounting?

As an undergraduate accounting major in the Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business, you will be prepared to apply your accounting expertise in a variety of settings that can include corporate, governmental, nonprofit or public accounting industries.

Additionally, our program helps prepare students to sit for professional examinations, including Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) and more.

Accounting graduates will continue to be in demand due to the need for thorough documentation of financial controls as well as stringent federal regulations. Additionally, individuals will be needed who can analyze increasingly complex financial data.

Learn more about undergraduate and graduate accounting programs offered at the Mike School of Business.

Areas of Accounting

Audit	Tax Preparation	Advise and Consult
Examine the financial statements of a company or organization and independently certify if the statements are valid, accurate, and relevant.	Provide tax services, prepare tax returns, advise on tax laws and assure client tax law compliance.	Analyze key data issues, patterns and trends to identify implications and improve efficiency and effectiveness for clients.

Private Accounting	Public Accounting
Work directly for a company, government or non-profit organization. Manage financial data, prepare financial statements and provide information to company management	Work for a public accounting firm and provide accounting services to companies and the government.

Traditional career titles	Entry-level accounting titles	Top industries
Auditor/Internal Auditor Budget Control Analyst Certified Public Accountant Financial Analyst Staff Tax Accountant	Staff Auditor Staff Corporate Accountant Staff Internal Auditor Personal Financial Planning	Education Government Healthcare Non-Profit Private/Internal Accounting Public/External Accounting

Guide to Internships and Full-Time Employment

Career Fairs

Career fairs are held each year for all business school students and alumni. Take advantage of this opportunity to meet with employers for internships, co-op positions and full-time employment. Login to Handshake to search for upcoming career fairs and make an appointment with Career Planning and Placement for a resume review ahead of time!

Internships

Internships occur during the fall, winter and summer months. Students apply for internships throughout the year. Recruiting for full-time employment typically occurs during the semester prior to a position's expected start date.

Quick prep tips

Create your profile on Handshake.
Submit your resume for review and approval on Handshake or schedule an appointment with a career advisor to review.
Research potential internships and employers, apply for positions, and register for career fairs and other events.
Meet with a career advisor for one-on-one guidance. Know your options! Research companies in accounting.
Attend meet & greets, company presentations and career fair prep workshops, and mock interviews.
Need help with professional attire? Make an appointment to check out the Mary Ann Goldsberry Professional Dress Closet located in Career Planning and Placement, Suite 299.