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