This document provides an overview of the accounting field from a student perspective to a professional career. It aims to dispel stereotypes that accounting is boring by explaining the wide range of possibilities within the field. The summary discusses necessary skills like communication, math, and integrity for accounting. It also outlines major fields like public, management, government, and internal auditing that students can pursue, noting accounting professionals are involved in business strategy and decision making.

1. An Overview of the
Accounting Series:
From Student to Accounting Professional
By: Jacklyn Niece

2. Overview
By making this presentation, I hope to help put an end to
the stereotype that accounting is dull, tedious work
where one sits in a cubicle all day crunching numbers. I
want to share with you what accounting students should
expect, and explain why they have a bright future in
business by choosing this major.

3. Students: Why Choose Accounting?
“Accounting: The one degree with 360 degrees
of possibilities.”
o The American Institute of Public Accountants, 2011.

4.  Accounting is considered a
basic tool of business, and
therefore will open many
doors in the business field.
 This field has become
increasingly complex in
response to such changes as
frequently changing tax
laws, the computer
revolution, and the
globalization of business.

5.  Before choosing this major, prospective
students need to determine if they have
these necessary skills and traits:
o Strong communication skills, verbally and in
writing
o Have an aptitude for mathmatics (accountants
are problem solvers!)
o A great sense of integrity
o Be detail-oriented

6. Communication is Key: The
Perception Gap
Professionals want it, and students don’t realize it!
 Many accounting students do not realize how important
communication skills will be in the accounting profession. Very rarely
will you ever be working alone, but instead with clients, coworkers
and management, and must be able to communicate with them on a
business level that is productive.

7. Accountants help to sustain and grow a
business, not just to provide data.
“Accountants are at the decision making table and
provide key input into business strategy.”
o Jeannie Patton, vice president of Students, Academics and
Membership, AICPA.

8. Looking to the Future
“Accounting is the language of business, so it
makes a great entrée into a variety of career
options.”
o Jeannie Patton, vice president of Students, Academics and
Membership, AICPA.

9. There are four major fields of accounting:
o Public Accounting
o Management Accounting
o Government Accounting
o Internal Auditing
o There are many specialized career options also, including
information technology, financial reporting, forensics and
fraud, and personal financial planning.

10. References
o AICPA. 2011. American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Retrieved
December 8, 2011, from http://www.aicpa.org/Pages/Default.aspx.
o Bureau of Labor Statistics: U.S. Department of Labor. (2009). Accountants and
Auditors. Retrieved on December 8, 2011 from
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos001.htm.
o Lin, P., Grace, D., Krishnun, S., & Gilsihrf, J. (2010). Failure to communicate: why
accounting students don’t measure up to professionals’ expectations. The CPA
Journal. Retrieved December 8, 2011 from EBSCOhost.