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Explore...Accounting

Accounting is the study of how businesses track their income and assets over time. Accountants engage in a wide variety of activities besides preparing financial statements and recording business transactions including computing costs and efficiency gains from new technologies, participating in strategies for mergers and acquisitions, quality management, developing and using information systems to track financial performance, tax strategy, and health care benefits management.

Skills Needed:

  • Accuracy and attention to detail are important traits for accountants
  • Develop your analytical, critical-thinking and problem solving skills
  • A high GPA is expected to be competitive in the market. Grades are an indicator of technical ability in accounting and of a person's work ethic
  • Excellent communication skills are needed, in addition to working well in a team environment
  • Strong technical skills; many positions require using specialized accounting software

Types of Jobs:

  • Budget Analysis
  • Financial
  • Management Accounting
  • Tax
  • Auditing

Types of Industries:

  • Public Accounting
  • Corporate Accounting
  • Government
  • Education
  • Non-profit
  • Self-employed - CPA

Career Exploration Steps:

  • Actively participate in the University of Pittsburgh's Accounting Association or any of the CBA student organizations to learn more about the field and network with peers and professionals
  • Job shadow or conduct an information interview with an Accounting professional in industry
  • Find an accounting internship or related career experience
  • Research information if you plan to continue your education (Masters of Science in Accounting or MBA) or work towards your CPA certification. Remember that in PA as of January 1, 2012 you need 150 credits to be certified as a CPA

Explore...Business

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