Accounting Careers
About Accounting
The accounting industry is vital to the financial stability and transparency of businesses and individuals alike. Accountants manage financial records, ensure compliance with regulations, and provide critical financial insights. Areas of expertise within accounting include auditing, tax preparation, forensic accounting, and internal auditing. The focus is ultimately on ensuring the accuracy of financial information and aiding in strategic financial planning. The most recognized certifications in the accounting industry are the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) and CMA (Certified Management Accountant).
The majority of Creighton students pursue an initial career path within public accounting, of which many resources on this page are dedicated. Private, or management, accounting is also a possible path through the accounting major. Entry-level roles such as Staff Accountant, Junior Auditor, and Tax Associate follow a specific recruitment timeline and selection process.
Featured Resources
What is Accounting?
Accounting roles typically fall under two categories:
Public Accounting
Public accounting involves providing audit, tax, and consulting services to a variety of clients, including corporations, governments, and individuals. Public accountants often work for accounting firms ranging from large multinational organizations to small local practices. They help ensure that financial statements are accurate and compliant with laws and regulations. This work also requires professional credentialing through the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam.
Private Accounting
Private (or management) accounting is focused on the financial activities within a specific organization. Unlike public accountants, who serve a variety of clients, private accountants work internally within a company, non-profit organization, or government agency. They are responsible for preparing detailed financial reports, managing budgets, analyzing financial performance, and aiding in strategic planning. Management accountants ensure that the organization’s financial operations are efficient and aligned with its overall goals.
Additional specialized fields of accounting exist as well, such as forensics or controlling. These fields are typically pursued by candidates with previous account experience.
Entry level roles for public accounting are standard, including titles such as Staff Accountant, Audit Associate, or Assurance Associate. Variety exists within the different sizes of firms:
- Large Firms (Big Four) These firms offer a wide range of accounting and consulting services and have clients with significant revenues, many with an international footprint. These firms include:
- Deloitte
- PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
- Ernst & Young (EY)
- KPMG
- RSM
- Mid-Tier and Regional Firms These firms may focus on specific industries or services and typically handle clients with moderate revenues. Examples include:
- Grant Thornton
- BDO
- Baker Tilly
- Clifton Larson Allen
- Forvis Mazars
- Eide Bailly
- Lutz
- Local Firms These firms are small, locally owned and operated firms, including tax preparation servicers. Examples are plentiful in each city / state.
- Frankel
- Boutique Firms These firms specialize in niche areas such as forensic accounting or tax services for specific industries. Examples include:
- CBIZ MHM
- EisnerAmper
Private accounting roles can be held at any company or organization. Typical roles could include:
- Cost Accounting
- Responsibilities: Analyzing production costs, budgeting, cost control
- Workplaces: Manufacturing companies, retail firms, service providers
- Financial Analysis
- Responsibilities: Analyzing financial data, forecasting, performance evaluation
- Workplaces: Corporations, non-profits, government agencies
- Budgeting and Planning
- Responsibilities: Developing and managing budgets, financial planning, variance analysis
- Workplaces: Large corporations, healthcare organizations, educational institutions
- Internal Auditing
- Responsibilities: Evaluating internal controls, ensuring compliance, risk management
- Workplaces: Corporations, non-profits, government agencies
Skills for Accounting
To excel in accounting, individuals should possess the following skills and traits:
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
- Proficiency in accounting software and Microsoft Excel
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Effective communication skills
- Ethical integrity and professionalism
- Knowledge of financial regulations and compliance
- Ability to work well in teams and independently
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Certification
The CPA credential is highly esteemed and often required for senior accounting positions. Here are the general steps to obtain CPA certification:
- Educational Requirements:
- A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field
- 150 semester hours of education (requirements vary by state)
- Examination:
- Pass the CPA Exam, which consists of three core sections (AUD, FAR, REG) and one chosen discipline (BAR, ISC, or TCP)
- Experience:
- Typically 1-2 years of relevant work experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA
- Continuing Education:
- Ongoing professional education to maintain certification
Get more information about the CPA exam, including state-by-state specifications.
Recruiting Timeline
Summer and busy season internships are often a requirement for landing full-time offers.
Recruiting for summer public accounting internship programs (typically the summer before junior year) for Big 4 and many regional firms often begins almost two years in advance, as early as August of a student’s sophomore year, with the majority of applications and interviews taking place in the fall semester. Some local and smaller regional firms may also offer summer internships before junior year, or even before sophomore year, sometimes recruiting before students have completed mid-level accounting courses. We encourage students to begin networking with professionals and recruiters as early as freshman year, with a heavier emphasis in spring of freshman year and fall of sophomore year, to build relationships and prepare for early recruitment opportunities.
Students interested in Accounting should be vigilant in learning about and applying to internship opportunities, sometimes earlier than is comfortable. Firms that target Creighton University students typically engage formally with the John P. Fahey Career Center and Beta Alpha Psi, the accounting honor organization, to post positions on Handshake and attend events like Meet the Firms (early Career Fair for accounting / finance / business intelligence & analytics students.)
Securing internships and full-time positions in public or private accounting generally follows a structured recruitment timeline, with postings and outreach starting as early as two years before the internship or job, particularly for Big 4 and many regional firms. Recruitment timelines can vary by firm and organization, so targeting specific companies and building early relationships is often the most effective way to identify and secure opportunities.
Meet with a Career Advisor to learn more about the recruitment process, prepare an industry-specific resume, and connect with accounting professionals.
Interview Preparation
The interview process for accounting positions can vary by firm and type of accounting, but candidates should prepare primarily for behavioral questions. While some technical questions may arise (practice questions linked to the right), students should focus primarily on behavioral responses in the START format. According to the American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), potential sections of an interview might include:
- Firm/Company/Industry Overview
- Employment History/Resume
- Behavioral Questions
- Problem-Solving Questions
- Technical Knowledge Questions
- Questions for the Interviewer
For public accounting roles, you might encounter questions specific to auditing, tax preparation, and consulting services. For management accounting positions, expect questions related to financial analysis, budgeting, and internal controls.
Full-time candidates may also encounter case studies or practical tests, such as financial statement analysis, financial modeling, or accounting problems to solve.
Student Organizations
Beta Alpha Psi is an honor organization for financial information students and professionals. Membership is by invitation only and requires completion of the core accounting curriculum along with a minimum GPA. The Creighton University chapter provides numerous professional and service events, including preparation for interviews and a career in the profession.
