Overview of Accounting
Accounting is the strategic practice of consolidating financial information to make it clear and understandable. It focuses on recording, organizing, and communicating financial data.
Learn about the basic job duties, education requirements, career/salary advancement potential, and travel possibilities for the accounting profession.
Get details on the salary and job security of these accounting careers:
Get Career Ready for Accounting
Find out what it takes to land a career in accounting
Earn a Degree
To work in the field of accounting, it is recommended to have an accounting degree. Majors, minors, and degree information can be found in the Mason Catalog.
In addition to your degree, formal certifications can increase your employment options in the field of accounting. Here are a few:
- Mason’s Accounting Certificate
- Obtain a Math Certificate or a Financial Certificate from a reputable provider
- Complete the LinkedIn Learning’s Intuit QuickBooks or another course featuring accounting and/or bookkeeping software
- Certified Professional Accountant (CPA)
Gain Experiences
Employers are expecting candidates to have at least six to twelve months of related experience to be competitive for full-time positions. Gain experience while you are a student at Mason.
Here are the types of experiences most valued by accounting employers, and where to find them:
Externships
- Participate in a short two-to-five-day glimpse into the world of accounting, offered by many financial institutions. Inquire with companies such as KPMG LLP and Kearney & Company for opportunities.
Jobs/Internships
Market Yourself
It is important for you to be able to clearly communicate the knowledge, skills, and experiences you have gained in and outside of the classroom.
Below are top ways to showcase your qualifications to accounting employers:
Career Ready
Career ready Mason grads have gone on to work for accounting employers, such as:
Cordia Partners |
EY |
Fannie Mae |
Freddie Mac |
Grant Thorton LLC |
Kearney & Company |
KPMG |
Marriot International |
PwC |
Join the accounting community
Get involved with academic and professional accounting society to grow your network while you're a student.
Mason Student Organizations
Professional Associations
- American Accounting Association
- Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance
- Association of Government Accountants
- Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting
- International Federation of Accountants
- National Society of Accountants
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
- Institute of Management Accountants
- The Institute of Internal Auditors
- Information Systems Audit and Control Association