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| Much of managerial decision making is based on financial information provided by accountants-whether they work in private industry, in the public sector or in government. Financial accountants may prepare financial statements and related materials for filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Cost accountants may work with others within the organization to determine production costs. A tax accountant may be responsible for filing income tax returns for various subsidiaries within a consolidated entity. An auditor may review company operations to evaluate their efficiency, effectiveness and compliance with corporate policies and procedures as well as government regulations. An accountant employed in the governmental sector may be responsible for reporting on that governmental unit's financial condition. An accountant employed in the not-forprofit sector may be responsible for all aspects of accounting for an educational institution's finances. |
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| The CPA |
| Certified Public Accountant. If you want to practice as a CPA, you must complete 150 hours of study at an accredited college or university and pass a four-part exam prepared by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), see CPA Eligibility . The exam is offered twice each year, in May and November, in every state. Certificates are issued by a state Board of Accountancy, and each state has formulated education and experience requirements that you must fulfill. More information: visit AICPA website . |
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| The CMA |
| Certified Management Accountant (CMA). You can become a CMA by achieving specific educational standards, passing all parts of a four-part exam, and having two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. The two-day exam is offered twice each year in June and December. More information: visit IMA website . |
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| The CIA |
| Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). The Institute of Internal Auditors Inc., offers the CIA designation to graduates of accredited colleges and universities who complete two years of experience in internal auditing and pass a four-part exam. More information: visit CIA website. |
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| The Outlook for Accounting Jobs |
| In survey after survey, the job prospects for Accounting graduates are bright and salaries are excellent. The demand for skilled, degreed accountants is strong. Graduates with high gradepoint averages in their college course work are especially attractive to potential employers. |
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| A degree in Accounting prepares you for any number of career opportunities. People with a degree in Accounting are in... |
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Public accounting, performing a broad range of accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services for their clients |
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Private industry as credit analysts, financial analysts, financial accountants, tax accountants and auditors |
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Private industry as cost accountants, providing management with a broad range of financial information for decision making |
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Local, state and federal government agencies, maintaining and examining the records of government agencies or auditing businesses and individuals whose activities are subject to government regulation or taxation |
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Private industry or the governmental sector as budget analysts |
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Private industry as business analysts, analyzing opportunities for mergers and acquisitions |
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Forensic accounting, investigating and interpreting bankruptcies and other complex financial transactions |
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Law enforcement agencies, investigating suspected criminal activities such as money laundering, etc. |
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Their own businesses providing accounting, tax, auditing and consulting services |
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Private industry as credit managers, controllers, treasurers, chief financial officers and CEO's |
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Junior colleges and university teaching accounting courses |
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| CPA Eligibility |
| Persons seeking qualification to sit for the uniform CPA examination in the State of Alabama must have completed a minimum of 150 semester hours or 225 quarter hours of postsecondary education, including (1) a baccalaureate degree from an accredited university, and (2) evidence that he or she has satisfied either one of the following: |
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at least 33 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours (excluding principles of accounting courses) at the upper division undergraduate and/or graduate level, including minimum requirements in each of the following areas: financial accounting - 9 hours; auditing - 6 hours; taxation - 6 hours; management accounting - 3 hours; governmental and not-for-profit accounting - 3 hours; additional accounting - 6 hours and at least 30 semester hours or equivalent quarter hours in business courses (other than accounting courses) at the undergraduate and/or graduate level, including at least 3 semester hours in business law, concentrating primarily on the Uniform Commercial Code. |
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Awarded a graduate degree in accounting or business and completed a course of instruction that includes all of the requirements specified in (a) above. |
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| If you need any further information, see the Chair of the Department of Accounting. |
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| Office of Career Services |
| The Career Services MCOB Satellite Office is located in room 245. The office is open during the fall and spring semesters on Mondays from 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Thursdays from 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. |
Please contact Ms. Amy Yeend for further information.
USA Career Services
6420 Old Shell Road
Mobile, AL 36688
(251) 460-6188
ayeend@usouthal.edu |
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