Accounting Career Map

Awareness

First Year

• Understand that accounting involves the recording, classifying, and summarizing of financial information for various organizations.
• Recognize the importance of accountants in determining an entity's financial health and supporting daily business decisions.
• Learn that accounting is a foundational element for all business activities, including research, development, and marketing.

Middle Years

• Identify the 120-semester-hour requirement to sit for the CPA Examination in Alabama, which includes at least 24 hours of upper-division accounting.
• Acknowledge the value of the CPA designation for enhancing credibility, job stability, and salary potential.
• Develop an awareness of the different branches of the field, such as tax, audit, and data analytics.

Last Year

• Recognize that becoming a licensed CPA in Alabama requires a total of 150 semester hours of college work.
• Understand the benefits of pursuing a Master of Accounting (MAcc) to meet the 150-hour licensure requirement while preparing for the CPA exam.
• Stay informed about the rapid changes in the accounting profession through faculty and professional interactions.

Exploration

First Year

• Engage with faculty and other accounting students to explore the world of accounting and its career possibilities.
• Explore resources from the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants to understand the CPA path.
• Browse the American Accounting Association's career center to see currently available opportunities across diverse industries.

Middle Years

• Join student organizations like the Accounting Club or Beta Alpha Psi to interact with business community leaders.
• Attend Accounting Club meetings to learn about various career paths, ranging from entertainment to medicine.
• Participate in the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to gain practical experience in community service.

Last Year

• Utilize the Mitchell College of Business (MCOB) network to connect with Gulf Coast industries and government agencies for job leads.
• Research the specific prerequisites for the CPA exam in Alabama or other states where you intend to practice.
• Evaluate graduate-level opportunities, such as USA’s 100% online Master of Accounting program, for advanced career growth.

Preparation

First Year

• Begin the standard business course sequence, starting with ACC 211 (Financial Accounting) and ACC 212 (Managerial Accounting).
• Focus on maintaining a minimum grade of "C" in all foundational accounting courses to advance in the program.
• Develop foundational knowledge in general business areas like economics and management that support accounting work.

Middle Years

• Complete a required internship to gain hands-on professional experience in an accounting environment.
• Enroll in specialized upper-division courses such as Taxation of Individuals, Accounting Information Systems, and Intermediate Accounting.
• Build technical proficiency in accounting and business software through practical application courses.

Last Year

• Complete advanced coursework in areas like Auditing, Cost Accounting, and Financial Statement Analysis.
• Apply for the Master of Accounting program if you intend to reach the 150-hour CPA licensure threshold within one year.
• Engage with MCOB career resources to prepare for full-time job placement in public, corporate, or government accounting