Description

Accountants create financial reports for firms and individuals, monitor financial outlooks, and examine financial documents. Their main goal is to help companies and organizations meet the requirements and standards set by the government and certain industries. Accounting professionals work in nearly every sector of the economy, even entrepreneurially as personal financial advisors, certified public accountants (CPAs), or financial planners.

Facts & Figures

Figures taken from GlassDoor and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Number of Jobs in 2020: 1,392,200
• Job outlook: 7% (2020-2030)
• Starting salary: $70,387/yr
• Mid-career salary: $92,957/yr
• Typical Entry-Level Education: Bachelor’s Degree

Soft Skills

• Analytical & Quantitative Skills
• Effective Communication
• Creative Problem Solving
• Paying attention to details; accuracy

Technical Skills & Credentials

• Softwares: Quickbooks, Onesource, Prosystem engagement, advanced Excel
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Certification
• Master of Accountancy recommended

How to Get Started

1. Talk with your advisor and/or one of the Economics & Business faculty:
   • Diep Phan
   • Laura Grube
2. Take Beloit College courses in Accounting and Finance.
3. Consult with your academic advisor about going to graduate school for accounting.
4. Connect with Beloit Alumni in accounting careers (faculty listed above can help)
5. Visit Career Works.