What skills are necessary to work in the field of accounting?

　　Certification and licensure in accounting and auditing are standard requirements for employment in this field. Successful accountants and auditors are generally detail-oriented, highly motivated researchers, and knowledgeable about U.S. and international tax laws, economics and money markets. In addition to self-confidence, maturity, and the ability to work independently, candidates for accounting positions need a broad range of skills including:

　　Excellent mathematical and computer skills
　　Excellent analytic and problem solving skills
　　Excellent oral and written communication skills
　　Strong interpersonal skills

    What career paths do MBA or MAcc graduates follow?

　　Many graduates enter into the profession as financial analysts or internal auditors in such areas as financial planning, resource allocation, and management information systems. Beginning public accountants usually start by assisting with work for several clients. Those who excel may become supervisors, managers, partners, open their own public accounting firms, or transfer to executive positions in management accounting or internal auditing in private firms. Management accountants often start as cost accountants, junior internal auditors, or as trainees for other accounting positions. As they rise through the organization, they may advance to accounting manager, chief cost accountant, budget director, or manager of internal auditing. Some become controllers, treasurers, financial vice presidents, chief financial officers, or corporation presidents. In general, there is a large degree of mobility among public accountants, management accountants, and internal auditors. Practitioners often shift into management accounting or internal auditing from public accounting, or between internal auditing and management accounting.

    What certification or training is necessary for a career in accounting?

　　Professional recognition through certification or licensure provides a distinct advantage in the job market. All CPAs must have a certificate and the partners in their firm must have licenses issued by a State Board of Accountancy. The vast majority of States require CPA candidates to be college graduates, but a few States substitute a number of years of public accounting experience for the college degree. Nearly all States require CPAs and other public accountants to complete a certain number of hours of continuing professional education before their licenses can be renewed. Voluntary certification can attest to professional competence in a specialized field of accounting and auditing. Graduates from accredited colleges and universities who have worked for 2 years as internal auditors and have passed a four-part examination may earn the designation Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) from