Accounting Careers: Explore Your Path

The accounting profession offers diverse career opportunities across a range of industries. As a graduate of our Bachelor’s or Master’s program, you’ll be well-equipped to excel in both public and private accounting roles, as well as in specialized areas like consulting and financial analysis.

Public accounting is a popular career path for graduates, offering opportunities to work with a variety of clients, including individuals, corporations and non-profit organizations. 

In order to work in Public Accounting, you must meet the 150-hour rule. To sit for the CPA exam in New York, candidates must meet a 150-hour education requirement. This is an essential part of the state’s licensing process and goes beyond the typical 120-credit hour bachelor's degree. The 150 hours ensure that aspiring CPAs are thoroughly prepared with the in-depth knowledge and skills needed to succeed in the accounting profession.

• Audit and Assurance Services: In this role, accountants examine financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. Careers in auditing require a keen eye for detail and a thorough understanding of accounting principles.
• Taxation: Tax accountants specialize in preparing and filing tax returns for clients, advising on tax planning strategies and ensuring compliance with ever-changing tax laws.
• Consulting/Advisory Services: Advisory roles focus on providing strategic guidance to clients on financial planning, risk management, mergers, acquisitions and more. These positions often require strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Forensic Accounting: Forensic accountants investigate financial discrepancies, often related to fraud or litigation. This niche combines accounting expertise with investigative techniques.

While public accounting offers many opportunities, some graduates choose to explore career paths outside of the public sector. These roles may include:

• Corporate Accounting: Work as an in-house accountant managing internal financial records, budgeting and reporting for a specific company.
• Financial Analysis: Analyze financial data to help organizations make informed investment and business decisions. This role is ideal for those with a strong analytical mindset.
• Internal Auditing: Ensure an organization’s processes and financial operations are efficient and compliant with regulations. Internal auditors play a critical role in risk management.
• Government and Non-Profit Accounting: Manage the financial operations of public sector agencies or non-profit organizations, ensuring funds are allocated efficiently.
• Entrepreneurship: Some graduates leverage their accounting knowledge to start their own businesses, offering consulting or bookkeeping services to a variety of clients.

• Accounting.com: A free site that will let you search for a job, post your résumé, visit the Professional Development Center or visit one of the discussion groups.
• Accounting Today: The accountant's Web magazine and resource guide. 
• Accounting Web: Catch up on daily accounting news stories, take a poll, visit corporate partner pages and investigate a list of links.
• American Accounting Association: The American Accounting Association promotes worldwide excellence in accounting education, research and practice.
• American Institute of CPAs: With more than 330,000 members, the AICPA is the premier national professional association for CPAs in the United States. Contains information about CPA licensing requirements.
• Becker: Obtain information about the Becker CPA review course and products and CPA licensing requirements.
• Beta Alpha Psi: UB Chapter: Beta Alpha Psi is a national scholastic and professional accounting fraternity.
• eFinancialCareers: Search for a job, post your résumé or look at some upcoming job fairs.
• Institute of Management Accountants: The IMA is a professional organization devoted exclusively to management accounting and financial management.
• National Association of State Boards of Accountancy: NASBA serves as a forum for the nation's state boards of accountancy which administer the Uniform CPA Examination, license certified public accountants, and regulate the practice of public accountancy in the United States. Contains information about CPA licensing requirements.
• UB Accounting Association

To learn more about the Accounting areas and courses included within the program, please refer to the academic curriculum.

• Bachelor of Science in Accounting
• Master of Science in Accounting