What Can I Do With My Accounting Major?

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Accounting

Accounting involves the examination, organization, management and design of accurate recording and reporting procedures of financial and business transactions.  The study of accounting involves the various ways one can maintain accurate, up-to-date, financial and business records.  According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow 16 percent from 2010 to 2020, about as fast as the average for all occupations. Demand for thorough financial documentation is expected to increase in response to recent financial crises and subsequent financial regulations.  The NHTI Accounting program offers an Associate's Degree, Basic Certificate or Advanced Certificate to prepare students for entry-level positions in accounting, business or finance, and those who seek transfer opportunities to four-year colleges and universities. The NHTI Accounting Degree is accredited by the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP).

Visit NHTI’s Accounting Program for information on degree and course offerings.

Career Paths for This Major

Graduates of the Accounting program have varied work options that depend upon one's specific interests, abilities, work values, and experience in the field.  There are many career paths for accounting graduates, including positions with public accounting firms and private accounting positions with corporations, governmental, and not-for-profit entities. Many accounting graduates transfer to four-year colleges and universities.  Upon completion of a Bachelor's degree, some also choose to pursue professional certifications, such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA) and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE).

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Skills Developed Through This Major

Ability to organize Interpersonal skills
Ability to synthesize Abstract thinking
Basic Legal knowledge Analytical skills
Logical problem solving Communication, written and oral
Mathematics Computer knowledge
Decision making Objectivity

Sample Career Titles

These titles include positions that you qualify for with an Associate degree.

Bookkeeper Accounts Receivable Clerk
Tax Preparer Accounts Payable Clerk
Accounting Assistant Auditing Clerk
Billing Clerk Payroll Clerk
Management Trainee Financial Analyst

These titles include positions requiring a 4-year degree and beyond.

Actuary Auditor Bank Examiner
Benefits Administrator Budget Accountant Certified Public Accountant
Claims Adjuster Computer Systems Analyst Controller
Cost Accountant Consumer Credit Officer FBI or CIA Agent
IRS Investigator Internal Auditor Loan Administrator
Management Personal Finance Manager Securities Broker
Systems Analyst Underwriter  

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Sample Employers

  • Banks/financial institutions   
  • Government 
  • Accounting firms    
  • Industry
  • Consulting firms     
  • Non-profit organizations

Ways to Explore and Reality Test Careers

There are four key ways to explore your favorite career interests…through reading, through speaking with those in the know, through observing and through doing.  Use the link(s) below to begin exploring major related careers through ‘reading’.  Go to the Exploring Career Interests link to get tips on all four key exploration strategies.

Bookkeeping, Accounting and Auditing Clerks
Accountants and Auditors

Additional sources of information for this major include:

  • NHTI Faculty, Academic Advisors, and Accounting Department resources.
  • Professionals working in the field
  • Professional Associations (see below)

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Professional Association Links

Many accounting professionals belong to these associations.  You can use the links below to do career research and to connect with local association members.  You may also be able to join an association of interest, at a reduced rate, as a student member. 

How to Increase Employability

  • Become an active student member of college, community, or professional associations, which helps you build leadership skills and promote connecting (networking) with fellow professionals.
  • Obtain quality practical experience prior to graduation through part-time, full-time and summer employment related to your targeted field.
  • Participate in volunteer and service learning opportunities.

Employment Links

See below for job posting sites related to this major (including our own home grown NHTI posting site – see first link).

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Lynn Hedge
Accounting Dept. Head
(603) 271-6484 x4202
lhedge@ccsnh.edu

Admissions
31 College Drive
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 230-4011
nhtiadm@ccsnh.edu

Academic Advising
31 College Drive
Concord, NH 03301
(603) 230-4021
Fax: (603) 223-0785
nhtiadvising@ccsnh.edu

Revised: Sep. 20, 2016