What Can I Do With My Accounting Major?
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
- Skills Developed Through This Major
- Sample Career Titles with This Degree
- Sample Employers
- Ways to Explore and Reality Test Careers
- How to Increase Employability
- Professional Association Links
- Employment and Internship Links
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).
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 |
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)
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.
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Institute of Management Accountants
- National Society of Accountants
- State of New Hampshire Board of Accountancy
- The New Hampshire Society of Certified Public Accountants
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).
Lynn Hedge
Accounting Dept. Chair
(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