Accounting
The language of business - track, audit, and report financial truth
What You'll Study
Accounting is the system of recording and summarizing business and financial transactions. It is about transparency, rules, and accuracy. Every business needs accountants to know if they are making money and to pay taxes.
- Financial Accounting
- Managerial Accounting
- Auditing
- Taxation
- Business Law
- Accounting Information Systems
- Cost Accounting
- Ethics
Example Classes
How to Know If You'll Like It
You'll probably enjoy this if...
- ✓You love order and organization
- ✓You are extremely detail-oriented (a tiny mistake matters)
- ✓You want a very stable, secure career
- ✓You like following clear rules and frameworks
- ✓You are honest and ethical
- ✓You enjoy puzzles (balancing the books)
You might not enjoy this if...
- ✕You find repetitive tasks boring
- ✕You are "big picture" only (details annoy you)
- ✕You dislike rules and regulations
- ✕You want a highly creative artistic job
Self-Check Quiz
Answer these questions honestly to see if this major might be a good fit for you.
Does an unbalanced spreadsheet drive you crazy?
Career Outcomes
Featured In-Demand Careers
Accountant (CPA)
Manage financial records, prepare tax returns, conduct audits, and ensure financial compliance.
Financial Analyst
Analyze financial data, prepare reports, and provide insights to guide business and investment decisions.
Management Consultant
Advise organizations on strategy, operations, and transformation to improve performance and solve complex problems.
Other Common Career Paths
- •Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- •Auditor
- •Tax Consultant
- •Forensic Accountant
- •Controller
Industries
Try It First
Test if you like this field before committing to a major:
Organize your personal receipts and categorize them in Excel.
Try to do a sample tax return form (1040) by hand.
Act as treasurer for a school club and produce a monthly financial report.
Related Majors
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be repetitive, but solving complex tax/audit problems is intellectually stimulating.
Ideally yes. The CPA is the "gold standard" license for accountants.
AI automates data entry, but high-level advisory and complex audit are still human.
The CPA exam is one of the hardest professional exams.
Finance = Looking Forward (Predictions). Accounting = Looking Backward (Reporting).
Ready to Explore This Major?
Get personalized guidance on whether Accounting is right for you and how to build a competitive profile.