Explore Accounting

Discover Why Accounting Could Be Your Future

You might be getting asked, “What will your major be in college?” If you landed here because you’re curious about the profession, you came to the right place.

 

What Do Accountants Do?

Accountants are like financial coaches: they help people and businesses keep track of their money, make smart decisions, and plan for the future.

Accountants are behind every start up boom, non-profit mission, and billion-dollar budget. It’s a career that’s always in demand, pays well, and opens doors to exciting opportunities around the world. 

And when accountants earn the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, it shows they’ve taken their skills to the next level, through exams and real-world experience. Business leaders at the most influential firms seek CPAs for their ambition, credibility, and drive.

What Do Accountants Do?
Why Accounting
Perks of Being an Accountant
  • Always in demand – a stable career where your skills will always be needed
  • Endless options – jobs in accounting firms, corporations, nonprofits, government, consulting, and more
  • Solid pay & earning potential – great starting salaries with plenty of room to grow
  • Travel & flexibility – opportunities to work around the world, across the country, or from home
  • Transferable skills – teamwork, problem-solving, communication skills, and financial smarts you can use anywhere
  • Make an impact – help people, businesses, and communities succeed
  • Fast growth – a clear career ladder and leadership opportunities
Meet Young Accounting Professionals

See how real students and recent grads turned their interests into accounting careers. From side hustles to dream jobs, they share how they got started, why they chose accounting, and what keeps them excited about their careers.

Check out these videos and see how the next generation of accounting and finance leaders are making their mark.

Why Accounting
Why Accounting
Take the Next Steps
  • Join ICPAS for free student membership to access scholarships, career resources, and networking opportunities
  • Take an accounting class if your school offers one and join a business club (e.g. DECA, BPA, FBLA)
  • Find an accountant you can shadow for a day
  • Check out Accounting+ for real stories of how accounting connects to your interests
  • Visit ThisWaytoCPA to explore accounting career paths
  • Look into college accounting programs in Illinois