There’s no such thing as a "traditional" career path.
One thing is true: Most accounting graduates start out in public accounting. After that, the similarities end. The benefit of the CPA credential is that it’s marketable in all business sectors – and will be for a lifetime. There are as many different career paths as there are CPAs and it’s up to you to figure out which path is right for you. Here we give you a snapshot of the different options for CPAs in order to help you decide for yourself.
CPA 101: Learn all you need to know about the CPA profession, including frequently asked questions, a glossary of terms, and more!
Specialized Credentials
Start Here. Go Places.
Interested in finding out what it’s REALLY like to be a CPA? Want to bust a white-collar criminal or help save a struggling record label? Check out the many opportunities available in the CPA profession in our interactive website, Start Here. Go Places. You can also check out a short video and learn more about the careers of CPAs in all different fields of accounting.
Video: Start Going Places: Explore the CPA Profession (3:40)
New Hires: Where are they going?
ARTICLE:
Top Jobs for the Class of 2009
Accounting is consistently one of the hottest jobs for new graduates, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Figure 1: Top Jobs for the Class of 2009
| Job Function |
Starting Salary Offer |
| Teaching |
$35,496 |
| Management Trainee |
$41,353 |
| Financial/Treasury Analysis |
$52,043 |
| Consulting |
$56,472 |
| Sales |
$41,577 |
| Accounting (Public) |
$49,437 |
| Accounting (Private) |
$45,859 |
| Software Design & Development |
$63,798 |
| Registered Nursing |
$45,229 |
| Project Engineering |
$58,570 |