Accounting is an integral part of every business. Accounting professionals help to ensure that firms are run efficiently, public records are kept accurately, and taxes are paid properly and on time. They analyze and communicate financial information for various entities such as companies, individual clients, and federal, state and local governments. Beyond carrying out the fundamental tasks of the occupation—providing information to clients by preparing, analyzing, and verifying financial documents—many accountants also offer budget analysis, financial and investment planning, information technology consulting, and limited legal services. Options/Concentrations Public Accounting Tax Accounting Cost Accounting Government Accounting Budget Accounting Internal Auditing

Career Paths Public accountants perform a broad range of accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting activities for their clients, which may be corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations, or individuals. Some public accountants specialize in forensic accounting—investigating and interpreting white-collar crimes such as securities fraud and embezzlement, bankruptcies and contract disputes, and other complex and possibly criminal financial transactions, including money laundering by organized criminals. Management accountants—also called cost, managerial, industrial, corporate, or private accountants—record and analyze the financial information of the companies for which they work. Government Accountants may work as Internal Revenue Service agents or in financial management, financial institution examination, or budget analysis and administration. Internal auditors verify the effectiveness of their organization’s internal controls and check for mismanagement, waste, or fraud.