Accounting Major
Resources for Accounting majors including CPA information, Master's program details, certifications, and career guidance. GO WILDCATS!
The Accounting Profession at ACU
Discover what makes ACU's accounting program exceptional
Accounting at ACU
The Accounting program at ACU provides you with the tools required to employ important real-life concepts and develop critical thinking skills that will be fundamental in the workforce. Whether you're interested in public accounting, private industry, or government work, our program prepares you for success.
Program Highlights
- Experienced Faculty: Learn from CPAs and professionals with real-world experience
- Small Class Sizes: Personalized attention and mentorship opportunities
- Strong Placement Rate: ACU accounting graduates are highly sought after by employers
- MAcc Program: Seamless transition to graduate studies for CPA preparation
- Big 4 Connections: Regular recruiting visits and networking opportunities
Hear about an Accounting student's internship experience and how it launched their career! Read their story →
Professional Certifications
Enhance your credentials with these industry-recognized certifications
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
The CPA is the most recognized accreditation for any accountant. Certified public accountants help individuals and organizations plan and work toward financial goals. They can also act as advisors around financial concerns like accounting and taxes. This is a great path to consider if you're interested in building your credibility as an accountant.
Learn More About CPA →Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Unlike the CPA, this certification focuses on areas of management within accounting and covers the topic of finance as well. Offered through the Institute of Management Accountants, a CMA concentrates on management skills, corporate finance and professional ethics.
Learn More About CMA →Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
A Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) is a certification offered to accountants who conduct internal audits. The CIA designation is conferred by the Institute of Internal Auditors and is the only such credential that is accepted worldwide. If you plan on working in the audit practice, you may consider obtaining this certification to enhance your credentials.
Learn More About CIA →Most accounting students pursue the CPA as their primary certification. However, depending on your career path, the CMA (management/corporate) or CIA (internal audit) may be valuable additions. Consult with your academic advisor to determine which certifications align with your career goals.
The Big 4 Accounting Firms
Explore career opportunities at the world's leading accounting firms
Deloitte
The largest of the Big 4, offering audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services worldwide.
Explore Careers →PwC
PricewaterhouseCoopers provides assurance, tax, and advisory services to build trust and solve important problems.
Explore Careers →EY
Ernst & Young is a global leader in assurance, tax, transaction, and advisory services.
Explore Careers →KPMG
KPMG delivers audit, tax, and advisory services with a focus on quality and integrity.
Explore Careers →GPA Requirements
While GPA is important, it's not the only factor. Strong internship experience, leadership activities, and networking can help you stand out. Start building your resume early!
Master of Accountancy (MAcc)
Enhance your education and prepare for the CPA exam
The Master's Degree of Accountancy (MAcc) is a graduate program that the College of Business Administration offers for students wishing to enhance their education in the world of accounting. This program is designed to provide students with more in-depth concepts in accounting. Students wishing to obtain their CPA license are usually interested in obtaining their Master's Degree in Accountancy.
Program Details
Example Coursework
- Accounting Research: Advanced research methodologies and professional standards
- Ethics and the Accounting Profession: Professional responsibility and ethical decision-making
- Advanced Auditing: Complex audit procedures and professional skepticism
- Financial Statement Analysis: In-depth analysis techniques for complex financial reporting
The MAcc program helps you meet the 150-hour requirement for CPA licensure, deepens your accounting knowledge, and gives you a competitive edge in the job market. Many students complete their MAcc while working part-time or interning.
The CPA Exam
Your pathway to becoming a Certified Public Accountant
Do you wish to become a Certified Public Accountant?
The CPA license is a certification available for those who wish to work as independent accountants. The following are some of the requirements to obtain the CPA in Texas:
Texas CPA Requirements
- Background Check: Complete the electronic fingerprint process for a background check of the criminal history files of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
- Degree Requirement: Hold a baccalaureate or higher degree from a board-recognized United States college or university, or an equivalent degree from an institution in another country
- Credit Hours: Complete 150 semester hours of college credit (this is why many pursue a MAcc)
- Accounting Courses: Complete 21 semester hours of upper level accounting courses from a board-recognized college or university
- Business Courses: Complete 24 semester hours of upper level related business courses, including 2 semester hours of accounting or business communication
The Four CPA Exam Sections
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD): Audit procedures, ethics, and professional responsibilities
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC): Corporate governance, economics, financial management, and IT
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR): Financial statements, governmental accounting, and nonprofit accounting
- Regulation (REG): Federal taxation, ethics, business law, and professional responsibilities
Most students begin studying for the CPA exam during their senior year or while completing their MAcc. ACU provides resources and support to help you prepare. Consider review courses like Becker, Wiley, or Roger CPA Review. Allow 300-400 hours of study time for all four sections.
Career Paths in Accounting
Explore the diverse opportunities available to accounting professionals
Public Accounting - Audit
As an auditor in public accounting, you'll examine financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards. You'll work with various clients across different industries.
Key Responsibilities:- Examining financial records and statements
- Testing internal controls
- Assessing risk and compliance
- Preparing audit reports
- Client communication and relationship management
Public Accounting - Tax
Tax accountants help clients navigate complex tax laws and minimize tax liabilities. You'll prepare tax returns, provide tax planning advice, and represent clients before tax authorities.
Key Responsibilities:- Preparing corporate and individual tax returns
- Tax planning and strategy
- Researching tax issues
- Advising on tax implications of business decisions
Corporate Accounting (Industry)
Corporate accountants work for a single company, handling their internal accounting needs. This path offers better work-life balance and the opportunity to become an expert in one industry.
Key Responsibilities:- Financial reporting and analysis
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Internal controls and compliance
- Working with external auditors
Forensic Accounting
Forensic accountants investigate financial crimes, fraud, and disputes. You'll use accounting, auditing, and investigative skills to uncover financial misconduct.
Key Responsibilities:- Investigating fraud and embezzlement
- Analyzing financial records for litigation
- Expert witness testimony
- Business valuation for disputes
Government Accounting
Government accountants ensure public funds are spent properly and in compliance with regulations. Work for federal, state, or local government agencies.
Benefits:- Job security
- Excellent benefits and pension plans
- Work-life balance
Financial Advisory
Advisory consultants help businesses solve complex financial problems, improve operations, and navigate transactions like mergers and acquisitions.
Key Responsibilities:- Business valuation
- Mergers & acquisitions support
- Financial due diligence
- Restructuring services
Internship Timeline for Accounting Students
Junior Year
Begin internship applications in Fall semester. Target at least one internship between Junior and Senior year.
Fall of Senior Year
Complete your internship and leverage it for full-time offers. Many firms extend offers to successful interns.
Spring of Senior Year
Many employers look for spring semester interns! Consider a second internship in a different area.
Post-Graduation
Decide your path: Start full-time work, pursue MAcc, or prepare for CPA exam.
Ready to Launch Your Accounting Career?
Explore all our resources including resume guides, interview prep, and job search strategies
View All Resources →