Accounting is the field of study that focuses on developing and providing financial information about businesses for internal and external decision-makers and other stakeholders in various organizations.  This could include information about the cost of products manufactured, services provided, or about governmental and not-for-profit organizations. At the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire, the accounting program is designed to provide students with a depth of knowledge in accounting and business. UW – Eau Claire's Accounting and Finance Department offers a comprehensive major and a minor in accounting.

What will I learn from studying Accounting?

Knowledge:

At UW – Eau Claire, an accounting major’s knowledge draws on the basic principles of financial, managerial, and cost accounting.  In addition to these areas, they also obtain an understanding of other areas of accounting such as government, not-for-profit, and auditing. Accounting majors also learn to interpret primary financial statements.

Skills:

• Mathematics
• Ability to accurately analyze, compare, and interpret facts and figures
• Oral and written communication
• Use of computers and software packages to increase work efficiencies

What are related student and professional organizations?

Student:

• Student Accounting Society 
• Beta Alpha Psi
• Beta Upsilon Sigma
• Financial Management Association

Professional:

• American Accounting Association
• American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Institute of Management Accountants
• American Society of Women Accountants
• Institute of Internal Auditors

What career fields are related to an Accounting Degree?

Potential Employers:

Accounting graduates can use their education in a variety of fields. In many cases, their positions closely relate to their personal career interests, work values, and transferable skills. A large portion of accounting majors work as wage and salary employees in private, for-profit businesses and corporations. In addition to this, accounting majors work in diverse sectors including education, government/ military, and not-for-profit agencies. Some accounting majors also establish their own accounting practices or begin working for public accounting firms with other certified public accountants.

Potential Job Titles:

Actuary                                               
Industrial Buyer
Computer Programmer                
Internal Auditor
Public Accountant                           
Securities Broker
FBI/CIA Agent                                  
Bank Examiner
Inventory Control Specialist                       
Stockbroker
Cost Accountant                              
Systems Analyst
Loan Administrator                       
Personal Financial
Entrepreneur                                   
Loan Officer
Tax Specialist                                    
Collection Agent
Trust Accountant                            
Financial Analyst Claims Adjuster             
Governmental Accountant
Consumer Loan Officer
International Trade Specialist
Certified Public Accountant
Budgetary Control Analyst
Credit and Collection Specialist
Chief Financial Officer                   
Management Consultant

What are some entry-level jobs held by UW – Eau Claire Accounting graduates?

• Staff Accountant, Suby, Von Haden & Associates, Madison, WI
• Financial Business Analyst, Hydrite Chemical Company, Cottage Grove, MN
• Revenue Agent, U.S. Government, Eau Claire, WI
• Consultant, Grant Thornton, Milwaukee, WI
• Assistant Examiner, Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Eau Claire, WI

How can I learn more about Accounting?

Department:

• Contact UW – Eau Claire’s Dept. of Accounting and Finance, Schneider Social Science 400B, 836-2184

Career Services:

• Meet with Career Counselor
• Take interest inventories and self‑assessment tests
• Ask An Alum & Friends, a database of UW – Eau Claire Alumni & Friends available for informational interviewing

Relevant Resources in the Career Discovery Center:

Yellow Section-

Sigi3 handouts:

• Accountant, Public Practice
• Management  Accounting
• Accounting Clerk
• Management Analyst

 World of Work bins:

• Accounting, Finance, Banking, Insurance, Real Estate, Economics

 Book sections:

• Accounting, Finance, Banking, Insurance & Real Estate

Orange Section-

• Internship information pertaining to Accounting.

Blue Section-

• Hoover’s Handbook of American Business
• Job Opportunities in Business
• Minnesota and Wisconsin Manufacturers' Directories
• Resume, cover letter, interviewing, networking, and job search worksheets, books, and other resources

Computers-

• Search the Internship Center Database and Blugold Career Link for job/internship opportunities

Internet-

• Finance and Accounting Career Information
• AICPA Accounting Career information
• Careers in Accounting
• Occupational Outlook Handbook
• Career Bank
  

What are some opportunities for experiential learning in Accounting?

Internship

Internships are a way to gain hands-on experience in a position that interests you as a potential career.  To find an internship in Accounting that suits your interests speak with a Career Associate in Career Services or contact your advisor or the Accounting/Finance department chair.

Directed Studies or Independent Study Class

By participating in an Independent or Directed Studies course, students will be able to research an area that they find particularly interesting.  Contact your advisor about enrolling in ACCT 499.

Additional Opportunities

• Earn your service learning hours through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (and course credit) or by tutoring in the accounting lab
• Many public accounting firms have opportunities for underclassmen to tour their offices and meet some of the accountants, even some partners. Most ask you to submit your resume and interview for the program before you can be chosen
• Use your network to find an accountant that you could shadow, or use Ask an Alum to find one. Participate in multiple shadows of different types of jobs within the field so you can learn about all of the possible areas
• Treasurer of a student organization