Accounting

Overview of Accounting

Accounting is the strategic practice of consolidating financial information to make it clear and understandable. It focuses on recording, organizing, and communicating financial data.

Learn about the basic job duties, education requirements, career/salary advancement potential, and travel possibilities for the accounting profession.

Get details on the salary and job security of these accounting careers:

Get Career Ready for Accounting

Find out what it takes to land a career in accounting

Career readiness equation: Earn Degree + Gain Experiences + Market Your Skills = Career Ready

Earn a Degree

To work in the field of accounting, it is recommended to have an accounting degree. Majors, minors, and degree information can be found in the George Mason Catalog.

In addition to your degree, formal certifications can increase your employment options in the field of accounting. Here are a few:

George Mason’s Accounting Certificate
Obtain a Math Certificate or a Financial Certificate from a reputable provider
Complete the LinkedIn Learning’s Intuit QuickBooks or another course featuring accounting and/or bookkeeping software
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Gain Experiences

Employers are expecting candidates to have at least six to twelve months of related experience to be competitive for full-time positions. Gain experience while you are a student at George Mason.

Here are the types of experiences most valued by accounting employers, and where to find them:

Externships (also called Leadership Programs)

Participate in a short two-to-five-day glimpse into the world of accounting, offered by many financial institutions. Inquire with companies such as KPMG LLP and Kearney & Company for opportunities. Note: these programs are primarily open to first or second year students. Applications may open up to one year in advance-winter prior to summer start.

Jobs/Internships

NOTE: Accounting firms conduct On-campus Interviews at George Mason, primarily in the fall semester.

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Go to "Events"

Select "On-Campus Interview" to view employer schedules and apply

Market Your Skills

It is important for you to be able to clearly communicate the knowledge, skills, and experiences you have gained in and outside of the classroom.

Below are top ways to showcase your qualifications to accounting employers:

Career Ready

Career ready George Mason grads have gone on to work for accounting employers, such as:

Cordia Partners	EY	Fannie Mae
Freddie Mac	Grant Thorton LLC	Kearney & Company
KPMG	Marriot International	PwC

Join the accounting community

Get involved with academic and professional accounting society to grow your network while you're a student.

George Mason Student Organizations

Professional Associations

Your career advisor can help you decide where to start.

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