Whether your goal is to become a licensed certified public accountant (CPA) or you’re simply starting to explore entry-level accounting jobs on a finance team, setting career goals early on will strengthen your focus and motivation.
Part of goal setting is understanding the various career paths so that you can make informed decisions about your future. As you complete your studies in accounting, carefully considering your career goals allows you to focus on aligning your academic ambitions with your passions.
Knowing the various job opportunities available within the accounting profession is essential, as is understanding how to strategically map out your journey to achieve lasting success.
Why setting career goals in accounting is important
Planning focuses your intentions, which leads to success. When you can articulate your interests and values, you’ll notice job opportunities with companies that align with your values and job roles that reflect your interests.
The accounting profession offers careers in a variety of areas, including public accounting, personal financial planning, forensic valuation services, corporate finance, tax, audit, and advisory services.
With a broad range of opportunities available — from entry-level accounting jobs to specialized CPA job roles — understanding your interests can significantly narrow your focus.
For example, are you interested in tax laws or Wall Street, or do you like to dive into data to analyze its meaning and forecast the future?
Understanding your preferences and interests can guide your coursework and internship choices and kickstart your career trajectory.
During your academic years, goals for aspiring accountants can include studying statistics, seeking an internship at one of the “Big Four” firms (Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG), or finding a mentor.
To learn more about what CPAs do and why CPAs are so essential, explore what is a CPA.
The CPA license accelerates your career
Becoming a CPA is a significant milestone, and achieving CPA licensure can lead to job opportunities with competitive salaries and opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
“The CPA license can open doors to a wide range of career opportunities, not just in public accounting, which would normally be considered auditing or taxation. But it also opens doors in corporate finance, government, education, and advisory or consulting,” said Joseph Maslott, CPA, Director, CPA Exam Content Management,AICPA.
“[The CPA license] often leads to leadership roles with higher earning potential. Accountants with a CPA license consistently earn more than non-CPA accountants and over a career that can translate into hundreds of thousands of dollars,” he said.
Get a glimpse of what CPAs earn and explore “Accounting careers: Your guide to finding a fulfilling and rewarding job in the profession.”
According to Elizabeth Burkhalter, Director, CPA Pipeline, at the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, earning the CPA license is an investment for yourself and your future.
“Yes, [earning the CPA] takes time and effort, but the rewards — career flexibility, financial return, stability, and personal pride — are well worth it,” she said.
Becoming a CPA is more than just placing the three letters after your name; it opens the doors to leadership roles, salary growth, and exciting job opportunities.
“[The CPA license] will set you apart. You’re not just opening doors; you’re building a career with purpose and resilience. Surround yourself with support, stay curious, and keep your eyes on the finish line. We need passionate professionals in the next generation of CPAs,” Burkhalter said.
To discover more about what it takes to become a CPA, explore the step-by-step guide on how to become a CPA.
Accounting paths: Mapping your career early
As the accounting profession continues to evolve, so do the licensure requirements.
A cornerstone in CPA licensure has always been the three pillars, also known as the “three Es” — Education, Experience, and Exam. In many states, they are adopting an additional pathway, which adds flexibility with two of the three Es.
The existing, current pathways in all states:
Master’s degree plus one year of experience
Bachelor’s degree plus 30 credit hours plus one year of experience; and the new pathway in many states
Bachelor’s degree plus two years of experience
No matter how you get the required Education and Experience, you still must pass the Uniform CPA Exam. This Exam forms the foundation of the requirements for licensure across the country, no matter which education pathway you pursue.
As states continue to evolve their licensure models, after the new standards become law, there will be a period before they actually go into effect. This duration varies from state to state, so be sure to check with your state board which pathways are available to you.
An accounting degree opens the door to various career paths, including corporate finance, public accounting, government, and not-for-profit work. With extensive career opportunities in a broad field, defining your goals early helps you choose coursework and internships that are best suited to you.
With an accounting degree and CPA license in hand, you can pursue a variety of careers, from financial analysis to public accounting. And for continuing professional development, you could achieve credentials to focus on a specific area of accounting, such as forensic valuations.
Career paths you can explore with an accounting degree include:
Public accounting (audit, tax, advisory) Serving clients by providing specific services (like tax filing) or ongoing consultation through a retainer agreement
Corporate accounting (internal audit, financial planning and analysis, cost accounting) Managing and reporting financial data within a corporation to ensure accuracy and compliance
Government or not-for-profit accounting Overseeing the financial operations of public entities and not-for-profits to ensure accountability and transparency
Forensic accounting Examining financial discrepancies and suspected fraud, typically for legal proceedings
Financial consulting Guiding businesses in making informed decisions to improve financial performance
As you explore career paths in accounting and find your fit, keep in mind that the CPA license is a powerful asset, signaling a high level of competency, ethics, and commitment.
Short-term career goals for aspiring accountants begin with a strong academic foundation:
Uphold a strong GPA: Preferably 3.5 and higher. Many employers, especially top firms and the Big Four, use GPA as a filter in recruiting.
Carefully choose classes: Classes in tax, audit, data analytics, ethics, and information systems expose you to various aspects of the profession, allowing you to explore your interests and ensure a well-rounded education.
Get involved: Network with professors and peers; participate in accounting clubs and student organizations. Connections can open the door to valuable internship opportunities. Take advantage of on-campus recruiting events and job fairs. These are excellent opportunities to meet recruiters in person and learn about various firms.
Craft your resume and LinkedIn profile: Highlight relevant coursework, volunteer work, and leadership roles. Use action verbs and include keywords like “accounting internship” and “financial reporting.” Ensure that your resume is polished and your LinkedIn profile showcases your skills and experiences.
Apply for spring internships in fall: Many organizations recruit months in advance. The opportunities are endless. Are you interested in public accounting? Look for internships ranging from Big Four and regional firms to midsize and local firms. Additionally, corporate finance teams, not-for-profit, and government roles may be the right fit for your career aspirations. When you land an internship, be proactive and curious, seek feedback and mentorship to refine your interpersonal skills and technical abilities.
Insights on how to create a compelling first resume are available with accounting resume tips. Explore best practices for resume writing and the most suitable format to use.
Developing soft skills, such as adaptability, teamwork, and problem-solving, is vital, alongside technical accounting skills and abilities. The combination of hard and soft skills makes you a versatile professional candidate who will provide substantial value and contribute to any organization.
Once you're ready to begin your job search, research companies that align with your values and interests and tailor your applications to reflect how your skills and experiences meet the needs of the role.
Before a job interview, practice answering both technical and behavioral questions. Be yourself but be prepared. Research the firm, practice common behavioral questions, and be ready to discuss why you chose accounting as a career. Make sure you have a list of questions you would like to ask the employer to demonstrate your eagerness to learn about the role and how you can be a valuable team member.
For entry-level roles, hiring managers may ask about:
Academic performance
Internship experience and/or volunteering experience (even if it’s part-time or volunteer)
Communication skills
Analytical ability
Professionalism and a genuine interest in accounting
Valuable tools and resources are available to assist you as you map your next steps:
This Way to CPA: A hub for students planning their accounting careers
Webinars for aspiring CPAs: Virtual events that offer Q&As and “A day in the life of a CPA” webinars
Everything you need to know about the CPA Exam: From eligibility to scoring details and Exam blueprints
AICPA career development: News and resources about the profession
State Boards of Accountancy: Licensing information by state
NASBA CPA Exam Portal: Official site to apply and check requirements
Start planning for the future now
Whether your next step is landing an internship, earning your CPA license, or exploring job opportunities near you, start planning today.
Setting career goals as an accountant helps you stay focused, make smart decisions, and ultimately build a career you’re proud of.
To enhance your appeal to potential employers, consider also pursuing certificates or specialized skills that align with your career goals.
Certificates are available in a variety of fields for accounting and finance professionals. You can enhance your knowledge of data analytics, not-for-profit, personal financial planning, and much more.
Explore your interests, talk to mentors, and take action. Intentional steps will lead you to lasting success.