Section
Eastern University Business

Accounting and Finance Career Paths

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Choosing a Career Path in Accounting and Finance:

Public Accounting

Many accounting and finance majors start in public accounting and continue in this career path.  It is an intellectually demanding, challenging and rewarding vocation.  A typical work week in public accounting would consist of visiting clients, giving guidance in areas of internal controls, computer system and tax planning, as well as performing financial accounting services. 

Business and Industry

The largest number of job openings for accounting and finance majors is in industry.  It is common for an accounting and finance graduate to go into industry for two years and then enter the public accounting profession.  Most "Big Four" firms prefer to hire accountants with industry experience.  College graduates without experience start as staff accountants or in the Controller's or Treasurer's office.  Cost accounting is currently the most rapidly expanding field in the finance profession as all industries struggle to control costs.  Those who go into public accounting immediately after graduation and then later start in industry will be hired into positions such as controller or assistant controller with as little as three years of public accounting experience.  The controller is the chief accountant of a company.

Government and Nonprofits

Tremendous avenues of service to God and your fellow mankind are available through a career in government or in the nonprofit sector.  The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) hire primarily accounting and finance majors.Every type of ministry and public service agency needs financial professionals.  International as well as domestic opportunities abound for those with financial expertise.  In the nonprofit sector, salaries are modest and sometimes you must raise your own support when working for a religious organization, but the retirement plan that Jesus administers is outstanding.  "I am going to prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me and that you also may be where I am." (John 14:3)

For additonal information please contact co-chairs:

Dr. Lindy Backues (610) 225-5533 or email: lbackues@eastern.edu

Professor Tod Gilmore (610) 341-1546 or email: tgilmore@eastern.edu