The Field

Accounting is often referred to as the language of business. Today’s accountants are highly skilled professionals who identify, measure, communicate, and interpret economic information. Whether in the largest accounting firm in the world or the smallest not-for-profit organization, accountants use their knowledge and skills to provide information and advice on many different issues.

As members of CPA firms, accountants may work on the financial statements of Fortune 500 companies, provide recommendations to improve operating or control procedures, help small businesses raise capital, help to develop and install computer systems, and give advice on a range of financial and tax matters. In industry, accountants use their knowledge to develop and manage accounting control systems, manage capital, provide cost and profit analyses of products and services, or provide tax and financial services.

Note: Students who plan to seek the professional designation CPA should meet with a faculty mentor concerning the educational requirements for certification. Requirements are mandated by each state. For states other than Massachusetts, students should obtain information concerning educational requirements from the appropriate state board of accountancy before final selection of courses to ensure that the requirements will be met. A number of states, including Massachusetts, now require 150 semester-hours of education to qualify for the CPA license. Interested students should meet with a faculty mentor to discuss how best to satisfy the 150-hour requirement.