Find Your UniqueAccounting Career Path

Managerial AccountingManagerial accountants collect financial data and prepare reports that can be used by the company. It’s critical to present information in a way that’s understandable, actionable and timely, so that managers and executives can assess current performance and make predictions for the future.

Financial AccountingWhere managerial accountants look inward, financial accountants look outward. They prepare the reports that are used by investors, financial analysts and other stakeholders. It’s important that the information accurately reflects financial performance for the period that’s being reported.

Forensic AccountingCSI meets CPA? Forensic accountants investigate highly complex financial records to search for signs of fraud, sometimes aiding law enforcement officials. Improper reporting, such as that seen at Enron and WorldCom, hurts investors and erodes trust in the financial system. You will likely require Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) credentials. In the past, forensic accountants were brought in after wrongdoing was detected; today, however, many organizations are becoming proactive and using forensic accountants to improve processes and policies to reduce the risk of fraud.

Business ValuationIn today’s increasingly complex accounting environment, there’s more to figuring out the price of an asset than straight-line depreciation. Business valuation professionals determine the worth of all kinds of assets, including intangible ones like goodwill and intellectual property. More than ever before, accurate valuation is important to portray a clear picture of the company’s financial position, and global companies need to follow valuation rules for US GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Principles) as well as IFRS (International Financial Reporting Standards).

Accounting Information SystemsLedgers and adding machines are a thing of the past. Accounting systems are complicated, and accountants with a strong background in information technology are needed to design, monitor, manage and improve them. These professionals must also have a strong understanding of their company’s accounting policies and procedures. AICPA offers Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP) credentials.