All economic enterprises in the world need accounting. Any money earned, borrowed or spent creates need for accountants to record, report, analyze, clarify, control, and determine tax consequences. Accounting must adapt to the peculiarities of particular industries. Accounting in the film industry differs from that of television and professional sports franchises, from manufacturing, travel, mining companies and from hospital, and financial institutions. Within a company there are positions in general accounting, budgeting, taxation, internal audit, cost accounting, and accounting systems.
Public accounting offers career paths in auditing, taxation, and management consulting.
New career opportunities are emerging in a wide array of assurance services and forensic accounting. Private accounting positions range from beginning positions as staff accountants, rising to manager, controller and chief financial officer. Public accounting career paths lead from staff accountant to senior accountant, manager and partner. However, placement of our majors is a shared responsibility of each student, the Department of Accounting, and the PSU Career Services Office. All accounting majors are representatives of the Department of Accounting and have a responsibility to prepare thoroughly for interviews, dress appropriately, and conduct themselves in a professional manner.