Career Paths in Accounting - Orfalea College of Business

About Accounting

Careers in accounting offer a variety of opportunities across industries, focusing on financial reporting, auditing, tax preparation, and management of financial records. Accountants can work as public accountants, auditors, tax professionals, or management accountants, helping businesses and individuals manage their finances efficiently and comply with regulations. Many accountants pursue certifications such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to enhance their qualifications and advance in their careers.

Career Pathways

Audit - Public Accounting

Audit in public accounting involves examining a company’s financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with accounting standards and regulations. Public accountants perform external audits for clients, providing independent assessments of their financial reporting. These audits help ensure transparency, build trust with stakeholders, and detect any potential fraud or discrepancies.

Top Job-Titles	Key Skills	Applicable Courses	On-Campus Organizations
Audit & Assurance Associate Audit Associate Audit Staff Accountant Forensic Accountant	Excel Powerpoint Financial Modeling Data Visualization (Tableau/Power BI)	BUS 321 & 322 – Intermediate Accounting I & II BUS 424 – Accounting Ethics BUS 425 – Auditing AGB 260 – Agribusiness Data Literacy	Cal Poly Accounting Club

Tax - Public Accounting

Tax roles in public accounting firms assist clients with taxes by preparing and filing accurate tax returns, ensuring compliance with federal, state, and local tax laws. They offer tax planning services to help clients minimize liabilities through strategies such as deductions, credits, and deferrals. Additionally, firms provide advice on tax implications of business decisions, represent clients in audits, and stay updated on tax law changes to offer ongoing support and guidance.

Top Job-Titles	Key Skills	Applicable Courses	On-Campus Organizations
Tax Associate Tax Consultant	Excel Powerpoint Knowledge of tax law	BUS 320 – Federal Income Taxation for Individuals BUS 417 – Taxation of Corporations and Partnerships	Cal Poly Accounting Club

Corporate Accounting

Corporate accounting careers involve managing a company’s internal financial records, including budgeting, financial reporting, and ensuring compliance with accounting standards. Corporate accountants may handle tasks like preparing financial statements, analyzing financial performance, and overseeing internal audits. These roles are essential for maintaining a company’s financial health and supporting strategic decision-making.

Top Job-Titles	Key Skills	Applicable Courses	On-Campus Organizations
Staff/Junior Accountant Accounting Manager Financial Analyst	Excel	BUS 321 & 322 – Intermediate Accounting I & II BUS 424 – Accounting Ethics BUS 425 – Auditing AGB 260 – Agribusiness Data Literacy	Cal Poly Accounting Club

Graduate Outcomes

Top Job Titles

Audit and Assurance Associate
Tax Associate
Tax Consultant

Accounting Alumni Mentors

Kiyoshi Smith: Senior Tax Associate @ Armanino

Kiyoshi is a Supervising Senior Tax Associate at Armanino, a top 20 public accounting firm, with an appreciation for building your personal brand inside and outside the workplace. Kiyoshi luckily started his career at a Big 4 accounting firm, but was not their typical candidate nor even on their radar. In his free time, he enjoys experiencing great food, sports, and live music.

Halim Choucair: Operations and Finance Director @ Wardini H.A. Company

Halim currently servea as Director of Operations and Finance at Wardini H.A. Company, a family-owned transportation logistics company based in Carson, CA that provides transport solutions for containerized freight transiting via the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. Before branching off into the small-business world, Halim started his career at Apple working as a Financial Analyst in the Services business (all the subscription services except AppleCare). He is a licensed CPA in the state of CA, a credential that has served super useful as he navigates the finances of not only his business, but personal life as well. Halim lives in Southern California and loves to find new places to eat or enjoy the beach alongside my girlfriend, friends, and family.

Vincent Hennessy, CPA: Audit Manager @ Deloitte

Vincent has been with Deloitte’s Audit & Assurance practice in San Francisco since 2017 where he had the opportunity to work in various industries, including Broker/Dealers, Investment Management, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies, as well as Power & Utilities. Currently, he specializes in investment management, including venture capital, private equity, real estate, and digital asset funds. Vincent is also involved in recruiting efforts in San Francisco, and enjoy public speaking (including facilitating trainings), exercising, and reading books about personal growth.