Accounting Major

Accounting is the language of business and is fundamental to decision-making for organizations across all industries. Accountants record transactions, provide strategic insights, ensure regulatory compliance, and help organizations manage complex financial environments. From public accounting and auditing, to technology consulting, data analysis, corporate finance, investment planning, and forensic investigation, the profession offers a wide variety of rewarding career options and choices.

Accountants are employed in nearly every economic sector, including, but not limited to, auditing and financial services, consulting, real estate, government, banking, retail, transportation, information services, and technology. They often work hand-in-hand with top management to generate critical insights that drive strategic decision-making. 

Rutgers’ Accounting Program imparts analytical, technical, and strategic skills to students that are increasingly essential in today’s business environment. Students learn to evaluate business transactions, prepare and interpret financial reports, and apply technology to enhance decision-making. The curriculum spans key areas such as financial reporting, managerial accounting, information technology, auditing, taxation, and data analytics. In particular, Rutgers’ Accounting Program is integrating advanced data technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) with accounting knowledge in the course design.

A bachelor’s degree in Accounting provides a strong foundation for students to enter the workforce and opens numerous career paths. Want an even stronger edge in your career? Consider the fact that many employers prize candidates with graduate accounting degrees, such as a Master's in Accounting and Analytics, Taxation, or Governmental Accounting. Rutgers’ Accounting and Information Systems Department offers all these graduate degrees. Students interested in an academic career may pursue a Ph.D. in Accounting or Accounting Information Systems.

Career Paths

Public accountants and consultants provide auditing, tax, and advisory services to corporations, governments, nonprofits, and individuals. Specialized areas include forensic accounting, where professionals investigate financial crimes, regulatory breaches, bankruptcies, and contract disputes, as well as management consulting that focuses on improving a business’s efficiency and profitability.

Managerial accountants, also known as cost, corporate, or private accountants, record and analyze financial information to guide decision-making, enhance efficiency, and support strategic planning. Focus areas include corporate accounting, budgeting, and performance analysis.

Governmental accountants, auditors, and budget analysts impact society by serving federal, state, and local governments in a variety of roles, ensuring compliance, transparency, and efficient resource management within public sector organizations. 

Internal auditors evaluate the effectiveness of internal controls, recommend process improvements, and identify issues such as mismanagement, waste, and fraud.

Rutgers Business School has become a valuable resource for the New York metropolitan corporate community. Graduates of Rutgers’ Accounting Program are well-prepared to succeed in the job market.

Key Facts

• Expert faculty: The Accounting & Information Systems Department is ranked #1 globally for Accounting Information Systems research.
• Strong Industry Connections: Leading companies, including the “Big Four” (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC), actively recruit Rutgers Business School students.
• Diverse Careers: Graduates excel across various industries such as accounting, corporate finance, banking, consulting, healthcare, government, and technology.
• Career Advancement: Many graduates pursue certifications like the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Masters degree to enhance their credentials and careers.

Sample Occupations

• Public Accountant
• Internal Auditor
• Tax Consultant
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Manager
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
• Management Consultant
• Cost Management Specialist
• Technology and Data Analyst
• Budget Analyst
• IRS Investigator
• Technology and Data Analyst
• Compliance Officer
• IRS Agent
• Forensic Accountant

Where Graduates are Working

• Deloitte
• Ernst & Young
• KPMG
• PricewaterhouseCoopers
• Goldman Sachs
• J.P. Morgan
• Amazon
• Google
• Johnson & Johnson
• Prudential Financial
• Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ
• IRS

Compensation

According to the 2023 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, bachelor’s degree candidates in accounting received offers with a median salary of $79,880. 

According to Glassdoor, the median total pay for accountants is $106K per year in New York City.

How to Apply

• Learn more about the admissions process
• (PDF) Accounting Major factsheet

Required Courses (27 credits)

*This course is taken instead of Ethics in Business (29:522:334) as part of the Business Core Requirements

Electives (3 credits)

Students must take one, three-credit elective. Elective options are:

** Must have prior approval by RBS Office of Career Management to register

*Must have prior approval by RBS Undergraduate Programs Office to register

AR = Credits by arrangement