Accounting programs prepare individuals to be professional accountants, auditors, budget analysts, tax accountants, or to provide financial management services to individuals, businesses, and/or corporations (profit and not-for-profit). Although the areas are not entirely distinct, accounting can be divided into two major fields: financial accounting, which emphasizes the preparation and analysis of financial information; and managerial accounting, which emphasizes the decision-making process based on accounting data.

The typical accounting graduate enters the profession as a staff accountant in a public accounting firm, corporation, or governmental unit. Students may aspire to higher level positions which include senior accountant, manager, controller, comptroller, or partner of a CPA firm.