Expand in page Navigation
universityhq
By University HQ Staff Writers
Edited by Evelyn Keener
Learn more about our editorial process

University Headquarters (HQ) is an industry-leading, independent educational organization that provides independent college rankings using a proprietary formula to create first class unbiased rankings. The team at University HQ strives to provide accurate and trustworthy rankings and resources for accounting professionals.

Accounting is one of the most vital professions in business. Even governmental agencies and non-profit organizations rely on accountants to keep their accounts in order. If you are a student of accounting, or are planning to make it your major, you will need to explore the myriad resources available to you. It's never too early to start this process, either.

You need to know certain things about college programs, scholarship resources, and the internships that may help launch a brilliant career. This page was created to help you learn and begin to explore every aspect of your future career. And don’t stop at learning what you’ll have access to as a student; there is also useful information for professionals in the field and those looking to earn professional certifications.

Surgent Exam Review

Resources for Accounting Students

Understanding Accreditation

Accreditation is a vital part of your education. It may be invisible to most students, but accreditation is the glue that holds programs together. When an accounting program is accredited by a special accounting agency, that means that the faculty, curriculum, and student metrics all meet high expectations.

Accounting programs that are accredited by either the AACSB or ACBSP have earned special credentials that attest to a high quality of education. Both are generally listed in the literature of top business schools, but each offers special standards for a school's accounting degree programs. Only if a school attains baseline accreditation can they opt to take on the extra cost and responsibility of a separate accounting accreditation, proving that their accounting program is one of the best of the best.

You ca ask your admissions counselor whether or not their accreditation's include accounting-specific accreditation. If not, the program may still be of high quality, but you will need to check for regional accrediting at the very least. Note that AACSB accreditation is considered the gold standard for business programs.

AACSB Rankings ACBSP Rankings

Questions About Financial Aid

Paying for school isn't easy for anyone. However, you can find loads of creative ways to finance your education, many of which don't require taking out a loan. The best, though not the easiest, way to finance your education is with scholarships or grants. These funds don't usually require financial repayment, though there are some that require that you repay the lender with work.

Accounting students will be happy to find that their field falls into the business category, which opens up much more business scholarship opportunities. Many retiring accountant or other business people like to help out younger generations with funds to cover tuition and more. On top of this, many businesses like to integrate a mentoring program along with their scholarship awards. Thus, an accounting specific scholarship could result in career-building experience.

Finally, the most common way to finance your education is with student loans. Most loans are procured by filling out the ubiquitous FAFSA form. This form will serve as your application for federal loans, but many universities and grant or scholarship programs also use it to assess your overall financial need. The form may be used as all or part of a scholarship application.

Private loans are also available, but they should be used as a last resort. This is because they carry stiffer interest rates and repayment schedules. Nevertheless, if you need a final loan to complete your degree, these can help in a pinch.

Yet another way to pay for college is by working. You can sometimes enter a work-study program that not only offsets some of your loan but provides a modest paycheck on top. Then some schools offer co-op programs where you might join an accounting firm for a term and then return to school. During your work for the firm, you'll receive a paycheck that can go towards your academic or living expenses.

Important Associations for Students

As a student, you can engage with the wider world of accounting through a campus association or a national organization that allows student members. These associations frequently have special membership requirements and regular dues. However, the benefits are fantastic and will pay off throughout your career. For instance, they frequently allow members to have access to the group's research papers and journals. Most provide online courses and webinars, too. Furthermore, members will be able to attend the association's regional and national conferences.

  • Beta Alpha Psi:
    This Greek organization is over 100 years old. During that time, they have fostered the growth and development of young accounting students. Students must be at a top-tier, AACSB-accredited institution, and must have a minimum GPA of 3.0.
  • AICPA Student Affiliate:
    This association is a part of AICPA, the top professional accounting association. As a student member you'll have access to the wide range of networking opportunities, scholarship opportunities not available to non-members, and an online mentoring program.
  • American Accounting Association:
    Students at all levels are eligible to join the AAA at a reduced rate. On top of that, you can access loads of research and other materials which might inform your academic work.
  • Professional Accounting Society:
    Though their primary mission is to unite junior and mid-career accountants, the PAS also offers student memberships. Those members have access to scholarships, publishing opportunities, and a lot more. The best part is that membership is free.
  • Institute of Management Accountants:
    For a reduced fee, students can join the IMA and have access to many of the same resources available to full members. The IMA offers career-building resources, continuing education opportunities, and CMA certification, among other benefits.

Student or Open Access Journals

If you start reading a professional journal while still in college, you'll be well ahead of the game when you start your first job. You'll stay informed of the latest tax law changes and many other issues that face professional accountants. The journals listed below are available to students and anyone who wishes to pay for the subscription. Many also provide free content online, including podcasts.

Keep in mind that your school's library may offer the print editions for fee. You'll have to read them in the library, as periodicals cannot be checked out, but you can always photocopy any articles you need for later.

  • Accounting Today:
    Students and anyone with an internet connection can read AT at any time. However, if you want the full news, you will need to subscribe to the print edition. Accounting Today also produces podcasts to listen to on your commute.
  • The CPA Journal:
    If you aspire to be a CPA, this journal is vital reading. The website is available to read, and you can sign up for the free newsletter so that you keep your finger on the pulse of the accounting world.
  • Journal of Accountancy:
    This is the journal of the AICPA, which offers student memberships. However, you can subscribe to the magazine or request that your library carry it. If you want to be current on the latest accounting news, this is the publication for you.
  • New Accountant:
    This journal is created specifically for university accounting students. This publication will help readers gain added insight into their chosen profession. Further, there's a high school edition for early starters.

Accounting Study Resources

Online learning is ubiquitous on campus and elsewhere. Surely you've learned to do something using a YouTube video. Now, as an accounting student, you can continue to use YouTube to learn more about your profession. You might be cramming for an exam and need a new perspective on a difficult term. You are likely to find a resource online to help. You can also find paid, but non-credit, accounting courses online that will help advance your career.

Here are some online resources to get you started:

  • Executive Finance:
    This YouTube channel is chock-full of videos that cover all sorts of accounting issues. They use entertaining approaches to teach concepts such as EBITDA, Business Ethics, Auditing, and loads more. When you've finally exhausted the cat videos, Executive Finance can fill your YouTube time.
  • Harvard Business School Online:
    You won't have to be admitted to HBS to take advantage of some brilliant accounting study resources. Their courses are aimed at those looking to supplement their learning. Thus, if you are considering graduate school or are fresh out of school, you may make great use of their structured courses.
  • Accounting Stuff:
    This free YouTube channel is full of short, entertaining videos that will help you learn, or brush-up on, valuable accounting concepts. Each video includes links to more resources and provides timestamps so that you can easily access the most pertinent part of any of their videos.
  • CPA Strength:
    This YouTube channel has a lot to offer brand-new accounting students and more seasoned pros alike. They offer tips on the CPA exam, basic accounting, and special tricks that will enhance your workflow.
  • Letstute Academy:
    This channel has a lot great, free content. They also have paid accounting courses that can inform your studies or help you brush up on concepts for your accounting practice.

Popular Apps

There is an app for everything, including learning about accounting. There are many applications available for learning via your mobile device. These might provide new, auxiliary information that can broaden your scope or they might provide a brush-up for an examination or a test. When you're in the working world, you might take courses via an app as a way to brush up on concepts or possibly to satisfy CEU requirements for your certification board.

Many of the following are available via mobile app but are also accessible on your laptop. Thus, you can do some learning while on the train into the city, but also on your laptop at home.

  • Udemy:
    Udemy's list of courses cover everything from photography to probability, accounting to zen meditation. The courses are inexpensive, and the lectures are generally on the short side so that you can fit extra learning into any day.
  • GoLearningBus:
    This company offers apps to cover a wide range of educational needs, including accounting. Each is free to download for your Android or iOS device.
  • LibreOffice Impress Remote:
    If you use the open-source office suite, LibreOffice, you might need this app. The Impress Remote lets you control your business or school presentations from your phone or tablet device. LibreOffice is a fully functional office suite that is available for free.

Internships

At some time during your accounting studies you will want to pursue an internship. These experiential learning adventures can help you meet people in the industry, gain experience in the real-world, and learn more about your profession. The Big Four accounting firms each offer internships that are highly prized by accounting students nationwide. However, you probably don't have to leave your town to find a smaller firm that has just as much to teach. In fact, wherever there's an accounting department, you might find an internship opportunity. Your department is sure to have plenty of internships listed in their offices or websites.

  • Deloitte and Touche:
    Kick your career off from your first year in college. Deloitte's Pioneer Internship committee selects only the most promising accounting students for this stimulating, and demanding, scholarship.
  • PwC:
    You'll need to free up at least two months for this internship, but every minute will be worth it. That's because working alongside PwC accountants will broaden your horizons in so many ways. Try to extend your intern period as much as possible and your career will thank you.
  • Ernst and Young:
    If you are able to land an internship with E&Y, you can expect big things. They will take you onboard just like a full employee. You'll work alongside E&Y professionals, and you'll hone all of your business skills.
  • KPMG:
    An internship with KPMG will set you apart from the pack once you start sending resumes. You'll work alongside a mentor from KPMG's team. They will be able to provide you with the insight and information you need to launch a brilliant career.

Resources for Students and Professionals

Accounting Certification Options

Accounting is nothing if not a diverse profession. Since any major system needs an accountant to audit its systems, inventories, etc, a wide range of specialties have evolved to meet those specific needs. In fact, some sub-sets of the field are vastly different from the others. Forensic accounts for example spend a lot of time investigating fraud and may even work alongside law enforcement.

While some accounting certifications carry legal responsibilities, such as the Certified Public Accountant designation, most are professional designations that are nevertheless required to work in certain areas. That is, a CPA has a great responsibility when filing tax forms. Their signature indicates that the client's information is complete and that the filling is fully in compliance with tax law. Enrolled agents likewise have legal duties to help protect their clients.

Some available certifications include:

Certification Study Resources

It is not easy to attain an accounting certification. Each has its own set of requirements, often starting with a bachelor's degree, though some require a graduate degree. Then their examinations are very rigorous. In fact, the 4-part CPA examination is one of the most difficult professional examinations in the nation. Many accountants only take one part of the CPA exam and make an entire career from that one specialty area.

As you approach your exam date, it’s wise to consider a study course or some other supplemental materials to help you prepare. In a best-case scenario you might seek out a few colleagues and form a study group. This way you can maximize your learning and pass your exam on the first try.

  • AICPA Exam Prep:
    Who better to help you prepare for the CPA examination than the organization that creates it.
  • ACFE Exam Prep:
    The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners helps candidates prepare for its test with software created to optimize your test-taking.
  • NACPB Exam Prep:
    Members of the National Association of Certified Public Bookkeepers (NACPB) can get a discount on exam prep videos, courses, and prep programs.
  • IIA Exam Prep:
    Anyone studying to take the Internal Auditor examination should start their prep work with the test maker’s website.
  • CPA Exam Guide - University HQ
  • CPA Exam Courses Compared

Temp Agencies

A temporary agency is a firm that matches accountants with temporary jobs and project positions. Many students utilize temp agencies to get their start in the working world. As a trained accountant, you'll be able to fill needs for various accounting firms, internal accounting departments, and more. In fact, you might temp in a firm that has a specialty practice area that might become your career path.

While temping may offer an opportunity to experience a range of corporate and professional environments, temp agency work can also result in a full-time job. Once you demonstrate your value and ability to work with the others in the office, you just might get a job offer.

Here are some temp agencies you might want to look into:

Guide to Scholarships for Accounting Majors

Accounting education is a valuable acquisition for a person seeking to start, change, or expand a career in business or public service. Many people associate accounting with the love of numbers and mathematics. While math is a vital part of the study of accounting, the accounting field of study equips graduates to work with the essential details of any organization. Accounting education is a foundation for becoming a CPA, professional auditing, and more. In order to take the CPA exam, you will need to schedule the exam with your state boards of accountancy.

Sources for Scholarships

Accounting scholarships come from many sources. Universities and Colleges award scholarships for accounting studies. Many schools have general business scholarships, and some offer accounting-specific scholarships. Women and minority groups have traditionally been underrepresented in the accounting field and there are scholarships available specifically for those who are a part of these groups and want to pursue a career in accounting. The available minority scholarships focus on African -American men and women, Latino men and women, and Asian-American men and women.

Women’s professional accounting groups are an excellent source of funds for female accounting students at all levels of attainment. Further, there may be specialized scholarship awards in many parts of the country aimed at helping women break traditional barriers. These include scholarships to help women re-enter the educational setting after gaps for childbirth, child-rearing, and other obligations, such as being the sole-supporter of a family group. Some leading women’s professional groups providing scholarships for women students include the American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA), Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance Scholarship (AFWA), the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA), and the Financial Women of San Francisco and the Bay Are (FWSF).

As the cost of education rises, new students are looking for ways to help pay for their college degree. Obtaining scholarships can help aid in lowering your total cost to earn an accounting degree online or on-campus. When you are starting your accounting education path, you can start with an associate's degree and then move onto completing your bachelor's degree in accounting. An associate program typically consists of 60 credit hours, while a bachelor's program consists or 120 credit hours on average.

Scholarships from Charitable Groups and Foundations

Section 501(c)(3) and other similar types of organizations offer scholarships for which accounting is a subject or an included category of eligible study. A leading example is the Laurels Fund, which supports female Accounting PH.D. candidate’s (http://www.efwa.org/scholarships_postgraduate.php)

Scholarships Sponsored by Businesses

Businesses and business associations have a strong interest in increasing the supply of highly qualified accounting graduates at all levels of achievement. The companies that have invested in scholarships to support accounting students at the undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral levels typically employ accounting grads and have a continuing need for high-level accounting education in their businesses. They include the insurance industry, the automotive industry, CPA firms, auditing firms, accounting educators, and energy industry firms.

Scholarships Sponsored by Business Associations

Business associations, like their members, take interest in increasing the number of highly-trained accountants and accounting professionals. Associations are a convenient device for industry-wide efforts to support students.

Accounting Degree Scholarships

  • ¡Adelante! Fund MillerCoors Colorado Scholarship

    Amount: $3,000
    Application Deadline: July 03
    Application Link: https://www.adelantefund.org/

    The Adelante US Education Fund supported by Miller-Coors company is offered to Hispanic students in their third or fourth year of studies. Eligible students must be enrolled in a Chicagoland partner school, be of Hispanic descent, have a GPA of 3.0 or higher, and be a US citizen or legal resident.

    The below-listed schools are Chicagoland Partners.

    • Chicago State University
    • Governors State University
    • Moraine Valley Community College
    • Morton College
    • Olive-Harvey College
    • Prairie State College
    • Richard J. Daley College
  • AICPA Minority Accounting Students Scholarships

    Amount: $5,000
    Application Deadline: April 01
    Link: (https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/article/aicpa-scholarships-can-support-your-accounting-education)

    The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants develops and grades the uniform CPE examination needed to qualify as a certified public accountant. It is the largest CPA organization with more than 410,000 members. It sets standards for international and specialized accounting certifications. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants established the AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students to provide funds for deserving students and to increase the numbers of traditionally under-represented minorities in the accounting professions.

    The Association designated the Center for Scholarship Administration as the review and administration agency for the AICPA Minority Scholarship program. The Center for Scholarship Administration, Inc. is a non-profit, independent organization.

    The below-listed items describe the eligibility requirements for the AICPA Scholarship.

    Applicants must be:

    • A member of an ethnic minority group in the accounting profession, a US citizen or legal resident, and pursuing an undergraduate or graduate-level degree in an accounting-related major.
    • Enrolled as a full-time undergraduate (12 credit hours or equivalent) or a full-time graduate level student (9 credit hours or equivalent) for the academic year.
    • Planning to pursue the CPA licensure but not presently be a CPA.
    • Completed at least 30 credit hours of college coursework, including at least six hours (or equivalent) in accounting, by the end of spring.
    • Accepted/Enrolled at a public or private, not-for-profit, four-year college or university located in the U.S. states or territories for the full academic year.
    • An AICPA student affiliate member that has maintained an overall and major GPA of at least 3.0.
  • AICPA Fellowships for Minority Doctoral Students

    Amount: Up to $12,000 per year
    Application Deadline: May 15
    Link: (https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/article/aicpa-scholarships-can-support-your-accounting-education)

    The accounting profession depends upon a core of highly trained college-level educators. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) recognizes the need to support students pursuing doctoral level degrees in accounting and related fields. At the same time, the AICPA intends to increase representation by underrepresented groups in the accounting profession.

    The AICPA Fellowships for Minority Doctoral Students awards scholarships to students that show significant potential to contribute to accounting education.

  • AICPA John L. Carey Scholarship Award

    Amount: $5,000 per year
    Application Deadline: March 1
    Link: (https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/education/scholarship-search/john-l-carey-scholarship/)

    The John L. Carey Scholarship Award provides financial assistance to liberal arts and other non-business-related degree holders who are pursuing graduate studies in accounting and the CPA designation.

    An eligible student must meet the below-listed requirements:

    • Obtained a liberal arts or non-business undergraduate degree before enrolling in a graduate accounting program
    • Been accepted into or is in the process of applying to, a graduate program in accounting that is accredited by AACSB International or ACBSP.
    • Earned 12 credits or less in accounting or business during their undergraduate program.
    • Must not previously have participated in a graduate accounting program.
    • Must intend to pursue a CPA certificate.
  • AICPA Scholarship for Minority Accounting Students

    Amount: up to $5,000 per year
    Application Deadline: March 1
    Link: (https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/article/aicpa-scholarships-can-support-your-accounting-education)

    The AICPA Minority Scholarship Award program provides awards to outstanding undergraduate and graduate minority students who plan to pursue the CPA licensure. Awards may be up to $5,000 per year.

    Eligibility- Applicants must meet the below-listed requirements:

    • Must be a full-time undergraduate or graduate-level accounting student
    • Must be a member of an underrepresented minority in the accounting profession
    • Must have completed at least 30 semester hours in college coursework with at least six semester hours in accounting and a major and overall GPA of 3.0
  • AICPA/Accountemps Student Scholarship

    Amount: $10,000/year
    Application Deadline: March 1
    Link: (https://www.aicpa.org/interestareas/accountingeducation/resources/aicpaaccountemps.html)

    The AICPA/Accountemps Student Scholarship Award provides financial assistance to accounting majors who plan to become CPAs. Accountemps is a major employer of accounting educated graduates for auditing, accounting, and other professional services. The scholarship has simple requirements;

    An eligible student must have the below-listed qualifications:

    • Full-time undergraduate or graduate-level enrollment as an accounting student
    • Completed 30 or more credit hours (or equivalent) of college coursework, including at least six credit hours (or equivalent) in accounting
    • Have an accounting major and overall GPA of 3.0 or higher
  • AICPA Foundation Two-year Transfer Scholarship

    Amount: $5,000/year
    Application Deadline: March 1
    Link: (https://www.thiswaytocpa.com/education/aicpa-legacy-scholarships/aicpa-foundation-two-year-transfer-scholarship/)

    The Two-year Transfer Scholarship Award provides financial assistance to students looking to transfer from a two-year college to a four-year institution to complete their degree in accounting or an accounting-related field.

    Requirements - An eligible student must have the below-listed qualifications:

    • Must be currently completing courses at a two-year college/university planning to transfer with a declared intent to major in accounting or an accounting-related field at a four-year college/university during the scholarship year
    • Must intend to pursue the CPA licensure but not presently have a CPA license
    • Must be enrolled in a business or accounting program that is accredited by the AACSB and/or ACBSP for the full academic year for which AICPA awards the scholarship
    • Must maintain an overall and major GPA of at least 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
  • Daniel B. Goldberg Scholarship

    Amount: $15,000
    Application Deadline: February 10
    Link: (https://www.gfoa.org/gfoa-scholarships)

    The Government Finance Officers Association sponsors a graduate scholarship to promote careers and career interest in government finance and public agency accounting. Eligible candidates must be citizens of the US or Canada, enrolled in a government finance-related career. Awarding of the scholarship is decision-based, focused on past academic and career experience.

  • Deloitte Foundation Doctoral Fellowship Program

    Amount: $25,000 (10 awards)
    Application Deadline: October 15
    Link: (https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/about-deloitte/solutions/educator-resources.html)

    The accounting and auditing industry have a keen interest in increasing the number of doctoral candidates at leading colleges and universities. The Deloitte Doctoral Fellowship Program is part of a larger effort within the auditing and accounting industry to impact the supply of accounting college faculty and accounting experts.

    The program awards up to ten doctoral students $25,000 in scholarship assistance, disbursed in equal installments over a two-year term. Eligible students must attend an accredited college or university. They must be enrolled in an accounting program and have completed two semesters or the equivalent in credit hours.

    The Deloitte Foundation is the charitable foundation of the international finance and accounting entity DTTL. The Foundation operates social projects that impact many areas of economic and social life.

  • Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting Scholarship

    Amount: $1,000 - $16,000
    Application Deadline: April 1
    Link: (http://www.efwa.org/scholarships.php)

    Sponsored by the Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting (EFWA), this program helps women pursuing accounting degrees at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels. There are three categories for eligible undergraduates, graduate students, and post-graduate students. They are women in transition, women in need, and the Institute of Management Accounts Award.

  • Frank L. Greathouse Government Accounting Scholarship

    Amount: $8,000 (2 awards)
    Application Deadline: February 19
    Link: (http://www.gfoa.org/scholarships)

    Eligible applicants include grad or undergrad students enrolled in full-time study. Undergraduate eligibility requires third-year or higher status at the time of the award, and recommendation by an academic adviser or the accounting program Chair. Applicants must study a field or program that prepares graduates for a career in state and local government finance. The program requires Canadian citizenship, US citizenship, or permanent resident status. These awards may not go to past winners of GFOA scholarships.

  • GFOA MINORITIES IN GOVERNMENT FINANCE SCHOLARSHIP

    Amount: $10,000 (1 Award)
    Application Deadline: January 18
    Link: (http://www.gfoa.org/scholarships)

    This scholarship is provided by the Government Finance Officers Association. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an upper-level undergraduate or graduate program in a field including accounting with a focus on government or non-profit.

  • IASA Insurance Industry Collegiate Scholarship Program

    Amount: $15,000 ($1,000-$2,500 each)
    Application Deadline: February 28

    The Insurance Accounting & Systems scholarship helps students prepare for careers in the insurance industry. Eligible scholars must major in insurance accounting, finance, information technology, actuarial science, or risk management. Awards will range from $1,000 to $2,500. Eligible students must be sophomores or higher, enrolled in a US college or university with an insurance program. Applicants may qualify if they express their plans to pursue a career in insurance.

  • Internal Auditor Magazine Scholarship

    Amount: $1,000 (6 awards)
    Application Deadline: Varies
    Link: (https://www.auditboard.com/elevate/internal-audit-training-scholarship/)

    Internal Auditor Magazine is a periodical publication covering the internal audit profession. The magazine offers six scholarships for undergraduate and graduate students. The magazine’s decision relies on an essay contest. The awards go to applicants that present informative and intuitive essays on internal audit subjects. The Publications Advisory Committee judges the entries, and the magazine publishes the winning essay on its website. The only other requirement is that the applicant be currently enrolled in an internal auditing undergraduate or graduate level program, or another related field.

  • NSA Scholarship Foundation

    Amount: $35,000 to 32 recipients per year (Awards range from $500 to $2,200)
    Application Deadline: April 1
    Link: https://www.nsafoundation.org/aws/NSAF/pt/sp/scholarships

    Eligible applicants must be citizens of the US or Canada or a legal resident in Arizona. Students must commit to a career in accounting. The foundation bases awards on need, scholarship, and community involvement. Applicants must have a 3.0 GPA or higher.

  • PCAOB Scholarship Program

    Amount: $10,000
    Application Deadline: December 15
    Link: (https://pcaobus.org/about/scholars-program)

    The national program uses penalties paid by companies for violations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to fund merit scholarships to support students pursuing careers in auditing. Eligible students attend regionally accredited U.S. colleges and universities that award bachelor's or .

  • The Catching the Dream Program

    Amount: $500 - $5,000
    Application Deadline: April 30 (Fall Semester) – March 15 (Summer Semester) September 15 (Spring Semester)
    Link: (https://www.catchingthedream.org/)

    The goal is to increase the number of American Indian students in fields in which they have been chronically under-represented. This scholarship aids American Indian students that seek careers in several areas including business.

  • UNCF Undergraduate Scholarship Program

    Amount: Up to %5,000
    Application Deadline: November 6
    Link: (https://uncf.org/scholarships)

    This undergraduate scholarship program provides accounting scholarship funds, internships, networking, and mentoring to guide young professionals in accounting. Applicants must be African-American, a high school senior or college first-year student, pursuing a degree at an accredited school. They must have a 2.7, or better, GPA. This is part of the UNCF/Koch Scholars program.

Scholarships Based on States, Regions, and Cities

State Scholarship Name Amount Deadline
Alabama Alabama Power Scholarship Amount varies March 1, 2020
Arizona Arizona CPA Foundation High School Scholarship $500 February 3, 2020
Arizona Arizona CPA Foundation H. S. Scholarship $5,000 April 1, 2020
Arizona PMI Phoenix Chapter Scholarship $1,000 May 1,2020
California CalCPA Foundation Amounts vary vary by Chapter
California FWSF Scholarship $10,000 Deadline Varies
California Matt Fong Asian Americans in Pub. Fin. Scholarship $2,500 April 09, 2020
Florida FICPA- FICPA Foundation Amounts vary Applications opening in 2020
Georgia COAG Scholarship $1,500 April 1, 2020
Hawaii Fukunaga Scholarship Foundation $4,000 up to $16,000 February 19, 2020
Hawaii Fujie Scholarship for Accounting Major Students $2,500 March 18, 2020
Illinois ICPA Society Scholarship( Multiple funds) up to $4,000 April 1, 2020
Indiana Indiana CPA Soc. Educ. Found. Scholarship Amount Varies April 29, 2020
New Jersey NJCU Honors Program in Finance Scholarship $50,000 February 15, 2020
North Carolina 2018-19 NC CPA Foundation Scholarships up to $4,000 Nov 2, 2020
North Carolina Claude B. Hart Scholarship $1200 April 1, 2020
Tennessee Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarship $60,000 12/15/2020
Texas Fifth-Year Accounting Student Scholarship Prog $5,000 Varies
Washington AFWA Scholarship Bellevue Chapter $3,000 February 05, 2020
Washington EFWA - O’Leary Award $3,000 June 30 or sooner

Scholarship by State - Descriptions

  • Arizona – Arizona CPA Foundation High School Scholarship

    Amount: Up to $500
    Application Deadline: February 3
    Link: https://www.ascpa.com/scholarships

    The High School Scholarship offered by the Arizona CPA Foundation is available for US citizens, legal residents, and current residents of Arizona. After graduation, the recipient must meet the requirements for the award. Recipients must enroll in an Arizona university or community college as a full-time student in the fall semester and declare an accounting major. Recipient must be a legal U.S. resident and a current resident of Arizona.

  • Alabama - Alabama Power Scholarship

    Amount: $1,200
    Application Deadline: Varies
    Link: (https://jsu.scholarships.ngwebsolutions.com/scholarx_scholarshipsearch.aspx)

    The Alabama Power sponsored scholarship at Jackson State University in Jacksonville, AL. The awards cover students enrolled in a business-related course of study including accounting.

  • Arizona - Arizona CPA Foundation H.S. Scholarship

    Amount: $500 (2 Awards)
    Application Deadline: February 3
    Link: (https://www.ascpa.com/writable/uploaded_files/2018-19_high_school_scholarship_application.pdf)

    The Arizona CPA Foundation works with the Arizona Foundation for Education and Innovation to offer scholarships to high school seniors. Eligible students must be citizens or legal residents, major in accounting, and must be enrolled full-time in an Arizona university or community college.

  • Arizona - PMI Phoenix Chapter Scholarship

    Amount: Up to $2,500
    Application Deadline: May 1
    Link: (https://pmief.org/scholarships/scholarship-directory/pmi-phoenix-chapter-scholarship)

    Open to residents of Arizona that are enrolled in a bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral program in project management or a related field. PMI considers project and corporate accounting as merged fields.

  • California - CalCPA Foundation

    Amount: Awards and amounts vary by chapter
    Application Deadline: December 3
    Link: (https://www.calcpa.org/chapters/chapter-scholarship-information)

    This foundation strives to provide continuing professional education for CPAS and those in related positions. You’ll need to review the specific chapter requirements to see if you are eligible for a scholarship.

  • California - FWSF Scholarship

    Amount: $10,000 (Undergraduate); $15,000 (Graduate)
    Application Deadline: March 24
    Link: (https://financialwomensf.org/scholarships/)

    This scholarship is for women residents of the San Francisco Bay Area. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in an accredited college, university, or satellite branch in the bay area. Maintain a minimum 3.4 GPA.

  • California - Matt Fong Asian Americans in Public Finance Scholarship

    Amount: $5,000 (2 Awards)
    Application Deadline: April 9
    Link: (http://asianpacificfund.org/what-we-do/scholarships/apply-for-scholarship/#mattfong)

    Applicants must have a qualified major including accounting and enrollment at a California college or university. Applicants must be of Asian heritage and have a minimum 3.0 GPA.

  • Florida - FICPA- FICPA Foundation (multiple awards)

    Amount: $2,000 (Amounts may vary)
    Application Deadline: March 15
    Link: (https://scholarships.ficpa.org/) (https://www.icpas.org/being-a-cpa/be-a-cpa/scholarships)

    Requirements to apply include:

    • Being a member of FICPA
    • Being a 4th or 5th year accounting major taking at least 6 credit hours
    • Being a citizen or permanent resident of the United States.
  • Georgia - COAG Scholarship

    Amount: $500 (1); $1,000 (1); $1,500 (1)
    Application Deadline: March 31
    Link: (https://coagonline.org/coag-scholarship)

    Any Georgia high school graduate or GED diploma holder can qualify. They must enroll in a Georgia degree field related to government and law enforcement, political science, accounting, finance, business, or pre-law.

  • Hawaii - Lloyd M. Fujie Scholarships for Accounting Major Students

    Amount: Up to $2,500
    Application Deadline: March 18
    Link: https://shidler.hawaii.edu/soa/scholarships

    These awards are academic merit scholarships for incoming first-year students; the awards apply towards tuition costs. Eligible applicants must be public high school graduates from Hawaii with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

  • Illinois - ICPA Society Scholarship (Multiple funds)

    Amount: Up to $4,000
    Application Deadline: April 1
    Link: (https://www.icpas.org/being-a-cpa/be-a-cpa/scholarships)

    The Illinois CPA Foundation offers accounting tuition scholarships to college seniors or graduate students. Eligible students must be US citizens or legal residents and reside in the State of Illinois. They must enroll and attend an Illinois-based college or university.

  • New Jersey - NJCU Honors Program in Finance Scholarship

    Amount: Covers full tuition, starting at $48,000 (over 4 years)
    Application Deadline: July 1
    Link: (https://www.njcu.edu/academics/honors-program)

    New Jersey students can take advantage of the NJCU scholarships that include opportunities for mentoring and internships. The program has four-year full-tuition scholarships.

  • North Carolina - 2018-19 NC CPA Foundation Scholarships

    Amount: $1,500 (Community College); $2,000 (Undergraduate Program); $2,500 (Graduate Program)
    Application Deadline: Applications open in April
    Link: (https://www.ncacpa.org/nc-cpa-foundation-scholarships/)

    The scholarship seeks to promote increased awareness and participation in the accounting profession.

  • North Carolina - Claude B. Hart Scholarship

    Amount: $1,000
    Application Deadline: April 1
    Link: (https://bigfuture.collegeboard.org/scholarships/claude-b-hart-memorial-scholarship)

    This scholarship focuses on North Carolina high school graduates from Elkins High School who intend to major in mathematics or engineering. Eligible major include: Accounting, Computer Science, Business Administration, Civil Engineering, Chemical Engineering, etc.)

  • Tennessee - Scarlett Family Foundation Scholarship

    Amount: $2,500 - $15,000 per academic year
    Application Deadline: December 15
    Link: (https://www.scarlettfoundation.org/students/)

    These awards are for high school seniors and college underclassmen. Eligible applicants must have graduated from a Middle Tennessee High school in one of the designated counties. Applicants must demonstrate need and plan to pursue a business degree at a four-year college.

  • Texas - Fifth Year Accounting Student Scholarship Program

    Amount: Up to $5,000
    Application Deadline: September 17
    Link: (http://www.collegeforalltexans.com/apps/financialaid/tofa2.cfm?ID=402)

    This state scholarship program aims to increase the number of Texas accountants. The state supports efforts to increase the supply of accountants because professional services help grow the state economy. Eligibility requires Texas residency and enrollment at a public or private college or university in Texas including participating community colleges.

  • Washington - AFWA Scholarship Bellevue Chapter

    Amount: $3,000
    Application Deadline: June 15
    Application Link: (http://www.bellevueafwa.org/scholarships/)

    The AFWA awards scholarships to students attending schools in the Puget Sound Region. Eligible subjects are accounting degrees, the CMA, and CPA study. Qualified applicants must have basic coursework in accounting and demonstrate an aptitude for an accounting or finance career.

  • Washington - Educational Foundation for Women in Accounting

    Amount: $1,000 (Varies for undergraduate/graduate)
    Application Deadline: Various
    Link: (https://www.efwa.org/scholarships.php)

    The EFWA provides a variety of scholarships depending on your level of education. Each one has various deadlines and requirements. See the website for more information.

Accounting K12 Scholarships

Accountant jobs are expected to increase by up to 10% through 2026. This career path has the potential to remain highly stable in the long term. Technology advances continue to make accounting practices easier for individuals and professionals alike. Any individual who intends to pursue a career in accounting should look closely at scholarships dedicated to high school seniors. It is important to note that most accounting scholarships for high school seniors will be lumped into a business field category rather than accounting specifically, so keep your eyes open when you’re looking for scholarships.

  • Reading-Berks Association of Realtors Scholarship Fund

    Amount: $500
    Application Deadline: March 15
    Application Link: (https://bccf.academicworks.com/opportunities/1827)

    The Reading-Berks Association of Realtors Scholarship Fund is dedicated to high school seniors in Berks County, Pennsylvania. Applicants must have at least a 2.5 GPA and plans to pursue a business career of some sort. You will have to inform the scholarship fund of the degree and career you wish to pursue in business at the time of the application submission.

  • Denny Sanford Scholarship

    Amount: $10,000 - $25,000
    Application Deadline: October 25; March 15
    Link: (https://scholars.horatioalger.org/about-our-scholarship-programs/targeted-scholarships/)

    The Denny Sanford Scholarship is distributed and managed by the Horatio Alger Association. Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors with at least a 2.5 GPA planning to attend specific colleges and universities, such as the University of South Dakota, University of Minnesota, Long Island University, University of California at San Diego, or Arizona State University.

  • Maureen and Stan Straub Scholarship

    Amount: $500
    Application Deadline: April 1
    Link: (https://communityfoundationshv.org/Scholarships/Maureen-and-Stan-Straub-Scholarship)

    The Maureen and Stan Straub Scholarship is dedicated to high school seniors who will graduate from Roy C. Ketcham High School and plan to enroll in an accredited four-year college or university. Applicants must demonstrate their commitment to community service through participation and leadership. And they must provide two letters of recommendation from reputable individuals throughout the community who are not members of their family.

  • Sylvan Landau Scholarship

    Amount: Up to $5,000 (3 Awards)
    Application Deadline: April 1
    Link: (https://cftexas.academicworks.com/opportunities/1645)

    The Sylvan Landau Scholarship is dedicated to high school seniors and undergraduates who intend to pursue a major in marketing or business. Applicants will require at least a 2.75 GPA and an SAT score at least 1500 or 1090 (If taken January 2016 or later). An ACT score of 22 is also acceptable. Three scholarships will be awarded.

  • Hudson Valley Financial Professionals Scholarship

    Amount: $500
    Application Deadline: April 1
    Link: (https://communityfoundationshv.org/Scholarships/Hudson-Valley-Financial-Professionals-Scholarship )

    The Hudson Valley Financial Professionals Scholarship is dedicated to high school seniors in Dutchess County, New York. The recipient must intend to major in a financial services related field and be able to demonstrate their exceptional academic performance alongside two letters of recommendations from outstanding members in the community who are not a family member.

  • NHCF Dunkin’ Donuts Scholarship Program

    Amount: $2,000
    Application Deadline: April 13
    Link: (https://www.nhcf.org/how-can-we-help-you/apply-for-a-scholarship/)

    The NHCF Dunkin’ Donuts Scholarship Program is provided by the New Hampshire Charitable Foundation. Twenty awards will be provided to New Hampshire high school seniors with strong academics who can demonstrate financial need. Applicants must also have at least a 3.25 GPA, demonstrate a commitment to community service or volunteering, and pursue a career in hospitality, food service, or business industries.

  • Accenture American Indian Undergraduate Scholarship

    Amount: $2,500 (7 Awards)
    Application Deadline: June 1
    Link: (https://www.aigcs.org/scholarships-fellowships/undergraduate-students)

    The Accenture American Indian Undergraduate Scholarship is for high school seniors with at least a 3.2 GPA who intend to pursue a degree in business-related fields. Seven scholarships will be awarded to applicants who meet these standards and who are able to provide a tribal eligibility certificate to confirm applicants are of Alaska Native or Native American descent.

  • CRCA Scholarship Awards Program

    Amount: $4,000 (renewable)
    Application Deadline: March 1
    Link: https://www.crca.org/News/apply-for-the-crca-scholarship-today/

    The CRCA Scholarship Awards Program is for high school seniors who go to school in various counties in Illinois, including Boone, Cook, DeKalb, DuPage, Grundy, Kane, and others. Two scholarships will be awarded to students with strong academics, participation in extracurricular activities, work experience, and recommendations from faculty. Applicants must also intend to major in various fields, such as architecture, business, engineering, and liberal arts.

  • GreenPal Small Business Scholarship

    Amount: $2,000
    Application Deadline: October 15
    Link: (https://www.yourgreenpal.com/scholarship)

    The GreenPal Small Business Scholarship is dedicated to high school students with at least a 3.5 GPA who demonstrate strong academics and their potential to be a leader in business in the future. Applicants must have a desire to be an entrepreneur and a small business owner with intentions to employ others.

Resources for Accounting Professionals

Professional Accounting Associations

When you leave college and graduate school it's important to remain a part of a professional association. Membership will provide many benefits such as continuing education opportunities, networking opportunities, journals, leadership opportunities, and career development tools. Since you are likely to pursue a certification or state licensure, you will find the easy availability of online courses and webinars invaluable. Then you can attend conferences that may provide CEUs, and you'll be alerted to local lectures that will add to your knowledge and insight.

Most people probably think of associations as opening new networking opportunities, and they certainly do. You'll surely find other members in your local area and then you can broaden the scope of your network at national conferences. You might find new friends or professional colleagues with whom you might collaborate on papers or even break off and form your own firm someday. No matter how you approach your membership, associations offer the opportunity to engage with fellow accountants in ways that are stimulating and rewarding both on a personal and professional level.

Popular Journals

Information is power. If you were to pursue your accounting career without learning anything new, your practice would soon stagnate, and you would find yourself very much behind everyone else. When you make a regular habit of reading professional journals, you can keep your fingers on the pulse of the accounting and financial worlds. After all, every day there may be new legislation and other writers may discover new accounting information system approaches to old problems that you'd never considered. Make it a practice to check journal websites and even subscribe to their print editions. Your career will thank you.

  • Journal of Accountancy:
    This premier journal is offered by the Association of International Certified Public Accountants.
  • The CPA Journal:
    This publication is from the New York State Society of CPAs.
  • Journal of Accounting Research:
    This academic journal is published on behalf of the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago.
  • Accounting Today:
    This periodical is produced by Arizent, a business information company that publishes a number of other business publications.

Industry Conferences for Accountants

If you are actively reading accounting journals, pursuing continuing education units, and otherwise an engaged accountant, the next level is to attend conferences. Conferences provide an opportunity to meet your fellow professionals, have fun, and learn a lot in a short period of time.

While some conferences are highly specialized, many offer seminars and lectures on a wide range of topic. Thus, you might be able to attend a few lectures that cater to your particular professional focus, but you might also be able to learn about other specialty areas. For instance, you might be a financial auditor who may learn a new perspective by attending a lecture on IT audits or about auditing in the NGO realm. The number and scope of accounting conferences is immense, so you are sure to find at least one per year for you and your team.

  • AICPA Governmental and Non-Profit Training Program:
    Accountants need to be aware of recent regulatory changes, so this conference is vital to remaining current in your practice. Auditors, controllers, and financial directors will find this a very enlightening experience.
  • AICPA Conference on Credit Unions:
    If you are in the Credit Union business, this is a very important conference to attend. Industry experts will present on topics such as current events in financial services, changes in NCUA regulations, fraud, and best practices for audits.
  • Structured Finance Association:
    The SFA puts on the largest capital markets conference in the world. Accountants from hedge funds, law firms, rating agencies, big data firms, and many more should all attend.
  • NTCA Financing + Accounting Conference:
    This conference is for anyone involved in making important financial decisions. Attendees can receive CEU credits, learn more about strategy, operations, and technology, all on top of excellent networking opportunities with peers nationwide.

Professional Software

Thankfully you no longer have to conduct your business using paper ledgers. That work was tedious, endless, and exhausting. Nowadays, your business needs accounting software to attain any level of efficiency. Your employees will demand it and the added efficiency will show up on your bottom line. Now, with the advent of cloud computing, the process is all the easier. You and your team can log hours, expenses, and receive payments all with an app or from a laptop, miles away from the office. Review this sampling of the available accounting software and find your next upgrade.

  • Acumatica Project Accounting:
    This package allows for multiple users across the departments in your company. The software is also fully customizable to meet your needs.
  • SBS Financials:
    With this software you can streamline your firm's financial processes. You can compare budgets, approve invoices, and receive full support whenever you need it.
  • ZOHO Books:
    Whether you need to track inventories, payables, time tracking, or banking (among many other things), ZOHO will enable you to manage every aspect of your business no matter where you are. The software is a subscription-based tool that lives in the cloud so you can do your work from the airport terminal as well as your c-suite office.
  • FreshBooks:
    FreshBooks is a cloud-computing solution to your accounting needs. It allows you to manage every aspect of your business from a desktop, laptop, or mobile device. If you're a consultancy, your team can log hours from their phones and then add them to an invoice later or accept credit card payments from within the system. This is the perfect solution for small businesses.
  • ZarMoney:
    ZarMoney is made for small businesses. In fact, if you are a one-person shop or the only accountant, you can use the package for free. Adding other users will mean added, though nominal, fees. Don't worry if your enterprise experiences a vast growth because ZarMoney is fully scalable to meet your needs.