What CPAs do

CPAs typically begin their careers in public accounting because it provides the fastest and broadest exposure to a variety of businesses.
Many CPAs move into corporate positions as they advance in their careers, or pursue opportunities with governmental and not-for-profit entities. Yet others choose academia.
In addition to the typical accounting functions, there are many specialty disciplines:
Audit and Assurance – Ensuring that financial statements properly reflect the financial performance of the company.
Tax and Financial Planning – Recommending savings, investment, and tax options to eliminate debt, control expenses, minimize tax burdens, and optimize investments.
Internal Auditing – Assessing the effectiveness of an entity’s control structure either as an employee or an outside consultant. These professionals are in high demand as a result of new corporate governance regulations.
IT Services – Designing, integrating, and implementing advanced software systems, acting as a bridge between hardware/software and organizational goals.
Forensic Accounting – Preventing, detecting, and investigating financial frauds such as embezzlement, securities fraud, tax evasion, and money-laundering schemes. Demand for this specialty has grown significantly as a result of recent corporate scandals.
International Accounting – Companies adopting International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) need accountants to help reconcile IFRS with U.S. GAAP. Professionals with knowledge of U.S. GAAP who work well in an international environment are increasingly in demand.
Environmental Accounting – Addressing how companies can be both environmentally responsible and profitable. This includes focusing on a variety of projects like environmental compliance audits and managing and preventing claims and disputes.
Consulting Services – Providing a variety of specialty services for companies, including performance management, financial planning, and strategy and operations planning.
Financial Analysis – Evaluating business data, identifying trends, and participating in the long-term strategy of a firm.
General Accounting – Processing journal entries, performing account analysis and reconciliation, and preparing payroll, sales, and use tax, and other local tax filings.
The Academic CPA
Regulatory changes have affected the academic community as much as the business community. Industry demand has business program enrollments increasing at a time when a significant percentage of accounting professors near retirement.
As a result many universities are suffering from a shortage of professors who are CPAs. Furthermore, colleges and universities must now offer new courses in areas such as internal auditing, enterprise risk management, forensic accounting, and ethics. So as in business, the demand for qualified instructors at colleges and universities nationwide has never been greater.