Accounting Career Guide

Consider joining the Business and Entrepreneurship Career Community or any other Career Community you are interested in!

Sample Past Internship Sites:

  • Ernst & Young (EY)
  • DeLong & Brower, P.C.
  • Perrigo
  • The Homestead Resort
  • Van Andel Institute
  • Meijer
  • Haworth
  • Dow Corporation
  • UHY
  • The Rehmann Group

Where Alumni Have Landed

  • Auditor – Deloitte
  • Accounting Analyst – Meritage Hospitality Group
  • Accounting Clerk – SpartanNash
  • Accounting Administrator – Bekins
  • Staff Associate – VanderPloeg, Bergakker, & Associates
  • Tax Staff – Crowe LLP
  • Tax Associate – BDO USA, LLP
  • Risk & Accounting Advisory Services Consultant – Plante Moran
  • Staff Auditor – Beene Garter LLP
  • Assurance Staff – Plante Moran
  • Staff Accountant – Helmholdt & Co.
  • Accounting Associate – Baker Holtz
  • Assistant Controller – Eikenhout, Inc.
  • Assurance Associate – PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC)
  • Staff Accountant – Eenhoorn LLC
  • Financial Analyst – Spectrum Health
  • Internal Auditor – Gordon Food Service
  • Associate International Tax Analyst - Amway
  • Staff Accountant – EHTC

Accounting Spotlight

Jamie Allen '14 & '15 Spotlight

Jamie Allen '14 & '15

Two notable memories are my first football game in the student section and the Seidman College of Business Accounting Recruiting event where I received significant exposure to professional networking.

Becky Seely '89 Spotlight

Becky Seely '89

I remember one weekend, they went around to each room and forced us to go to the football game. I had the best time despite not wanting or planning to go!

Michael Peuler '77 Spotlight

Michael Peuler '77

My favorite Grand Valley memory is walking between buildings holding a rope during snow storms.

View More Accounting Spotlight


Student Organizations to Consider

  • Beta Alpha Psi (Accounting Honors organization)
  • Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA)
  • Institute of Managerial Accountants (IMA)

Study Abroad Programs

 

Accounting students can reap huge benefits through studying abroad by gaining a better understanding of the different accounting standards in the world, learning more about different tax systems, and analyzing international business models. 


Develop some of these technical and professional competencies to be successful:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Tax Software
  • Knowledge of ERP / SAP
  • Tax Law
  • Analysis
  • Audit principles
  • Communication and interpersonal skills
  • Organization and ability to meet tight deadlines
  • Accuracy
  • Strong math skills
  • Compliance
  • Integrity
  • High level attention to detail
  • Data Entry

Graduate and Professional Education

If you are interested in pursuing your CPA certification, you will need 150 academic credits.  If you are working in public accounting, this will be a required step for full-time employment.  Most BBA Accounting students who come out of their undergraduate degree with around 120 credits will continue on towards a Master of Science in Accounting (MSA) or a Master of Science in Taxation (MST).  For more information, visit https://www.gvsu.edu/seidmangrad/

 


Additional Resources

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Page last modified June 19, 2023