The Complete Accountant Career Guide

Chapter 1: The Accounting Landscape

Accounting is the rare profession where your first job decision shapes the next decade. Going Big 4 public accounting vs. starting in industry isn't just a salary choice — it's a lifestyle choice, a credential choice, and a career velocity choice.

Career Paths

Public Accounting (Big 4): Deloitte, PwC, EY, KPMG. Grueling hours (55-70/week in busy season) but unmatched resume signal. Starting: $62-72K + bonuses.

Public Accounting (Mid-size/Regional): Better work-life balance, still strong training. Starting: $55-65K.

Corporate/Industry: Internal accounting, FP&A, treasury. 40-50 hour weeks. Starting: $55-65K.

Government: IRS, GAO, state agencies. Best work-life balance, pension benefits. Starting: $50-60K.

Forensic Accounting: Financial crime investigation. Growing field. Requires CPA + CFE. Starting: $60-70K.

The 150-Hour Rule

To sit for the CPA exam, you need 150 credit hours (a bachelor's is typically 120). Options: 5-year program, master's in accounting, or extra undergrad courses.

Preview covers 2 of 11 chapters. Full guide includes CPA exam strategy, Big 4 interview prep, and career trajectory models.