Become an Accountant: Accounting Courses for International Students

Accounting is the process of recording, summarizing, and analyzing important financial data to make informed decisions. It plays a major role in all kinds of businesses, from startups to multinational corporations. With an increase in demand for professionals with expertise in financial management, especially those who understand international standards, pursuing this type of degree can equip you with key skills and knowledge that stand out to employers.

Read on to learn more about what you will learn in a US university degree program and the career opportunities available.

What Is an Accounting Degree?

Students majoring in this degree program learn to analyze and understand financial information, helping clients and businesses make important financial, business, and tax decisions.  

Courses are usually offered under a bachelor of science degree, since many classes focus specifically on mathematical topics including financial reporting, international standards, the golden rules of accounting, finance concepts, economics, and more. 

You can also choose a concentration to further enhance your learning and help you work toward becoming a specialized professional. Let’s take a closer look at the different types of specializations. 

Types of Specializations

Specialist roles in this field can include: 

• Auditor — Auditing is one of the more traditional careers. As an auditor, you inspect a company’s financial records to make sure they are correct and in order. The responsibilities of an auditor vary based on their job role, with internal auditors primarily working on the company’s internal processes while external auditors are unaffiliated with the companies they assess. 

• Financial controller — Financial controllers supervise accountants and affiliated colleagues within an organization and prepare financial statements, budgets, and business forecasts. 

• Management accountant — These professionals analyze costs, profits, and financial information to help make strategic decisions.

• Financial analyst — Financial analysts specialize in assessing investment opportunities by analyzing risks and rewards. They evaluate both financial and market data to help make good investment decisions.

• Forensic accountant — This specialization combines financial expertise with investigative skills to uncover and analyze fraud, using auditing and other techniques to provide an expert opinion in courts and share financial evidence.

You will likely also pursue professional certifications along with your degree. Certifications can vary between different regions, and some countries require accountants to have a specific certification to apply for particular job roles. 

Here are seven well-recognized certifications in this field:

• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) — The CPA is the gold standard certification in the US. It is issued by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and accountants are often required to earn it in order to practice at US-based companies and organizations.

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) — A globally recognized certification based in the UK, the ACCA membership certifies a person’s knowledge of a wide range of subjects including financial reporting, taxation, auditing, and financial management.

• Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) — Issued by the CFA Institute, this qualification is required by many investment companies as it certifies a professional’s understanding of managing portfolios, professional and ethical standards, and investment analysis.

• Chartered Accountant (CA) — Issued by the chief regulatory body of the country where you choose to pursue this qualification, the CA designation certifies a person’s skill across a wide range of financial subjects.

• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) — The CMA certification verifies skills in cost management, decision analysis, forecasting, and internal control auditing. Most CPA-qualified professionals take the CMA exam as well.

• Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) — The CGMA certification is a global certification that verifies an accountant’s skill in management and business strategy.

• Enrolled Agent (EA) — Enrolled Agents are accountants qualified to represent taxpayers in the US to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The IRS issues this certification.

Let’s take a look at several potential career opportunities you may qualify for with your degree. 

Career Opportunities with an Accounting Degree

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, people who study to become an accountant earn approximately $78,000 in the US — nearly twice the median salary of other occupations.

Here are some roles international students can consider, as well as their average annual salaries in the US, India, China, and Brazil:

Source: Payscale

Whether you dream of working at a multinational corporation or want to be an independent accountant, pursuing this degree can lead to a rewarding and dynamic career. By earning your degree from a Shorelight university, you can develop in-demand skills and knowledge, get practical hands-on experience, and learn from experts in a supportive environment.

Study to Become an Accountant at Shorelight Universities

Shorelight universities offer comprehensive degree programs that prepare students for lucrative careers. Let’s take a look at several US universities that are eager to enroll international students who want to become accountants. 

Austin College

Located in Sherman, Texas, Austin College is ranked #46 among Best Value Schools in the US (U.S. News & World Report). Austin’s business finance degree with a minor in accounting covers money management, banking, and investment, and gives you a solid foundation to start your career.

You can also apply your skills to real-world situations via opportunities like the Student Managed Investment Fund and gain a competitive advantage during internships and postgraduate programs. 

Bellarmine University

Accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), Bellarmine University in Louisville, Kentucky, offers coursework covering international standards as well as business expertise, communication skills, and ethical awareness; supplementary minors include business administration and business analytics. Bellarmine graduates also boast a high CPA exam pass rate.

Blackburn College

Ranked as one of the Top Liberal Arts Colleges for Social Mobility by U.S. News & World Report, Blackburn College in Illinois features a major in accounting as part of its business program. The curriculum provides in-depth knowledge in financial reporting, federal taxation, auditing, and account information systems while familiarizing students with practical skills such as using spreadsheets and industry software. 

Edgewood College

Listed as one of the Best National Colleges by U.S. News & World Report, Edgewood College in Madison, Wisconsin, offers several accounting degrees with additional concentrations in finance, management, and marketing.  

Fairfield University

Fairfield University, ranked in the Top 1% for Long-Term Return on Investment by Georgetown University’s Center for Education and the Workforce, offers its accounting degrees through the Charles F. Dolan School of Business. The program focuses on helping students develop both technical and conceptual skills, and the university’s proximity to several Fortune 500 companies and financial centers in New York City gives students the chance to discover internships where they can apply those skills in the real world.

Through versatile curricula, state-of-the-art facilities, and specialized internship opportunities, Shorelight universities provide you with the support you need to thrive both academically and professionally. 

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