Unit 1
Accounting and Finance Foundations Unit 1: Accounting Careers 6
Accounting Careers
Lesson 1.
Chapter 1
Student Guide
Key Terms: Define the following terms.
Résumé –
Letter of Application/Cover Letter –
Interview –
Ethics –
Integrity –
The Accounting Career Ladder
Immediately after high school graduation—and sometimes even during high school—individuals may start
an accounting career. With experience and additional accounting study, individuals can earn a promotion to
a higher position on the career ladder.
Highest Level Accountant
Bookkeeper
Accounting Clerk
Lowest level General Office Worker
An individual can begin as a general office worker during or immediately after completing high school,
having had only an accounting class. With experience and some college training, a person can move up the
ladder to an accounting clerk and bookkeeper. With a college degree in accounting, one earns the right to
be called an accountant and begin opening the door for more responsibility, more authority, higher earnings,
and greater success.