A Sociological Examination Of the Accounting Profession: Internships and Qualifications

Abstract

This thesis is meant to be an introduction to the field of accounting. It examines the financial sector using a sociological and feminist perspective and covers a variety of necessary topics including: requirements to become a CPA and to maintain certification, what professional organizations are available to accountants, the profession’s outlook, what the “Big Four” accounting firms are, what the sizes and structures of firms are, women in accounting, and finally a review of a tax internship at a medium sized accounting firm. We use the perspectives of Max Weber, Arlie Hochschild and Rotzer. Also included is a discussion on the organizational aspect of firms from the sociological perspective and an insider’s look at a tax intership.