UPS Air Finance and Accounting Career Pathway
Career pathway for MC students pursuing an eligible bachelor’s degree at the UofL. Includes JCTC 2+2 students earning an Associate of Science or Associate of Arts with a business emphasis, transferring to UofL to finish their degree.
- MC Finance and Accounting Career Pathway Information Session Info
- Program Overview
- How to Participate
- Become a Top Candidate
- Professional Development and Networking Opportunities
- Stay Connected About UPS Employment Opportunities
- Required Professional Skills
- High Demand Career Sector
MC Finance and Accounting Career Pathway Information Session Info
We invite our MC students and New/Prospective students to attend one of our information sessions. Please join us during the virtual Information Session listed below. We are looking forward to connecting with you!
- (Virtual) September 2026 DATE/TIME TBD
- (Virtual) February 2027 DATE/TIME TBD
Program Overview
Metropolitan College (MC) students interested in finance or accounting careers can connect with UPS’s Air Region Finance team while progressing through their academic journey. Students begin at Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC), completing an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science with a business emphasis, then transfer through ULtra to the University of Louisville (UofL) to earn a bachelor’s degree in business. This pathway also supports students who start directly at UofL.
Throughout the program, students build knowledge of finance and accounting careers while gaining exposure to workplace expectations and corporate environments at UPS. The pathway focuses on professional growth and career readiness through structured engagement and support.
Program Benefits include:
- Professional networking opportunities
- LinkedIn connections with the UPS Air Finance team
- Understanding workplace expectations
- Skill development for finance and accounting careers
- Increased confidence in professional settings
- Resume review support from the Air Finance team
- Real-world insight into UPS Finance & Accounting careers
- Monthly newsletters with updates and resources
- Job shadowing opportunities
- Notifications of current job openings via school email
This pathway prepares students to successfully transition from college to full-time career opportunities in finance or accounting.
Students may complete one of the following eligible JCTC to UofL Degree Pathways or UofL Bachelor of Science Degree Programs:
2+2 JCTC/KCTCS Transfer Degree Pathways:
- AA - Business Administration in Accountancy
- AA - Business Administration in Finance
- AA - Business Administration
- AA - Business Economics
UofL Bachelor of Science Degrees:
How to Participate
Step 1: Connect early with the Air Finance Team
- As soon as you become an MC participant, MC and UPS want to connect with you to provide coaching and mentoring
- Complete the Complete Finance Career Interest Form to be added to the distribution list
- Attend a Finance and Accounting Career Pathway Information Session to learn more about our program and network with UPS Air Finance professionals
Step 2: Enroll each semester (fall & spring only) to confirm active participation in the pathway prior to the deadlines. UPS Finance & Accounting Career Pathway Enrollment
- Fall Semester Deadline - September 7th
- Spring Semester Deadline - February 8th
Step 3: Review and complete the applicable Metropolitan College Finance & Accounting Career Pathway Checklist below to learn more about the program.
- Review and print the applicable Metropolitan College Finance & Accounting Career Pathway Checklist
- JCTC Student Checklist
- UofL Students Checklist
- Monitor your school email for notifications on events, professional development opportunities, etc.
Contact Information
To learn more about this program, contact Haley Zoeller, MC Student Success Counselor. If you have any questions regarding participation in co-ops, internships, or part-time positions at UPS and the potential impact on your Metro College benefits, please contact Sara Heun at saraheun@ups.com.
Become a Top Candidate
MC students are encouraged to actively engage in professional development opportunities offered by UPS to enhance your candidacy. MC Finance and Accounting students are encouraged to:
- Continually update your resume. Work with a MC Student Success Counselor to customize your resume. After SSC approves your edits, email your final resume to Haley Zoeller to request a review by the UPS Air Finance Team.
- Job Shadow: UPS offers opportunities for MC Finance and Accounting majors to shadow UPS's professionals. Take advantage of this opportunity to network and to learn more about future work in the industry.
- Receive Newsletter from UPS Air Finance: This newsletter is designed to connect F&A talent with career opportunities. It will be distributed quarterly with the latest career coaching and networking opportunities. Thoroughly read the UPS's finance and accounting newsletter and follow-up on opportunities and information listed in this important resource.
- Attend Events: Attend as many UPS finance and accounting events that you can. This is an excellent networking opportunity and an opportunity to learn about the industry.
Professional Development and Networking Opportunities
UPS Air Finance Team hosts a Networking event during the Spring semester
Future Spring Networking Events will be posted above.
UofL Career Fairs and Employer Engagement Opportunities:
UofL College of Business Ulmer Career Center hosts:
- Ulmer Ask me Anything Sessions with local employers (ALL SESSIONS ARE VIRTUAL)
- TBD on upcoming dates
- The Accounting & Finance Career Fair during (fall semester only)
- Dates are announced on Cardinal Careers
- The COB Career & Internship Fair during the (fall & spring semester)
- Dates are announced on Cardinal Careers
*JCTC students who have joined ULtra and have their UofL Cardinal Card student ID can attend career fairs at UofL
Recommended Technology Micro-Credentials:
Metro College UofL participants get free access to LinkedIn Learning this powerful learning platform!
| Credential | Description | Objectives |
|---|---|---|
| Strategic Negotiation | LinkedIn Learning | Learn negotiation skills to help you get what you want while also building better relationships with coworkers, bosses, business partners, and suppliers. In this course, leadership consultant and trainer Mike Figliuolo shares simple yet effective negotiating skills and tools. He covers the four major phases of the negotiating cycle and explains how to assess your situation, gather data, negotiate a deal, and then assess and learn from your experience. He also explains common negotiating pitfalls and what you can do to avoid them. This course includes AI-powered Role Play. Role Play allows you to practice what you’ve learned in interactive simulations of real-world conversations. | Determine the most favorable deal structure. Recognize how to sequence your deals. Identify the most common negotiation pitfalls. |
Power BI for Finance | LinkedIn Learning
| Power BI is a powerful business intelligence tool for people across many industries and departments within organizations. Finance teams use models for much of their work, operating with the accounting and as well as financial planning and analysis groups. They can use the data they receive from internal sources and accounting platforms to create summaries, reports, and dashboards for their work. In this course, Helen Wall shows finance professionals how to unlock the power of Power BI in their financial workflows and models. | Explain how to download and set up Power BI Desktop for financial data analysis. Demonstrate how to connect to SQL Server and other databases using Power BI. Evaluate the use of DirectQuery versus importing data for different data sources. |
Learn more about Technology Micro-Credentials.
Stay Connected About UPS Employment Opportunities
Global Finance provides opportunities across many different career path options. Metropolitan College students can search for positions anytime at UPS Worldport | United Parcel Service or internally at Management Career Opportunities (MCO).
- Learn about opportunities: To be notified of career opportunities, receive the UPS's finance and accounting quarterly newsletter, and learn about opportunities to connect with UPS's Finance and Accounting professionals, complete the UPS MC Finance Career Form. For questions about UPS's finance careers contact: AirFinancePathway@ups.com.
- Learn how to apply: To learn how to apply for UPS's Finance and Accounting positions on upsers.com, follow these directions: Apply to F&A Positions.
- Prepare Your Candidacy: For career development assistance (resume writing, interviewing, MC questions, etc.) contact your assigned MC Student Success Counselor listed on your MyMC page.
Required Professional Skills
To become a competitive candidate for UPS's finance and accounting opportunities, we encourage MC students to take advantage of networking opportunities, keep an open mind, learn as much as you can, and ask questions. Below are the skills you should develop to pursue finance or accounting opportunities at UPS:
- CORE SKILLS
- Business knowledge and financial acumen.
- Critical thinking, problem solving, curiosity.
- Communication and storytelling.
- Detail-oriented with effective time management skills.
- Good attitude and willingness to learn.
- DIGITAL FLUENCY
- Leverage existing and new technologies to drive results.
- Drive business value through data and analytics, leveraging insights from data to make business decisions.
- Design and implement technical solutions.
- Continue to innovate in an increasingly digitalized world.
- PROJECT MANAGEMENT
- Organize, summarize, and manage project lifecycles that impact cross functional teams.
- Cross-functional collaboration.
- Process Improvement Mindset
- RESPONSIBILITIES
- Drive innovative solutions that improve customer experience.
- Researches and interprets financial data and trends to provide insights to management.
- Identify opportunities to enhance values.
High Demand Career Sector
Sector Overview:
Finance and Accounting degrees offer a wide range of career opportunities focused on managing money, analyzing financial data, and supporting business decision-making. These fields combine analytical skills, attention to detail, problem-solving, and ethical responsibility. Careers can range from entry-level bookkeeping and payroll roles to advanced positions such as financial analysts, certified public accountants (CPAs), auditors, and finance managers.
This sector is essential across all industries, including healthcare, manufacturing, banking, government, and corporate business. Every organization relies on financial professionals to maintain accurate records, ensure compliance, manage budgets, and support long-term growth and sustainability.
Why This Sector Matters in Kentucky:
- Businesses must carefully manage finances to remain competitive and compliant
- Financial professionals play a key role in budgeting, forecasting, and auditing
- Kentucky employers report ongoing demand for skilled accounting and finance workers
- Increasing regulations require trained professionals in financial reporting and compliance
Employers are actively seeking individuals with:
- Accounting and bookkeeping expertise
- Financial analysis and forecasting skills
- Knowledge of tax laws and compliance regulations
- Proficiency in financial software and data systems
- Strong attention to detail and ethical judgment
Why It’s High Demand:
- Every business and organization requires financial oversight
- Increasing complexity of tax laws and financial regulations
- Business growth and expansion require financial planning and analysis
- Ongoing need for auditing, compliance, and risk management
Finance and accounting careers remain in high demand because organizations must maintain accurate financial records, ensure compliance, and make informed financial decisions to succeed.
Opportunities in Kentucky:
Common roles include:
- Bookkeeper, Accounting Clerk
- Payroll Specialist, Accounts Payable/Receivable
- Staff Accountant, Tax Preparer
- Financial Analyst, Budget Analyst
- Auditor, Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Finance Manager, Controller
Finance and accounting professionals are needed across sectors including:
- Banking and financial services
- Healthcare systems and hospitals
- Manufacturing and logistics companies
- Government agencies (state and local)
- Corporate business offices
- Educational institutions and universities
Industry Growth & Outlook:
Finance and accounting careers continue to show steady growth both statewide and nationally. In Kentucky, employers are increasing demand for professionals skilled in:
- Financial planning and analysis
- Auditing and regulatory compliance
- Tax preparation and consulting
- Business and corporate finance
- Data-driven financial decision-making
Advancements in financial technology (FinTech), automation, and data analytics are also shaping the field, increasing the need for professionals with both technical and financial expertise.
Salary Expectations in Kentucky:
Experience, certifications (such as CPA), and specialization significantly impact earning potential:
- Entry-Level Roles: Typically range from $35,000 to $55,000
- Mid-Level (Accountants, Analysts): Typically range from $55,000 to $80,000
- Senior-Level / Leadership Roles: Can range from $80,000 to $120,000+ depending on experience and credentials
Salary by Major Kentucky Cities
| Location | Average Annual Salary | Typical Range (25th–75th Percentile) |
|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $60,000 – $72,000 | $52,000 – $85,000 |
| Lexington | $58,000 – $70,000 | $50,000 – $82,000 |
| Bowling Green | $52,000 – $65,000 | $45,000 – $75,000 |
| Northern KY | $60,000 – $73,000 | $52,000 – $86,000 |
Cited work and more information please visit the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics