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Accounting Degrees Account For 1.3 Million Jobs
Do you like numbers? Were you pretty good in math? Then, pursuing an accounting career just might be a good decision for you. Apparently, 1.3 million individuals in 2006 shared the same passion for adding and subtracting. Basically, an accountant's main responsibility is related to money numbers. Individual or company bookkeeping, tax recording, profit/loss analysis and other types of financial information must be recorded and then given to those who ask for it. Excellent communication skills and extremely proficient accuracy is critical to the success of one's accounting career. There are also many accounting jobs available within the federal and state government arenas as well. Adding to the job description, you will find that some accountants also offer investment and financial planning, budget analysis, some legal services allowed by their license and information technology consulting. A Career in AccountingActually, the field of accounting has four main sub-fields. Public Accountants work as self-employed professionals or they may be employed within an accounting firm. Their clients consist of individuals, corporations, non-profit organizations and the US government. For these clients, they will perform general accounting, auditing, tax and consulting services. Or, they may specialize in a specific area of accounting like forensic accounting. To specialize in a particular area, an accountant will combine his accounting skill and experience with another profession in which he may have knowledge or training. Using the example of the forensic accountant, someone who is trained in the law, criminal justice or investigations may choose to work with law enforcement personnel to determine if certain financial activities are illegal. Accounting SkillsIt can be very exciting to possess special accounting skills that aid in the capture and arrest of those committing securities fraud, embezzlement, money laundering and other white-collar crimes. A forensic accountant may be called upon as an expert witness when these cases go to trial. A Management Accountant is one that performs accounting duties for the company that he is employed by. They may also be asked by their employers to analyze and evaluate the companies financial performance along with cost and asset management. These types of accountants are usually part of a team of accountants that record and analyze financial information about the company they work for. They will then provide this information to their employers in the form of financial statements and reports and then this information will be used to make very important buying, selling and operating decisions. At times, they will be called upon to prepare financial reports for stockholders, creditors or even the Internal Revenue Service. Government AccountantsGovernment Accountants work for the Federal Government performing accounting and auditing services for other government agencies as well as private businesses that are subject to government regulation. They make sure that these entities record accurate financial information and pay the correct amount of taxes. Government Accountants may actually be called Internal Revenue Service Agents. An Internal Accountant or Auditor work to make sure that their company is not guilty of waste, fraud or mismanagement. Their main job is to make sure that the organization that they work for is financially running smoothly. They maintain rigorous control of accuracy and efficiency with regard to corporate spending policies. Internal Auditors regularly examine and review company operations to make sure that they are in compliance with legal and tax requirements. They basically are authorized to “crack the whip” to ensure a tight ship financially. However, in recent years, the introduction of powerful financial computer software has made these accounting tasks much easier. Degrees in AccountingIt is possible to get into the field of accounting with only an Associates Degree, if you are willing to take an entry level position as a junior accountant. You may be asked to work closely under the supervision of a senior accountant and after gaining much experience and demonstrating high skills and ability, be able to advance into an accountant position. But, generally speaking, a Bachelor's Degree will be required to gain employment as an accountant with most companies. If you desire to specialize in a specific accounting field, a Ph.D. may be necessary. Many colleges and universities are also now offering Master's Degree programs in Accounting and these higher degrees will aid in ensuring the best accounting job prospects. With the convenience of online courses being offered through accredited schools and colleges, the ability to gain the education needed to become a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is so much easier and faster than it used to be. CPA - A Certified Public AccountantFederal law requires licensing from an accountant as a CPA if any of the reports he prepares for an individual or company are filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Most states require a college degree before pursing this certification, but some states will allow equivalent experience in exchange for a degree. The 42 states that require degrees are demanding 30 hours beyond Bachelor Degree requirements, so some schools are simply incorporating the 150 hour requirement into their Master's Degree programs. This education will help to prepare the prospective CPA candidate to pass the four-part exam, but even then only half of the students that take the exam will pass the first time. Accounting Core CurriculumThe basic core curriculum required for a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting consists of Global Studies, a simplified approach to business finances, law and practices in the US and globally. Accountancy prepares the student to understand the basics of accounting and bookkeeping strategies with regard to individuals and businesses. Information Systems will teach the student computer financial software applications. Business Statistics will prepare the student to effectively read and write financial statements and reports. Business Law will help the student to have a clear understanding of business law and how it will affect business management. Management classes prepares the student for efficient business and financial operations within a business. Business Communications will aid the student to effectively interpret and communicate the findings of financial data as it applies to business management and Finance Marketing prepares the student to successfully bridge the gap between business budgets and advertising costs. If you would like some more information about the field of Accounting or how to obtain an Accounting Degree, follow the resource links below. Resources:Bureau of Labor Statistics on Accounting The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants National Association of State Boards of Accountancy Association of Government Accountants |
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