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An
accounting education offers
students a chance to learn the key skills and fundamental formulas
for financial management. An accounting career can lead to working
in corporate accounting, management accounting, government auditing,
and internal auditing. Many accountants may choose to work as
independent contractors where they run their own firm. Completing an
accounting degree is the first step to working within the financial
field, and is a valuable asset for both public and private sectors
of the economy.
Job Description and
Responsibilities for Graduates of Accounting School
After completing
programs and courses at an accounting school, entry-level
positions require diligence, attention to detail, and a variety of
tasks. An accounting degree can lead towards to financial management
and accounting supervisor positions, as well as a variety of analyst
and consultant positions within the industry. Training
may be provided by the company or employer, while the accounting
degree provides the basics for skills and ongoing
education.
Accountants are
usually involved with a variety of projects and assignments
including:
-
Working with a
team of financial managers, representatives, and certified
accountants
-
Keeping records
accurate and reporting information to necessary departments
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Taking part in
auditing, tax, and consulting activities
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Reviewing
financial statements
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Correcting and
reporting tax information
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Interpreting and
reviewing financial systems and processes
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Evaluating costs
and performance for specific departments
-
Verifying the
accuracy of reports
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Analyzing and
devising budgets
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Making
recommendations for reaching financial goals
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Performing audits
and other quality control measures as directed by the organization
Accounting careers
can branch out into various departments and sectors within the
industry. There are four major fields of accounting:
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Public
-
Management
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Government
accounting
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Internal auditing
Completing an
accounting degree offers flexibility and many options to grow within
a particular field. Almost 10% of accountants become self employed
and manage their own firm or business.
Career
Options After Completing Your Accounting Education
Accounting schools
may helps students specialize in a particular sector after their
third year, and a variety of targeted training programs
are available to help students concentrate their courses in this
way. Graduates with accounting degrees may choose a
career as a:
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Public Accountant
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Forensic
Accountant or Investigator
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Contract Manager
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Management
Accountant
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Industrial
Accountant
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Corporate
Accountant
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Personal
Financial Advisor
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Government
Accountant
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Auditor
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Internal
Compliance Manager
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Legal Auditor
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Health Care
Auditor
Employment
Placement Options
with an Accounting Degree
An accounting degree can lead to work in several industries in both
the public and private sector. A 40-hour work week is the standard
for accountants, and work load increases during tax season and the
budgeting stages. Almost every business needs an accountant, but the
most common organizations include:
Accounting
Degree Courses, Education, and Training Programs
Training
programs usually involve a bachelor's in accounting degree, but many
employers prefer a master's degree in business administration with a
concentration in accounting. Online degree
programs are another option for students who may need flexible
schedules.
Accounting programs
focus on financial management, asset management, recordkeeping,
analyzing budgets, and learning specific account management
software. Common courses available at include:
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Financial
Accounting
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Accounting
Information Systems
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Contemporary
Auditing
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Income Tax
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Accounting for
Managerial Decision Making
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Cost Accounting
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Accounting Theory
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Personal
Financial Planning Fundamentals
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Estate Planning
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Basic Bookkeeping
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Nonprofit
Accounting
Computers are
making basic accounting classes almost nonexistent, and the general
tasks for accountants are shifting into a new direction with
different standards, formats, and guidelines. Accounting packages
are designed to manage much of the manual work once needed for data
management, reporting, and recordkeeping. Students who pursue
training with an emphasis on learning the software have a
significant advantage.
Many accountants
choose to pursue a role as a personal financial advisor, as this
involves making use of accounting and tax knowledge, developing
budgets, and managing assets for one or more clients. After
completing their education, students may become Certified
Public Accountants (CPA) by passing a national examination.
Certification can increase salary minimums and also provide
credibility for a future employer. 42 States and the District of
Columbia require 150 hours of coursework to become a CPA.
Online Accounting
Degree Programs
Taking an accounting course online can be a valuable way to complete
training. Since most of the instruction involves the
completion of projects using spreadsheets and other computer-based
applications, an online accounting degree program can be very
beneficial for working students or those who have limited schedules.
By completing courses online, the student can work at
their own pace and this is often a part of a distance learning or
correspondence course program.
Accreditation for
Accounting Schools
Many accounting
schools are accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate
Schools of Business (AACSB) International. Others may be accredited
by the same party as the business school that they have a department
in including the Commission on Higher Education and Learning for
that region.
Accounting Career Earning Potential and Employment Prospects
Students with an accounting degree can look forward to favorable
employment prospects within the financial management industry.
Accounting careers are expected to grow faster than average through
2014, and an accounting education can be a lifelong growth
opportunity to acquire new skills, stay up to date on the latest
developments, and provide additional experience. National changes in
standards and guidelines are largely attributed to the change in
technology, and students who learn the key skills
and computer programs during their training will have the
most advantages.
Median annually salaries for auditors and accountants were $50,770
in 2004; those with a bachelor's degree averaged $43,269
in 2005. Related occupations include:
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Cost estimators
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Bookkeepers
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Bill collectors
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Management analysts
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Financial analysts
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Revenue agents
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