I Am Interested in Accounting As a Future Career

Accountants work in a variety of financial roles in businesses, universities, hospitals and government agencies. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), 24 percent of all accountants work is in tax preparation, payroll and bookkeeping positions. In addition, an estimated eight percent of accountants are self-employed.

Job Description

• The primary duty of an accountant is to track the spending of an organization. By monitoring where money is spent, accountants establish how efficiently the organization is operating. Accountants use specific financial reports to establish the efficiency of a business or organization. Financial reports help inform organization leaders, the public and stakeholders on the financial health of the organization. Depending on specialization, accountants work in auditing, investigations, tax preparation and managerial accounting,

Training

• The fundamental requirement for most accountants is usually a bachelor's degree in accounting. Depending on the position and the employer, some accountants are required to have at least a master's degree in accounting or an MBA (master of business administration) with a specialization in accounting. To advance to more senior positions and increase earnings potential, some accountants become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which requires special testing and professional licensing procedures.

  In addition to traditional education, some accountants graduate from programs in community colleges or correspondence programs. These programs cover the necessary skills to be an accounting clerk or a bookkeeper. Through experience and job training, accountants can obtain more senior positions and the potential to earn more money.

Advancement

• Advancement in the accounting field comes from accumulating work experience and with continuing education. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, earning special recognitions or designations increase employment opportunities and career advancement. For example, accountants can earn a designation as a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), a Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Salary

• The national median salary for accountants and auditors was $59,430 annually as of May 2008, according to the BLS. Variations in salary depend on the type of accounting specialty you choose and the type of employer you work for. The highest average salaries were in accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services, averaging $61,480. The lowest average salary was $51,250 for those working in state government.

  Starting salaries are estimated at $48,993, according to a July 2009 survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers. The same data indicates that starting salaries job candidates with a master's degree in accounting start earning $49,786 annually.

Job Prospects

• Job prospects are forecast to be favorable according to December 2009 estimates from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The decade between 2008 and 2018 is expected to see a 22 percent growth in job opportunities. This equates to approximately 279,400 additional jobs. As of 2008, the BLS estimates there are 1.29 million accounting jobs in the U.S. By 2018, the BLS projects accounting employment to reach 1.57 million jobs.