should have excellent math skills and the ability to interpret facts, figures, and statistics quickly. They should also be able to interpret those figures in a way that is easy for all types of people to understand.
are in control of a company’s money. They make sure that money coming in exceeds money going out. They prepare reports, make adjustments, and prepare the taxes. are perhaps the most important employees of any company. They prepare reports which:
- Allow company presidents and managers to evaluate how well the company is performing.
- Help investors to determine whether they want to invest in the company.
- Let the government know how much is owed in taxes.
Usually accountants work a standard 40-hour week in offices. work longer hours during tax season—from January through April. Some accountants work with just one company and some work for accounting firms that handle many different clients.
Occasionally, if a company is doing poorly, then an accountant must be the bearer of bad news. But, in general, job satisfaction in the accounting field runs high.
Accounting Training & Education
A degree is a must for all would-be To get an accounting job, you must have an accounting degree or training in the field or a related subject from an accredited institution. Earning a degree in Accounting while you work can help you quickly climb the ladder of success. Some employers may even pay a portion of your educational costs.
Future should also seek professional recognition through associations in order to boost their chances of being hired. are accountants who have been licensed by their state.
Almost all states now require additional coursework to become a CPA. CPA candidates must pass an extremely difficult test in order to get their license. Only 25% of people who take the test each year are able to pass all parts.
Accounting Career and Salary Outlook
Employment in the field of is expected to grow at a faster than normal rate through the year 2014. As the economy grows, there is a greater need for accountants to keep track of all their money.
In addition to this, recent accounting scandals have increased the need for financial scrutiny within corporations. It is also expected that a large number of positions will be opening up due to retirement in the next 10 years.
The median salary for a new is $36,263, while an account who has a few years of experience may make $52,019. The more experience an accountant receives the more they should expect to earn. The top 10% of accountants are earning over $80,000. In addition to this, many company presidents, CEOs, and other high level executives have a background in
Career Fields/Specializations
Bookkeeper Career
Like the job sounds, a is in charge of keeping the books. They perform including maintaining financial records, keeping track of accounts, entering payments and deposits into budgeting software, and preparing financial statements or records. They could work for large corporations, small businesses, or even individuals.
Auditing Clerk Career
The job duties of an involve verifying the accuracy of other employees’ figures, calculations, and statements. For example, they’ll check to make sure that all of the expenses listed on an expense account are legitimate and make sure that everyone is getting the proper commissions. Auditing clerks should have a keen eye for detail, since they are trying to catch other people’s mistakes.
Tax Accountant Career
A will keep the tax records and prepare all necessary tax forms, either for an individual or a company. They are responsible for filing taxes at the local, state, and federal government levels. They may advise a company’s decision makers about the tax related impact of certain decisions. should be well organized and detail oriented.
Controller Career
The is in charge of a company’s budget and financial resources. They determine all the accounting practices for the company. They should prepare quarterly financial reports and make suggestions as to how the company could perform better financially. A controller should have at least seven years of accounting experience and the ability to find and solve problems.