A Career in Accounting

*Job Description:
Professional accountants work with companies in keeping accurate records up to date and its taxes paid. Public accountants can perform any number of duties for businesses and individuals. Some business accountants work with companies on different tax concerns such as tax breaks and tax laws concerning their business and advise them on certain tax advantages.

Many become a certified public accountant (CPA) and have their own business preparing individual income tax returns. There are other accountants that work in Federal, State and Local governments keeping and
maintaining records for these agencies.
An accountant may help as a persons financial advisor, along with preparing their taxes. They can also help develop budgets, manage investments and plan for retirement. Public accountants perform a wide range of accounting, tax preparation and consulting for their customers.

Some public accountants specialize in forensic, investigating white collar crimes such as embezzlement, fraud, bankruptcies and money laundering by organized criminals. Many forensic accountants work with law enforcement agencies and with their knowledge of accounting and finance help in determining if any illegal activity has occurred.

Many corporations hire their own accountants to analyze planning and budgeting, performance evaluation, cost management, etc. Individuals planning a career in accounting should have a knack for mathematics and be able to explain and interpret facts and figures quickly.

Education/Training:
Most accounting positions require a bachelors degree. Some employers prefer individuals with a masters degree in accounting. To gain experience many colleges offer students through summer or part-time internship programs held by public accountants or business firms. CPAs are licensed by a State Board of Accountancy. The majority of States require CPAs to be college graduates. Before CPAs and accountants can renew their licenses, almost all States require them to complete a certain number of hours of continuing professional education. Accountants usually continue their education through accounting degree courses, accounting seminars, group study programs, etc.

*Job Outlook:
Overall job openings should be favorable with the increase in the number of new businesses and with financial laws and regulations changing. Forensic accountants will be in greater demand with the increased awareness of financial crimes such as embezzlement and securities fraud. Employment for CPAs and accountants is projected to grow between 18% to 26% through 2014.