Although few career choices can be considered “recession-proof,” accounting certainly rates as one of the healthiest.
The 2008 “Trends in the Supply of Accounting Graduates and the Demand for Public Accounting Recruits,” released by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), predicted that, 91% of accounting firms expected their hiring rates to either hold steady or actually increase in 2009.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that the demand for accountants will increase 10 to 20 percent between now and 2015. The Robert Half 2009 Salary Guide: Accounting & Finance reported that entry-level accounting positions, such as Accounting and Payroll Clerks, can expect to earn from $27,000 to $30,000, depending on the size of the company.
(Note: The Robert Half numbers are an average. Specific salaries can vary based on such factors as geographic area, industry, company size, employee benefits and local economic conditions as well as the employee’s education and qualifications.)
Clearly, an accounting degree is a solid investment in your future. Also, after three to five years of working experience along with additional education, a whole host of rewarding career opportunities becomes available.
Following are the five most popular fields for accounting professionals with a Bachelor’s degree or better:
- Auditing. Audit specialists look at an organization’s “books” and financial statements to make sure all transactions are properly recorded and then determine that organization’s financial health. Being an auditor is a great way to learn how a company makes its money —or fails to do so. Auditing can also involve extensive travel, a plus if you don’t like to sit behind the same desk every day.
- Budget Analysis. Budget analysts are usually responsible for coming up with an organization’s financial plan and then managing that plan upon implementation. A good budget analyst is more than just a numbers-cruncher; he/she also needs good management and negotiating skills. If you’re as good with people as you are with numbers, this could be a specialty you’ll enjoy.
- Financial Accounting. A financial accountant is responsible for both preparing financial statements and helping to determine where operating capital is going to come from. Often deeply involved in the mergers & acquisitions process, a financial accountant can play a pivotal role in directing an organization’s financial future.
- Management Accounting. Management accountants often work at various levels within a business organization to help determine how and where money is best spent, as well as how money can be saved. Today, they often work in tandem with marketing and finance to grow new business.
- Tax Accounting. The main job of a tax accountant is to prepare tax statements for companies and individuals. However, they can also be responsible for helping determine how certain business decisions will affect tax liabilities and conform to state and federal tax laws.
Interested in an Accounting Career?
Are you interested in pursuing a career in accounting? If so, a quality education is a must. Everest can provide you with the background and credentials you need for many entry-level positions that can be your first step to long-term career advancement in this ever-growing field. Contact Everest today to see if accounting programs are available in your area.
* Financial aid available for those who qualify.
