Thursday, March 31, 2011

An Interest In Math Could Lead To An Accounting Degree

Math whiz-kids: are you looking for a career that every business needs, doesn't come with a lot of stress and has job placement almost instantly upon graduation? Look no further than a degree in accounting. Career training can range from certificates to Master's degrees in accounting. Most accountants hold at least a Bachelor's degree.
To make the grade, you'll have to be analytical, interpret facts and figures quickly plus sport the ability to clearly and concisely communicate the results to management or clients. High standards of integrity are an important trait in this profession. Since the recent financial catastrophes and Ponzi schemes have hit the news, you'll more likely be closely monitored, at least initially.
Accounting is a system of economic information that's identified, recorded, summarized and reported. Then the managers and decision-makers decide on a course of action based upon the findings. Computers handle most of the mundane tasks of accounting, so professionals are freed up to spend more time analyzing data. Two of the newest study areas to combine accounting degrees are ethics and computer science.
Staying current with industry standards and technological applications is imperative in maintaining a successful, progressive accounting career. Even accountants with degrees seek continuing education or work towards more specialized degrees. Online classes allow more students to join the growing industry or take refresher courses or earn advanced degrees.
Although this is one career where advancement is steady, the competition is also fierce and it looks like it will remain competitive for many years to come. Certification requirements will probably become more rigorous, specialization will become more evident and accountants with the highest degrees will be much sought after. Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification not only demonstrates your professional commitment and expertise, but it is also a crucial designation to perform certain functions. For instance, only a CPA has the ability to sign an audit option, which is the official declaration representing a company's financial position.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accounting is divided into four categories: public accountants, management accountants, government accountants and auditors/internal auditors. Each category has its own niche that it covers. Public accountants focus primarily on auditing and tax-related functions. Management accountants often start as trainees in a corporation and work as cost accountants or internal auditors. Government accountants oversee the performance and allocation of government funding. Internal auditors conduct compliance audits and accounting information systems.
There are also private and public accountants. Public accounting offers higher salaries, more variety and better opportunities for advancement based on merit. Your actual working hours as a public accountant will be applied to your CPA requirements. Private accounting is considered more stable with a fixed location, set hours and steady workload. Private accountants also usually get a Bachelor's degree, but aren't required to have a CPA.

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