| Finances are top of mind for many households | | | | and accredited accounting degree from the |
| and businesses as tax season ramps up. As a | | | | comfort of home. This provides the flexibility |
| result, it's the perfect time of year for people | | | | many people need to juggle school and family life |
| considering a job as an accountant to get their | | | | while pursuing a new career path. |
| feet wet in the industry. In fact, the federal | | | | Once students receive their accounting degree, |
| government estimates more than 300,000 people | | | | they have a variety of paths in the profession to |
| are hired every year to work during the January | | | | choose from, including: |
| to April tax season. | | | | Public Accountant |
| To help handle the burden of taxes for individuals | | | | Public accountants perform many accounting |
| and companies, many accountants are starting to | | | | services for corporations, governments, nonprofit |
| work overtime, but the profession is flourishing | | | | organizations, and individuals. These services cover |
| year round. The U.S. Department of Labor | | | | a wide range of specialties from basic accounting |
| expects employment for accountants and | | | | that analyzes revenues, costs, liabilities and assets, |
| auditors to increase by 18 percent between 2006 | | | | to forensic accounting that investigates white |
| and 2016. The demand for accountants is growing | | | | collar crimes. Another common public accountant |
| at a high rate due to an expanding economy and | | | | role is as an advisor, discussing tax advantages |
| stricter regulations of corporate finances. | | | | disadvantages of business decisions, as well as |
| The job of an accountant is to help ensure that | | | | compensation and health care benefits. |
| businesses run efficiently, keep records | | | | Government Accountant/Auditor |
| accurately, and ensure that taxes are paid | | | | A government accountant/auditor works in the |
| properly and on time. They are also involved in | | | | public sector maintaining and reviewing |
| the analysis and communication of financial | | | | government records and auditing private |
| information to investors and decision makers | | | | businesses and individuals subject to government |
| within the company, making their profession a | | | | regulation. Government accountants/auditors |
| high-demand job. | | | | ensure that any debts are paid and revenues |
| A career in accounting provides many appealing | | | | received. |
| opportunities and benefits. For starters, it often | | | | Internal Auditors |
| offers very competitive pay. According to the | | | | Internal auditors reduce internal loss by identifying |
| average accountant makes around $44,000 a | | | | and minimizing mismanagement, waste, and fraud. |
| year, with some making more than $75,000 a | | | | An auditor evaluates a firm's financial/information |
| year. | | | | systems, management procedures, and internal |
| Accountants also usually enjoy great job security, | | | | controls to verify that all data is accurate and |
| opportunity for growth, health and medical | | | | that controls are sufficient. In many cases, the |
| insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid | | | | internal auditor will also aid in the design of an |
| annual vacation. As a result, it is essential that job | | | | organization's computer system. |
| applicants differentiate themselves through a | | | | Management Accountants |
| college degree as well as CPA certification. | | | | Management accountants record and analyze |
| One way to get proper training is to study online. | | | | financial information for companies. Their duties |
| Learning online has become more popular than | | | | include budgeting, evaluating performance, cost |
| ever with more than 60 percent of colleges and | | | | management, and asset management. |
| universities now offering online degree programs. | | | | Management accountants also aid in the decision |
| As a result, students can earn a highly reputable | | | | making process by analyzing company records. |