| In the post-recession era, more and more | | | | day accounting that include management principles |
| students are showing a keen interest in careers | | | | and computer fundamentals. |
| that provide them some semblance of stability | | | | A degree in accounting, therefore, covers diverse |
| against economic uncertainty. Accounting has, | | | | topics such as accounting fundamentals, payroll |
| therefore, emerged as one of the more popular | | | | accounting, principles of auditing, management, |
| career choices for students looking for | | | | finance, business law, computer fundamentals, |
| recession-proof jobs. | | | | database management, etc. |
| Accounting may not have the x-factor attached | | | | Many graduates obtain certifications like Certified |
| to it that probably careers in business | | | | Public Accountant or CPA after completing their |
| management or law do, but it is one of the most | | | | bachelor's degree in accounting to move ahead in |
| challenging careers of our time and also one that | | | | their careers. Graduates can choose from four |
| holds the maximum promise in terms of growth | | | | major fields: |
| and employment opportunity given the state of | | | | Public accounting: Public accountants work for |
| our economy. | | | | big accounting firms and provide a broad range of |
| With companies tightening their budget strings and | | | | accounting services to their clients that may |
| the government enacting changes in financial laws | | | | include the government, private companies, |
| and regulations, accountants have become the | | | | nonprofit organizations, or individuals. They |
| pillars that support the financial well-being of | | | | perform activities like auditing, tax planning, and |
| companies and ensure they comply with all the | | | | financial consulting. |
| rules. | | | | Management accounting: Management |
| But before you hop on to the accounting | | | | accountants work for private companies. Their |
| bandwagon, remember that like any other career, | | | | core responsibilities include budgeting, performance |
| accounting has certain prerequisites that you must | | | | evaluation, cost management, and asset |
| meet if you are to succeed in this field. The most | | | | management among other things. |
| important quality of an accountant is a love for | | | | Government accounting: Accountants who |
| numbers because that's what you'll be playing with | | | | work in the public sector are called government |
| through your entire career. | | | | accountants. They are employed by federal, |
| Analytical ability, problem-solving skills, | | | | state, or local governments and their job includes |
| communication skills, and strategic thinking are | | | | maintaining and examining records of government |
| some other skills that any prospective accountant | | | | agencies and auditing individuals and companies |
| must have. Also, the first impact of any financial | | | | subject to government regulations and taxation. |
| scandal is most often felt by accounting and audit | | | | Internal auditing: Internal auditors are |
| firms - so it's good to have your ethics in place | | | | responsible for maintaining the financial records of |
| and always stay on the right side of law. | | | | the company they work for. They verify how |
| If you meet the above criteria, then the minimum | | | | effective an organization's internal controls are and |
| qualification to become an accountant is a | | | | also check for mismanagement, waste, or fraud |
| bachelor's degree in accounting. A degree in | | | | in a company. |
| accounting is designed to train graduates in | | | | Accountants have long shed the image of boring |
| business and financial concepts and how they are | | | | bookkeepers in tardy suits carrying heavy |
| applied to professional accounting. | | | | briefcases to work with their noses buried deep |
| Changing Role | | | | under a pile of large files. The new-age accountant |
| Accountants these days are not just restricted to | | | | is a tech savvy, astute business brain on whose |
| making financial statements, but are also involved | | | | shoulders rest the financial health of an |
| in critical business issues and decision-making. | | | | organization. It's a career full of opportunities |
| That's why a business accounting degree is | | | | waiting to be explored! |
| designed to train them in all aspects of modern | | | | |