| There are plenty of entry level opportunities for | | | | As mentioned earlier the requirements for |
| new accounting graduates. In recent years there | | | | accountants have become more stringent in |
| have been smaller numbers of students choosing | | | | recent years. As of 2007, 42 States and the |
| accounting as their field of study creating a | | | | District of Columbia required CPA candidates to |
| shortage of accounting graduates. There are | | | | have 150 semester hours of college coursework, |
| several reasons for this; one the requirements | | | | which is an additional 30 hours beyond the usual |
| have become tougher; two the field has gotten a | | | | four year bachelor's degree and several other |
| bad reputation from accounting scandals; and | | | | States are in the process of implementing similar |
| three increasingly complex laws and regulations | | | | requirements. Many schools have altered their |
| have made it an unpopular field to work in for | | | | programs as a result and now offer masters |
| many. | | | | degrees as part of the 150 hours. Becoming a |
| There are four basic fields of accounting: Public | | | | CPA will be much more difficult in the future. |
| Accounting; Managerial Accounting; Governmental | | | | Even though CPAs are regulated by their individual |
| Accounting; and, Internal Auditing. Each of these | | | | states, the very rigorous two day four-part |
| fields has widely varying job duties, however the | | | | Uniform CPA Examination is used throughout the |
| fundamental tasks of the profession broadly | | | | United States. Also there is an experience |
| stated "are to prepare, analyze, and verify | | | | requirement for a CPA certificate in most states; |
| financial documents in order to provide information | | | | however requirements vary from state to state. |
| to clients". Most accounting jobs require at least a | | | | According to Robert Half International a private |
| bachelor degree in accounting, but previous job | | | | recruiting firm specializing in accounting and auditing |
| experience is also helpful and most collages offer | | | | both the job and salary outlook is very good for |
| part time and summer internships. | | | | entry level accountants for the next ten years. |
| It is important for aspiring accountants to have an | | | | Their conclusions are supported by figures from |
| aptitude for math and be and able to analyze, | | | | the federal government as well. Logically, the best |
| compare, and interpret facts and figures quickly | | | | opportunities will exist for those with a masters |
| and accurately. Good communication skills both | | | | degree, a certification or expertise with accounting |
| verbally and in writing are essential. Accountants | | | | and auditing software, so the better prepared |
| must be able to work with people, business | | | | candidates will find the best entry level |
| systems, and computers effectively and have a | | | | opportunities and also the best chances for |
| familiarity with basic accounting and computer | | | | advancement. To improve your chances of |
| software packages as well as be able to | | | | getting a great job test your skills by taking the |
| understand complex law regulations and | | | | accountant college course online. |
| accounting concepts. | | | | |