| With solid job prospects projected through 2016 | | | | in financial advising roles. |
| and with colleges and business schools offering | | | | Jobs for accountants are expected to rise, |
| flexible degree programs, what's holding you back | | | | especially for those who hold CPA certifications. |
| from pursuing career training in accounting and | | | | Most jobs typically require at least a bachelor's |
| finance? Indeed, the U.S. Bureau of Labor | | | | degree, the BLS reports. Many new positions |
| Statistics (BLS) estimates accountants and | | | | should be in the corporate world where |
| auditors should see 18 percent job growth rate | | | | government regulations for strict financial |
| during the 2006-2016 decade. | | | | reporting may fuel new hires in accounting roles. |
| Courses for All Levels of Expertise | | | | Public accountants can also work as tax |
| Whether you're just beginning an accounting or | | | | specialists, preparing forecasts and returns for |
| finance career or looking to move into | | | | businesses and private individuals. |
| management roles from your present job, online | | | | Doing the Books |
| schools offer programs leading to an associate's, | | | | Auditors with two and four-year degrees can find |
| bachelor's, or master's degree. Depending on your | | | | jobs in the public or private sector, as well. |
| career goals, you can enter several career tracts, | | | | Companies and government agencies rely on |
| from accountant to banking, financial advisor to | | | | trained professionals to handle budgets, payroll, |
| auditor. | | | | and accounts. Taking courses in business, finance, |
| Those pursuing accounting degrees can take | | | | or accounting can give you a great start on |
| online courses in preparation for Certified Public | | | | mastering key job skills, especially if you enroll in |
| Accountant (CPA) designations. In 2007, some 48 | | | | courses covering the latest iterations of |
| states required accountants to pursue 30 hours | | | | accounting, taxation, payroll, and spreadsheet |
| beyond undergraduate accounting training to gain | | | | software. |
| their CPA designations. The certification typically | | | | Bookkeepers, auditors, and accounting assistants |
| leads to greater on-the-job responsibilities--and | | | | may also handle invoices, billing, and inventory |
| greater earnings potential. | | | | procedures. Online training programs can bring you |
| Career Prospects in Accounting and Finance | | | | up to speed in common, in-demand business skills |
| Upon graduation, you may be qualified for a broad | | | | in quick order. Approximately 21 percent of all |
| range of career opportunities within the world of | | | | working accountants and auditors work in wage |
| finance. Bankers, for example, can advance in | | | | jobs for bookkeeping, accounting, tax preparation |
| rank at their financial institution by completing | | | | or payroll processing companies, with another 10 |
| post-secondary career training. | | | | percent working as self-employed professionals. |
| Personal financial advisors, according to the BLS, | | | | In the end, completing an education is central to |
| are professionals in one of the fastest growing | | | | finding success in the financial world. Taking online |
| career fields, with a sizzling 37 percent increase in | | | | accounting classes at an accredited school or |
| jobs predicted between 2006 and 2016. You can | | | | university or completing a finance degree has |
| get a foot in the door by completing a finance | | | | never been easier. Online education affords you |
| degree. However, graduates holding a bachelor's | | | | the chance to mesh school requirements with |
| or MBA degree may have the best opportunities | | | | existing work or family commitments. |