Accountant: Salary & Duties

If you love crunching numbers and boast a keen attention to detail, a career in accounting might be a natural fit. Through a wide range of career options, accountants offer financial guidance and problem-solving techniques to businesses, individuals, and the government.

Duties of an accountant
Beyond the basic tasks of preparing and analyzing financial documents, accountants can fill a variety of roles while managing the fiscal health of clients and employers. Public accountants may provide tax preparation and consulting services to the general public or to businesses. Accountants may also oversee a company's budget or perform internal audits to ensure that a company's financial records are accurate. Those with an inner Sherlock Holmes may also pursue forensic accounting, a specialized branch of accounting involving investigating fraud, embezzlement, and disputes.

Where to find accountant jobs
The career choices for accountants are surprisingly varied. Accountants may work as personal financial advisors for individual clients, helping them manage their assets and reduce their risks. In the private sector, accountants may offer financial guidance, budget analysis, or bookkeeping duties to a corporation. Positions are also available within local, state, and federal government, where accountants are needed to ensure accurate financial records and audit businesses and individuals.

Accounting programs
While some accounting positions may be available to graduates of junior colleges, a bachelor's degree is required for most positions. An advanced degree, professional license, or specialized accreditation can open doors to a wider range of job opportunities. Prospective employees who have successfully completed a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) program, master's degree in accounting, or master's degree in business administration will find a notable increase in employability.

Demand for accounting jobs
Stricter regulations, along with changes in tax legislation, will lead to an increase in the demand for accountants and auditors. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects 18 percent growth in this field between 2006 and 2016, with nearly a quarter-million new positions becoming available. In addition, high-profile financial scandals have highlighted the need for forensic accountants, and this specialty is expected to see a marked growth. If you're meticulous and good with numbers, a career in accounting can capitalize on your strengths.

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