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Accountant Career Information

 

AccountantAll organizations—from community groups to publicly traded corporations to small businesses—require the services of accountants. Accounting is essential to maintaining accurate financial records, recording and organizing financial information, and analyzing relevant data to make important business decisions.

Armed with strong critical-thinking, communication, problem-solving, leadership, and decision-making skills, accountants are integral to the success of any business. They are skilled professionals who work with both numbers and technology in order to solve complex business problems, develop practical business strategies and goals, and help organizations become more efficient and effective.

What is Accounting?

If you're considering a career as an accountant, then it's natural that you would be asking the important question, "What is accounting?"

Accounting is often called the language of business and is described as the process (or art) of recording, classifying, analyzing, and reporting the financial data of organizations for a variety of end users.

Under the umbrella term "accounting," there are many special areas of accounting practice, which include:

Management Accounting

Management accounting is the area of accounting that focuses on generating the information needed by a variety of users within an organization, which can include business owners, managers, employees, auditors, and other decision-makers. This type of accounting is performed for the purpose of helping internal information users to make vital management and operational decisions.

Financial Accounting

Financial accounting is the area of accounting that is concerned with providing information to external users, such as shareholders, government agencies, investors, and creditors. These users are not involved in the day-to-day operation of an organization but have access to various financial records such as annual reports and other sources of accounting information. Additionally, financial accounting is generally completed to industry-standard rules and regulations, such as the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) or the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS). These are followed in order to produce consistent and objective data.

Cost Accounting

Cost accounting is another area of accounting that is performed to produce valuable information for managers and other decision-makers who are concerned with the productivity and efficiency of an organization. Cost accounting training generally involves learning to record, organize, and evaluate data related to actual operating costs, as well as developing alternative options. Generally, accountants in this discipline will produce cost projections and advise management on potential strategies for increased efficiency and effective use of financial resources.

Forensic Accounting

Forensic accounting is the specialized area of accounting that entails the combination of accounting and investigation to detect and document financial fraud, such as embezzlement or misreporting of revenues. Typically, forensic accounting is used in criminal investigations, civil litigation, insurance negotiations, and a variety of similar areas.

Fund Accounting

Fund accounting is the area of accounting that involves the financial reporting of non-business organizations such as non-profit groups and government agencies. This type of accounting covers portfolios, commodities, and other types of funds. In this discipline, the focus is on accountability (rather than profitability) and is carried out to make sure that resources are allocated properly and practices are in line with the stipulations set out for the specific fund.

Tax Accounting

Tax accounting is the area of accounting that involves performing tax planning, calculations, and payments, and is carried out in accordance with specific tax principles (e.g., the Internal Revenue Service Tax Code). This can include preparing and filing tax returns, planning for future tax obligations, and ensuring tax compliance.

What Does an Accountant Do?

Simply stated, the answer to "What does an accountant do?" is that an accountant is generally responsible for duties related to the recording and interpretation of financial data.

More specifically, the tasks associated with a career as an accountant can include:

Additionally, some accounting professionals gain specialized education and credentials, which can prepare them to:

The above are just some of the tasks that can be performed within niche areas of the accounting field. However, they do show that an accountant can work in a broad range of unique areas that are not always associated with this profession.

What is the Difference Between a Bookkeeper and an Accountant?

While the terms "accountant" and "bookkeeper" are often used interchangeably, they are very separate professions. To help you understand the distinction, here are some of the differences:

A bookkeeper:

An accountant:

What Can You Do with an Accounting Degree?

Before enrolling in a post-secondary program or even checking out prospective schools, asking, "What can you do with an accounting degree?" is a useful first step.

With an accounting degree, you could be qualified to take on a broad range of positions, earn advanced credentials, and much more. Here are some examples of what you could do:

Some specific job titles that you could qualify for with an accounting degree can include:

Additionally, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants are employed most frequently in the following areas: *

Can You Tell Me How to Become an Accountant?

If the finance industry is your calling, then knowing how to become an accountant is essential to formulating your educational plan.

Choosing a route

Although you can opt to pursue a position in the accounting field without a formal education, your employment opportunities will be extremely limited, and you will likely fall into the bookkeeping category, rather than accounting itself.

Alternatively, diploma or associate's degree options exist for those who wish to become junior accountants. Opportunities for advancement are limited, however, without returning to school to earn a more advanced educational credential. Plus, junior accounting or bookkeeping positions tend to include more routine tasks such as recording basic transactions and reconciling monthly bank statements.

The best route to a career in accounting often begins with a degree—more specifically, a bachelor's degree. A bachelor's degree is the minimum education requirement for the popular Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation, and a bachelor's degree supplemented with additional credit hours or a master's degree is the minimum education requirement for the even more popular Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

Some employers prefer to hire accountants who possess a master's degree (generally a Master in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting or a Master's in Accounting); however, this preference is typically for higher-level positions that involve complex analysis or consulting.

Selecting a school and program

Deciding on a school and program is a big decision. Here are some things to consider if you are trying to select an educational option that will work best for you:

Adding internship, co-op, or summer job experience within real-world accounting settings can also be an excellent way to further prepare for a future in the accounting field. This type of experience can open the door to potential job offers. Plus, industry experience is often a requirement for certification, and this can be a great way to start accumulating hours in the field.

Considering certification

When planning an accounting career, certification is one of the most important aspects that you'll need to make a decision about. Undoubtedly, certification can put you head and shoulders above competition in the job market. Certification can also legally entitle you to perform a much broader range of duties, making you a more valuable asset to any company.

However, there are a number of certification options to choose from, and it's important to understand each designation along with the associated educational requirements, limitations, and areas of practice. For example, becoming a CPA can allow you to practice in a variety of settings and perform a number of jobs that cannot be completed by other accountants. On the other hand, the CMA designation can open the door to future leadership positions within private sector organizations.

If you want to work for an accounting firm or a large corporation (basically any organization outside of a small business), then certification is likely the right choice for your career. Most companies look for accountants who are already certified (or are on track to becoming certified). So, for most accountants, it is the most practical option.

Additional benefits of certification can include:

Once you're ready to get into the workforce, you could begin as a junior accountant or take on another entry-level position. Earning certification typically requires relevant work experience, which can often be obtained in a junior role. However, each certification is different, so it's a good idea to look at the individual conditions of the certification that you're interested in.

Further to this, you will need to keep any certification that you obtain current, which usually entails completing a prescribed amount of continuing education hours and paying a maintenance or renewal fee.

What Accounting Designations are Available?

Within the accounting profession, a number of certifications are available that you may want to consider. Each certification can provide different benefits and will have different prerequisites, all of which are essential to know about before choosing the one that's right for you.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

CPA is generally regarded as the most popular and most recognized accounting designation. In order to obtain this respected title, you will need to meet standards for education, examination, experience, and ethics (sometimes called the four E's).

CPA certification prerequisites vary from state to state but typically necessitate:

The examination for CPAs covers a wide range of important subjects and contains four parts, each of which need to be passed in order to attain CPA certification. The individual components of the CPA examination include:

As a CPA, you could sign off on an organization's financial statements and perform audits. You could also be qualified to perform various tax duties that other accountants are not allowed to handle. And, as the name would indicate, becoming a CPA lends itself to a career in the public accounting field, which means working for accounting firms and/or a number of private clients.

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

In terms of both popularity and recognition, the CMA designation runs a close second to CPA. This credential is offered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) and is designed specifically for individuals who are interested in working for private companies.

CMA certification requires:

As a CMA, you could play an important role in financial analysis, performance management, budgeting, and other areas related to business operations.

Additional Certifications

In addition to CPA and CMA certifications, a number of other designations can be achieved in the accounting field. Here are some of the more common options:

Certified Financial Manager (CFM)

This designation is also offered by the IMA and is intended for accounting professionals (including CMAs) who are interested in gaining a more specialized financial management credential. It has the same requirements as those for becoming a CMA plus one further examination component.

Certified Forensic Accountant (Cr.FA)

This designation, awarded by the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI), is designed to supplement the CPA credential and can qualify individuals to testify within a court setting, prepare reports, and perform investigations related to fraud and other financial crimes. To obtain the Cr.FA credential, you must be a CPA, submit three professional references, and pass an online examination.

Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)

This designation is offered by the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and is intended for those who want to be accepted as anti-fraud experts. This certification can prepare you to handle the specialized work of identifying, investigating, and preventing fraud and other white-collar crime. To become a CFE, you must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution (or possess a number of years of relevant experience), be an Associate Member of the ACFE, pass the Uniform CFE Examination, provide character references, and abide by a professional code of ethics.

Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

This designation is granted by Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. (CFP Board) and is designed to provide the credentials required to assist clients with investing, estate planning, tax planning, insurance, and risk management. In order to achieve this designation, you will need to complete a CFP Board of Standards registered program, pass a CFP Board certification examination, hold a bachelor's degree, possess three years of relevant experience, and sign the CFP Board of Standards' Code of Ethics and Professional Responsibility.

Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)

This designation is administered by The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and is designed for those who want to be recognized as experts in the field of internal auditing. To receive this title, you must hold a bachelor's degree from an accredited college-level institution, provide a character reference, possess at least two years of relevant experience (or a master's degree), and pass a four-part certification examination.

Enrolled Agent (EA)

This designation is bestowed by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and is a specialized credential that is required to legally represent clients in all levels of the IRS for various tax matters. In order to achieve the EA designation, you must successfully complete the Special Enrollment Examination and pass a tax compliance check. This is one of the few designations that does not have a formal education requirement.

Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

The Association of Government Accountants (AGA) offers this designation for those who want to work in federal, state, or local government finance. In order to earn this credential, you must possess a bachelor's degree (with a specified number of credit hours in accounting, auditing, or another relevant area of business), have experience in the field, agree to adhere to the AGA's code of ethics, and pass the required examination.

Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

This designation is conferred by the CFA Institute and is intended for those who want to gain recognition as an expert in the field of investment analysis, portfolio management, and financial planning. In order to attain this designation, you must possess four years of relevant experience, complete the CFA Program (which typically takes from two to five years), obtain CFA Institute membership, and promise to adhere to a professional code of ethics and standards of professional conduct.

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

This designation is reserved for accountants who want to gain a specialized credential in the field of internal and external auditing. Offered by ISACA (previously known as the Information Systems Audit and Control Association), this designation requires that you pass the CISA certification examination and adhere to the ISACA Code of Professional Ethics, the Continuing Professional Education Program, and the Information Systems Auditing Standards.

How Do I Choose an Accounting Designation?

Each certification offers its own specific benefits, so determining which one is right for you should involve asking yourself a number of questions, such as:

Most often, CPA is the designation that is most popular with both candidates and employers alike. It provides the broadest selection of opportunities. On the other hand, the CMA designation offers many options for those who want to work in the private sector and envision a future in senior management.

How Long Does It Take to Become an Accountant?

Depending on your specific accounting career goals, the answer to the question, "How long does it take to be an accountant?" can vary significantly.

If you are interested in getting your foot in the door as an accounting technician or clerk, then a short-term certificate, diploma, or associate's degree can be sufficient, and each of these options can take anywhere from a few months to a couple of years.

However, if your professional ambitions include earning a reputable accounting designation such as CPA or CMA, then a bachelor's degree is the minimum standard. In this case, you will have to commit the time needed to earn a degree (typically three to five years) in addition to earning requisite field experience and passing comprehensive certification examinations. Overall, it could take you more than five years to earn one of these designations. Keep in mind that, once you've graduated with your degree, the rest of the process will typically take place while you are earning a paycheck and gaining experience in a junior accounting position.

How Much Does an Accounting Program Cost?

The cost of an accounting program depends on a variety of factors that are common to the cost of any post-secondary education. From the reputation of the school to the quality of the facilities to the instruction delivery format (i.e., online or on-campus), you can expect that the cost of tuition will be reflected accordingly. In general, anywhere from hundreds to thousands of dollars per semester of study is normal for an accounting program. The higher the level of education that you're planning to undertake, the more you can expect to spend.

In addition to the cost of tuition, you should consider the cost of earning an accounting certification. These programs typically come with application fees, examination fees, continuing education fees, and license renewal fees. (While weighing the value of making this investment, however, you should also consider the fact that certification can increase your earning potential in the field.)

If you're concerned with the initial out-of-pocket expense of an accounting program, then you should know that a number of options might be available to help minimize the cost, such as:

How Can I Prepare for an Accounting Program?

If you are considering a career as an accountant, then focusing on a number of key subjects can best prepare you to enter the accounting field.

Good courses to take at the high school or college level include:

You can also pursue a summer job in an accounting firm or another type of accounting-related position. In addition, an internship or job shadowing opportunity can provide useful insights and help you decide if a career in accounting is the right path for you.

What is a Typical Accountant Salary?

Considering a career in accounting definitely requires asking the question, "How much does an accountant make?"

According to national estimates from May 2011, the mean annual wage for accountants and auditors was $70,130, which works out to approximately $33.72 per hour. The lowest-earning 10 percent received less than $39,641, whereas the highest-earning 10 percent received more than $109,870. **

The highest-paying states for accountants included the District of Columbia, New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, and Maryland. The lowest-paying states for accountants were North Dakota, South Dakota, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Kentucky, respectively.

Within the field of accounting, salary can vary greatly depending on a number of factors (in addition to location), such as:

On top of salary earnings, many accountants receive additional compensation, often in the form of bonuses (signing, annual, or performance), profit sharing, stock options, education incentives, and more.

Is the Accounting Job Outlook Positive?

If you are thinking about a career in accounting, demand within the job market is an essential piece of the puzzle. It's important to look at the potential opportunities before jumping into any new profession.

The accountant job outlook for the near future is considered to be good, with the BLS estimating employment growth of 16 percent from 2010 to 2020. This change could account for 190,700 new jobs, which would add to the current 1,216,900 jobs that are currently held in this field. *

It is important to understand that these projections are generalized to the entire accounting and auditing profession and are not differentiated between the various designations and industries.

According to both the BLS and Robert Half Finance & Accounting (an international staffing firm), individuals who hold the CPA designation along with an advanced degree are expected to have the best opportunities for employment. However, the market for positions in the most desirable accounting firms and businesses will remain highly competitive.

The changing demand for accounting professionals can be attributed to a number of industry trends, including:

The overall trend of aging baby boomers nearing retirement is also increasing the demand for accountants and auditors across the board.

Where Can an Accountant Work?

Typically, accountants work within corporate-like office settings, and most work on a full-time basis. However, accountants can be found in many different settings, such as:

What are the Benefits and Drawbacks of a Career in Accounting?

When considering a new career, it's natural that you would look at the benefits and drawbacks of any potential career choice. Accounting has a number of exciting upsides, along with some challenges.

Benefits

Drawbacks

How Can I Excel as an Accountant?

Now that you know how to become an accountant, you may be wondering how you can become a great accountant and excel in the field. Some actions that could help set you apart in the accounting profession include:

Many of the above actions fall under continuing education requirements, but it's crucial to take some initiative and commit to lifelong skill development and learning above and beyond the minimal obligations that come with certification.

Is Accounting the Right Career Path for Me?

Before enrolling in an accounting program, it's critical that you discover whether a career as an accountant is a good match for your goals, interests, strengths, and values. To give you a good idea of whether this is your ideal path, here are some questions to ask yourself:

Do I enjoy working with numbers?

While mathematician-level skills are not necessary for becoming an accountant, it is important that you enjoy working with numbers because they are a central focus of the job.

Am I good at (and do I enjoy) critical-thinking, analysis, and problem-solving tasks?

A career in accounting will involve a large component of examining, comparing, and interpreting financial data, which will require you to think creatively, understand problems, and come up with solutions.

Am I capable of adhering to strict ethical standards and professional guidelines?

Becoming an accountant requires a strong sense of integrity since you will be privy to sensitive financial data and resources. In order to ensure that you produce trustworthy work, you will need to follow the professional guidelines set out for the field.

Do I thrive in a fast-paced and varied setting?

As an accountant, you will likely have a large and varied workload, with multiple pending deadlines. This means that multitasking and organizational skills are essential for succeeding in this field.

Am I comfortable working with computers and related technologies?

Most accounting tasks are computer-based, which means accessing information and using accounting tools will require a familiarity with computer technologies.

Do I have the ability to pay close attention to detail and see the bigger picture?

Since accounting requires analyzing everything from individual transactions to industry-wide trends, it's essential to be able to follow small details closely, without losing sight of the larger picture.

Do I possess strong communication and teamwork skills?

As an accountant, you will likely spend a fair amount of time working with other financial professionals as well as clients and managers. You'll need to be able to discuss your findings, reach out for help, and effectively communicate complex financial information.

How Can I Get Started?

Now that you've had the opportunity to learn answers to some of the top questions you might have been asking about a career as an accountant, perhaps you're ready to take the next step in making your career goals a reality. Begin by exploring some of the accounting schools near you and finding program options that match your individual interests and ambitions!


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Main Sources

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition, website last accessed on December 18, 2012.

** Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment Statistics, May 2011, website last accessed on December 18, 2012.

*** Institute of Management Accountants (IMA), IMA 2011 Salary Survey, website last accessed on December 21, 2012.

**** Robert Half International (RHI), 2012 Salary Guide, website last accessed on December 18, 2012.

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB), website last accessed on December 18, 2012.

The Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals in Business, website last accessed on December 18, 2012.

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), website last accessed on December 18, 2012.

American Institute of CPAs (AICPA), website last accessed on December 18, 2012.

National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), website last accessed on December 18, 2012.

This Way to CPA, website last accessed on December 18, 2012.

Start Here, Go Places, website last accessed on December 18, 2012.

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE), website last accessed on December 18, 2012.

The Occupational Information Network (O*NET), website last accessed on December 18, 2012.

American College of Forensic Examiners Institute (ACFEI), website accessed on December 18, 2012.

International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), website last accessed on December 18, 2012.