Accounting Jobs

A recent article in Financial Trend Forecaster talks about a new trend in the world of accounting. Increasingly more companies are hiring accountants to work on staff as full-time employees to manage corporate budgets, accounts payable and receivable, to present financial reports to investors and to negotiate corporate tax laws. Companies are also looking for accounting professionals to protect investors’ money and company assets. At the same time, more businesses are looking to hire accountants, the jobs are becoming harder to fill. In addition, companies are becoming more global in nature and adopting the global standards called International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS).

More Accounting Jobs Available

 This is creating a demand for more accountants, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is projecting a 16% growth rate in the need for accountants between 2010 and 2020 which they consider to be “average growth rate”. According to the most recent Occupational Employment data published by the BLS (May 2011) for Accountants and Auditors, the mean annual wage is $70,130. While those in Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services have an annual mean wage of $75,060. A recent U.S. News survey ranked Accounting among their 25 Best Jobs of 2012.

What Accountants and Auditors Do

According to the BLS: “Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records. They ensure that financial records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time. Accountants and auditors assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently.”

Most accountants and auditors work full time in an office-based environment although some work from home. Auditors may travel to their clients’ places of business. Typically they may work longer hours during certain times of the year, such as at the end of the budget year or during tax season.

Education Requirements- For Accounting Jobs

Most employers require a minimum education of a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire applicants who have a master’s degree, either in accounting or in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Certification within a specific field of accounting improves job prospects. For example, many accountants become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).

In additon there are Accounting support positions like  Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks. In 2010 their median salaries were $34,030 per year. They record financial transactions, update statements, and check financial records for accuracy. Most bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks need at least a high school diploma. However, some employers prefer candidates who have some postsecondary education, particularly coursework in accounting. In 2009, 25 percent of these workers had an associate’s or higher degree. Often some on the job training is available. But some additional classroom training may be necessary such as training in specialized computer software. This on-the-job training typically takes around 6 months.

About the Author:

Tim McMahon is the editor of UnemploymentData and InflationData.com and he began publishing the Financial Trend Forecaster newsletter in 1995 upon the death of James Moore the creator of the Moore Inflation Predictor. He is a graduate of Clarkson University in Potsdam N.Y. He has traveled to 35 of the 50 States and 23 different countries on 5 continents.

See Also:

Trends in Business Accounting

How to Get a Career Instead of Just a Job

Why Your Small Business Needs an Accountant

The Difference a Degree Makes in Unemployment Levels

10 Awesome Jobs You Can Do From Home

Balance Sheet Health for Your Small Business

Expanded Horizons: Doing Business Internationally

The Basics of Starting a Small Home-Based Business

Returning to College for a Higher Degree?