The job description for an accountant varies a great deal. A Public accountant is responsible for undertaking a wide range of accounting tasks for their clients including tax preparation, auditing and financial consulting. The public accountant should be extremely knowledgeable in tax codes and regulations, so they may offer their clients the best advice, helping them save money and protect their financial interests. Other accounting professionals specialize in forensic accounting and investigating and interpreting complex financial transactions. This is a field in which government agencies employ a great number of employees in order to investigate the financial misdoings of both corporations and private individuals. There is also the lucrative tax preparation market. Although there are an increasing number of tax preparation software programs on the market, most financial advisors still recommend that any one with any more than the most basic return to file is best served consulting a professional.
Most accounting positions require a minimum of an associate’s degree in Accounting. To obtain an entry level position with any branch of most government sectors you would need a bachelor’s degree at the very least. For the college student aspiring toward a career in accounting, undertaking a summer or part time internship with a reputable firm serves as a great resume booster. Many major accounting companies offer such programs every year.
Obtaining professional licensure is also crucial to building a successful accounting career. The most common designation for an accountant is a CPA. This is a standardized national test, although some regulations governing the accreditation for an accountant vary by state. It is best to research the particular state requirements in the geographical area where you plan to seek jobs. Most states require that CPA candidates hold the appropriate college degree, but there are a few that allow several years of work experience in lieu of a formal degree. The examination itself is notoriously difficult. Only about 1 in 4 candidates pass on their first attempt. Study and careful preparation is essential. There are other certifications that many accountants find desirable to obtain. Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA) and Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP) qualifications can be especially lucrative, as tax laws become more complex and the general public at large prefers not to undertake their annual tax returns by themselves. Entry level opportunities exist in a large number with big tax preparation firms like H&R Block when tax season comes around.
Employment opportunities in accounting are increasing in line with the average for all professions, although in an unsteady economy businesses look to improve their bottom line in any way possible, in addition to protecting their existing assets, increasing the demand for trained and knowledgeable accounting professionals. Therefore the number of entry level jobs available for aspiring accountants will probably increase rather than shrink, even in an unstable job market.
The accounting profession has never been considered a “glamorous” one. To be a successful accounting professional it takes a certain measure of self discipline and studious thought. For those suited to the profession it should prove to be a stable career path.
