Career Summary
Accountants prepare, analyze and verify financial information for companies, clients and the government. Many accountants also provide financial and investment planning, consulting, budget analysis and legal services.
Public accountants (usually CPAs) specialize in accounting, auditing, tax and consulting for their clients (corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations or individuals) depending on what their focus is.
Management accountants record and analyze financial information for the company they work for.
Government accountants examine and maintain government agencies' records and audit for taxes and regulations.
Education Needed
Most accountants need a bachelor's or master's degree in accounting. Beginning accountants usually work under supervisors. Many jobs require the accountant to be a CPA. In most states, a CPA has to take a certain number of hours of prefessional development classes annually in order to renew their license.
Salary and the Future for Accounting
Accounting jobs are predicted to increase by 22 percent between 2008 and 2018 because as the economy grows, so will the number of businesess. CPA's will have the highest advantage since they have more education and knowledge. Competition will continue to be high despite the many job opportunities.
The median annual wages of accountants were about $60,000 in 2008. The range of these wages was about $36,000 to $102,000. The benefits of accountants are usually standard including medical insurance, life insurance, paid annual leave and a 401(k) plan.
