Careers in Accounting Firms

Individuals who are interested in working for accounting firms will find that there ample opportunities in this field. Accountants are needed in every section of the work-a-day-world including businesses, schools, non-profits, government agencies and more. These professionals are needed to crunch numbers, handle taxes, balance the budget and have payroll doled out appropriately. These math brained individuals work with investment planning, management issues, retirement funding, scrutinizing loans and keeping up with current tax laws.

A person with a strong aptitude in mathematics and finance may be drawn to this career choice. The employment outlook in this arena is healthy and continues to grow. Taxation rules and regulations change every year; it takes a great amount of knowledge and expertise to keep up with the ever changing details.

The most common employment arenas where accountants may work include internal auditing, government, business management and the public sector. Internal auditors are usually employed to audit large organizations in order to make certain that proper procedures and practices are in compliance. Governmental work would entail dealing with the finances of state, local or federal agencies or bureaus. Employees of the Internal Revenue Service work for the government and they are

 the watchdogs of the tax world. Business management duties may include scrutinizing budgets, costs, and payroll. Those that work in the public sector may be in business for themselves. They would help individuals or companies with their taxes, investments and retirement planning, debt management and more.
The schooling that an accounting employee would need varies by their job title and level of certification. Bookkeepers don’t need a formal degree to keep books.

Clerks don’t have to have degrees either. Loan officers, budget analysts, tax collectors or examiners, and bill collectors are occupations which are similar and require a varying amount of education. Most accountants, however, do need a Bachelors’ degree in mathematics, finance or accounting. In order to become a CPA, which stands for certified public accountant, not only must a four year degree be held but a formal certification also. In order to be certified, a test must be passed. The test is challenging and is given out by the State Board of Accountancy.

The more education, certification required and responsibility a job has in this field, the higher the salary usually is. The most highly paid and lucrative positions in this field tend to be those in the private or public sector. Internal auditors and government workers follow. New graduates often work under the supervision of senior professionals in order to gain competence and experience.
Individuals who enjoy this work tend to be introverts who enjoy toiling away on their own. They must have good concentration skills, an excellent mathematics aptitude and be very honest and hard working. They are being trusted to guide individuals, governmental agencies and businesses in all matters that pertain to finances.
Chances of obtaining employment in accounting firms are excellent for the right individuals. With the appropriate experience and education, an individual could become a CPA, clerk, or bookkeeper and maintain a steady career path for years to come.