Accounting Degrees
If you have a love of numbers, order, logic, or economics, then going back to school to receive accounting training might be an excellent option for you. Despite what you may believe, accounting involves more than just doing taxes every April. In fact, accountants and bookkeepers offer a wide variety of professional services ranging from financial forecasting to recordkeeping to retirement investing to traditional tax managing. With an accounting degree from an accredited program, you can provide much-needed services to individuals and companies all over the country. But first, it's important that you understand what criteria are necessary for this exciting career.
What Does Accounting Training Involve Exactly?
Most accounting and auditing positions require at least a four year bachelors degree in some aspect of bookkeeping or accounting. But increasingly, the additional distinction of CPA (certified public accountant) licensing is becoming the norm, so you'll want to make sure that you explore an accounting program that offers this highly regarded certification. In most cases, earning a CPA license requires 30 hours of additional college coursework (assuming that a normal accounting degree requires an average of 120 hours).
Job Outlook with an Accounting Degree
According to the US Department of Labor, the job outlook for those with accounting degrees is quite favorable. Positions for auditors, bookkeepers, and accountants will grow faster than the national average for most other occupations. Greater government oversight, myriad corporate scandals, and substantial fluctuations in the economy will help create steady demand for those with extensive accounting training from accredited programs. As of 2004, the median salary for accountants was approximately $51,000 a year, but continued demand for their services will most likely drive up the average salary accordingly.
