To become a successful accountant, one must have good command over numbers and have the knack to pay attention to details. Nowadays, knowing computer is an additional advantage much to the benefit of employers. The job of an accountant is a career in which besides education, accuracy plays a major role.
Education and Training of Accountants in the USA
The basic requirement for becoming an accountant is to have bachelor's degree in accounting or a similar field for entry level jobs. For some positions, the employers prefer candidates with master's degree in accounting or business with specialization in accounting.
Besides having a degree in accounting, candidates with work experience have advantage in getting employed. Most of the states, before giving license require work experience.
License and certification
Working part-time or doing internship in accounting firms along with college, especially during the summer vacations, when you can work full-time gives you edge in the job market. Many employers that hire entry-level accountants after graduation from college prefer experienced candidates.
All the accountants filing their reports with Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) are required to have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. To obtain the CPA license, candidates need to pass a two-day CPA Examination prepared by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Before applying for this test, work experience is a prerequisite along with a bachelor degree. Most of the states require CPA's to retain their license or improve their job prospects.
Certification
Having a certifications can help you get a job, retain the job during layoffs, improve your professional credibility in the highly competitive job market. Investing your time and energy in getting a specialized certificate will not only put in the front row of your organization but also improve your chances of getting increased salary and a promotion.The most common certifications are listed below:
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
- Certified Public Accountant
At any point of their career, the certified accountants can move or advance in their careers for instance. Management accountants starting their career as cost accountants, trainees may rise to become accounting manager, budget director or chief cost accountant.
Industrial Overview of Accountants in the USA
Employment of accountants is expected to improve by 16 percent from 2010 to 2020. The increased employment opportunities are a result of the increased focus of corporate scandals and recent financial crises.
Job Prospects of Accountants in the USA
Accountants can work in the following areas as:
- Auditors: Prepare and examine financial records
- Cost Estimators : Collect and analyze data to estimate the time,resources, money and labor required for product manufacturing, services, and construction projects.
- Top Executives:Devise strategies and policies to ensure that an organization meets its goals.
- Financial Analysts :Guides to individuals and businesses in making investments.
- Budget Analysts: Prepare budget reports and monitor the organization's investment.
- Personal Financial Advisors : Provides financial advice to individuals.
- Post secondary Teachers : Provide guidance to students in a wide variety of academic and vocational subjects beyond the high school level.
Pay of Accountants in the USA
The median annual wage of accountants and auditors was $61,690 in May 2010.
(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment Statistics)
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