Business Accounting Degree

• Are you good at math?
• Can you analyze and interpret figures quickly?
• Are you detail oriented?

If so, consider that:

• Most accounting jobs require a bachelors degree or higher
• Obtaining a professional certification or license is recommended
• Use of accounting and auditing software a must

Still interested? If so, a business accounting degree may be just for YOU!

For most accounting careers you will need a bachelor’s degree in business, accounting, or a related field. Furthermore, if you want to gain an edge over your completion and ensure career advancement, consider obtaining a certification thus becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

Most business accounting degree programs have online accounting classes covering accounting principals, tax laws, financial statements, balance sheets, asset management, inventory analysis, accounting software, and cost-volume profit analysis. Additionally, these programs provide training in a number of business disciplines such as management, organizational behavior, economics, statistics, and finance. If you enroll in an accounting program you will be able to choose to specialize in financial and cost accounting, tax accounting, auditing, or staff accounting.

Examine different online schools and the specific programs they provide. Request more detailed information before making your final selection.

There are many accounting careers to choose from, such as entry level accounting jobs, forensic accounting jobs and managerial accounting. Regardless of your choice, your training as an accountant will prepare you to ensure firms and companies run efficiently and that they keep their records accurate, their taxes paid in order and on time. Some of the most critical tasks within the accounting career include preparing, analyzing and verifying financial documents, budget analysis, financial and investment planning as well as consulting.

Specific job duties will depend greatly on the specialization within the field. The four major accounting specializations are public, management, government accounting and internal auditing.

Public Accounting - As a public accountant you would perform a range of accounting, auditing, tax and consulting tasks. You would perform these tasks for a wide variety of clients, from corporations and government agencies to nonprofit organizations and individuals. Most public accountants are Certified Public Accountants (CPA’s) and work either for their own business or for public accounting firms.

Management Accounting - As a management accountant you would record and analyze financial information of the companies for which you work. You would be involved in budgeting, cost management, asset management as well as strategic planning and development of new products. You would aid business executives in making sound business decisions.

Government Accounting– As a government accountant you would work in the public sector. Your main responsibilities would include maintaining and examining records of government agencies making sure all related laws and regulations are properly adhered to.

Internal Auditing – As an internal auditor, you would maintain financial records for your organization ensuring all laws and regulations are properly implemented. You would be responsible for investigating financial and information systems, management procedures, as well as compliance with corporate and government polices.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants held about 1.3 million jobs in 2006. A strong growth in jobs in accounting is expected over the next ten years as stricter accounting rules and regulations emerge. Accounting employment is expected to grow faster than average for all occupations, resulting in a large number of new jobs arising. Not only will new jobs be formed, but the need to replace those who are retiring will produce yet more potential job openings.

The Department of Labor Statistics states that the median accounting salaries were $54,630 as of May, 2006. According to a salary survey conducted by Robert Half International (a staffing service firm specializing in accounting), accountants with one year experience earned $31,500 - $ 48,250; those with up to three years of experience earned $36,000 - $60,000; senior accountants earned $43,250- $79,250 and directors of accounting earned $68,000 - $208,000. As you can see, salaries varied to a great degree. These salary variations can be contributed to differences in the size of the firm, location, degree of experience and level of education.

For more information on careers in accounting as well as CPA standards and examinations visit the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants or The Uniform CPA Examination.

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