Careers in accounting can be found in nearly every industry and occupation field. Responsibilities can include bookkeeping and auditing as well as maintaining financial records.
What to Expect
For many positions in accounting a high school diploma is all that is required. There are some positions that do require further degrees such as an associate degree in business.
These professionals are responsible for a wide variety of duties. The specific duties are dependent upon the size of the facility or business. For instance a bookkeeper employed by a small business will be responsible for recording all transactions made as well as preparing bank deposits, payroll, and invoices.
Clerks working for larger companies will perform more specialized tasks and duties. Each specialized task requires a clerk that is specifically trained for that task. An example of this can be seen with the accounts receivable clerk who only deals with the money coming into the company and nothing else.
The level of experience an accountant has will also determine the tasks and responsibilities performed.
Education, Training, and Certification
For those seeking careers in accounting a high school diploma is usually sufficient for getting hired. The importance of a secondary degree should not be ignored as this may give you a greater opportunity for advancement.
Many choose to enter a company by accepting a position as a bookkeeping clerk and the work towards promotion. For these employees it is possible to seek additional on the job training towards the ultimate desired position while working as an accounting clerk.
Careers in accounting are a viable option only if you are;
•Detail-oriented
•Have the ability to catch errors made by others
•Orderly
•Trustworthy
•Good with numbers
•Discreet
Certification is possible with The Certified Bookkeeper which is given to those that show an aptitude for the position and sufficient skill.
Employment Options
Careers in accounting are numerous.
These clerks can be found in nearly every industry and level in the government. Bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing are crucial skills valued in every industry such as;
•Education
•Tax preparation
•Payroll
•Healthcare
•State and local government
Employment Outlook
The employment outlook for this field promises to grow at a faster average rate. Skilled and experienced clerks are highly valued and often find that there is ample opportunity for advancement.
It is predicted that this industry will see at least a 10% growth in the next decade or so and that the competition for positions will not be as intense as in other fields. For those seeking careers in accounting will find it rewarding with professionals seeing continued growth in the industry. This is in thanks to continued economic growth on a global level as well as other factors such as new regulations, increased demand for scrutiny and oversight as well as new financial reporting methods.
It is important to note that with improving software and technologies many clerks and bookkeepers will find that their duties are being given over to computerized systems. It is important for prospective clerks to be proficient in computers and the software used by the company they are seeking employment with.
To increase employment prospects you should become proficient in a wide range of bookkeeping skills.
Projected Salary
Salary and wages are determined by the clerk’s level of experience and abilities. On average careers in accounting pay $30,000. A clerk with specialization or one that holds advanced degrees or even an associate degree will receive a higher salary than one who just has a high school diploma.
Continued specialization and training is suggested for those who wish to advance in this field and who need a higher salary.
The editors of McGraw-Hill and the U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, The Big Book of Jobs, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2012-2013 ©2009 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Material "Adapted"