If you are an accounting grad interested in the field of public accounting, then you will be pleased to know that there are a broad range of accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting jobs available. One can commence his or her accounting career as a staff auditor or a tax consultant. Most of these type of accounting professionals are certified public accountants (CPAs), many of whom work as external auditors or in public accounting firms. Some of them are also finding work these days in the up-and-coming field of forensic accounting, which requires a sound understanding of finance and law to thwart white-collar crimes, such as embezzlement, and contract disputes.
Those interested in the field of corporate accounting should know that at least one to three years of experience are required to make a mark in the field. Corporate accountants record and analyze the financial information of their employer companies and also take on other responsibilities, such as the preparation of annual budgets, cost and asset management, and the preparation of financial reports. Within a few years, one can usually move up the ladder to positions such as senior level auditor, senior tax accountant, or senior in management accounting. Later on, one can aim for managerial positions in the company or even opt for lucrative offers from other employers.
Government accountants are accountants related to the government sector who examine and analyze government records or audit private businesses that have to conform to government rules and regulations. Some of these accountants work as Internal Revenue Service agents or in budget analysis or financial management and administration. These jobs are typically awarded to those who have significant experience in private sector companies and in various fields related to accounting.
Accountants are also sought out by many for advice about taxes, managing personal assets, investing, and maintaining domestic budgets. Fortunately, a number of accounting software packages have made the lives of accountants much easier of late. Also, the generally tedious work of managing data and records has also become less complicated.
The salary structure in the accounting profession is attractive and should please even entry-level accounting grads. And of course, any accountant can go beyond an entry-level salary by harnessing his or her accounting skills to make his or her compensation much more lucrative. It is recommended, finally, that an aspiring accountant gain good work experience, acquire varied knowledge in different accounting areas, and continue to improve in all regards in order to stay a step ahead of other job seekers.