Knowing what entry level accounting jobs will be available to you right out of college will help you determine your future in this busy industry. With an understanding of the qualifications required to earn a position and an understanding of the future of the industry both on a short term and long term basis, you truly can go far in this popular and highly sought after industry. This article is a look at the accounting industry and its accessibility to recent graduates.
Most accounting jobs require that a bachelor's degree be obtained either specifically in accounting or in a related field. Job seekers who are looking to gain an advantage over competing applicants in the accounting industry can benefit significantly by obtaining professional recognition through licensure or certification and a master's degree, rather than the bare minimum bachelor's and proficiency in auditing and accounting software. When it comes to the most prestigious jobs in business firms and major accounting firms, competition will always remain keen.
Entry Level Accounting Jobs
Entry level accountants can help to ensure that businesses and organizations run more efficiently and smoothly, and that the organization's records are kept accurately with taxes being paid on time and properly. Even an entry level accountant can provide a wide range of different accounting and business services to clients. Some of the services that can be provided by entry level accounting jobs and professionals include public accounting, management accounting, and government accounting, as well as services relating to internal auditing. The fundamental tasks of the occupation itself are carried out by accountants in each of these major fields, including preparation, analysis, and verification of financial documents so that information may be provided to clients.
Entry level accounting jobs will have specific job duties that vary significantly depending on which of the major four fields of accounting the job fits into. Public accountants, for example, perform a wide range of different tasks and activities including, accounting, tax, consulting, and auditing activities. The normal client for a public accountant is a corporation, non profit organization, a government agency, or an individual. Many public accountants go on to become CPAs or Certified Public Accountants, most of which either open their own businesses or work for public accounting firms.
Management accountants, who are also regularly known as industrial, private, or corporate accountants, are responsible for recording and analyzing the financial information for the companies that they work for. They may also be responsible for budgeting, cost management, asset management, and performance evaluation. Management accountants, even entry level ones, are best suited as parts of executive teams that work on product development and strategic business planning.
Government accountants and other public sector accountants are responsible for examining government agency records and auditing private businesses and individuals when their activities are subject to regulations or taxation by the government. Entry level accountants can be employed by local, state, and federal governments can guarantee that revenues and expenditures are received and made in accordance with regulation and law.
Qualifications
Most accounting positions, even entry level positions, require that at least a bachelor's degree be earned either in accounting or a similar field such as economics. Entry level accounting positions in the federal government require four years of college education with at least 24 semester hours of auditing or accounting experience. Some employers seem to prefer master's degree graduates holding a degree either in accounting or in business administration as long as the concentration was on accounting. An applicant can get an edge over competing applicants by bringing previous accounting and auditing experience to the table. Most entry level accountants can gain experience through internship programs offered by colleges, public accounting firms, and other business firms. Also useful is a practical working knowledge of computers and computer applications that can be used in accounting practices.
Industry Outlook
In 1998 there were more than 1,080,000 accounting and auditing jobs. Most accounts and auditors were employed through private industry and government industries, but one out of every four accountants worked for accounting or bookkeeping firms. At least one out of every ten of these accountants was self employed. Despite threats of a recession and issues in the job market, including a record unemployment rate in recent years, students who are graduating with accounting degrees in recent years are still meeting countless entry level job opportunities. What this says is that even when the job market is hurting, businesses are still on the lookout for proficient accountants, with or without experience. The account industry is not hurting despite the recession, and job seekers with accounting degrees should not see a lull in their ability to secure excellent entry level and higher level jobs in this field.
Conclusion
The employment of accountants and accounting auditors is expected to grow significantly throughout the next year or so for all accounting related fields as with many other occupations. Not only are many openings becoming available as corporations and government agencies grow, but openings also come about when accountants retire or transfer and need to be replaced by new specialists. As the economy continues to grow, the number of businesses will grow. Resultantly, the need for accountants is going to grow significantly as well. As long as businesses and organizations require assistance with their accounting practices, there will be a need for accountants and auditors in all fields of business.
