It takes a lot of hard work to be successful as an accountant. You will have to establish early on that this is your choice of career path. When I say you will have to make a decision early on, I am speaking of an interest in numbers during your high school years. If you do not excel in math and have no interest in its programs during these years, accounting is definitely not for you. However, if you enjoy manipulation of numbers and always try to get into advanced level courses you are an ideal candidate to become an accountant. The next step is to seek the advice of a guidance counselor or course specific teacher who can guide you to make proper choices to pursue a degree in accounting.
Your college education should be aimed at your field of interest. There are different areas that you can look at in pursuing a career in accounting. Accounting clerk, corporate tax, and tax attorney are a few fields that are represented in this industry. You will have to research the field and specifically on one aspect, which you plan to pursue as a career as there isn’t any program which covers all aspects of this diverse profession.
Another thing to consider is gaining experience while you are in college. There is no better way to get your foot in the door than an internship in your field of study with a major company. This will give them an opportunity to see your work ethic and abilities, which might lead to an offer of full-time employment upon completion of your degree.
Working for a company can also lead to an added benefit of tuition reimbursement. In today's tough economic climate, every little bit helps. There are companies that offer these programs in exchange for a long-term commitment. They will want to ensure that you are going to be working for them and that their investment will pay off. You will have to make sure that this company offers advancement before making any commitment.
Now let us take an inside look at some of your options in the accounting field:
A public accountant is the most common field explored in this profession. They are individuals who supply services to various outlets and have the freedom of being in business for themselves much easier than other areas. In order to be successful you will have to take a CPA exam. This is usually a multi-day test and is extremely difficult. You should be aware that approximately 75% of the people taking this exam fail in one part or another at the first attempt. Do not be discouraged as there is ample time to retake the exam in order to become a Certified Public Accountant.
Managerial accounting is also very popular. Managerial accountants are usually employed by business firms and you are consulted for managing assets, preparing and analyzing financial statements, and establishing budgets. You are literally part of the primary decision-makers and will have great influence on the success or failure of a company.
If you are looking for something more stable and with incredible benefits, consider a career with the IRS. Any government career presents its own special perks, working for the IRS will also present you with many different facets of the industry. The organization is so vast that you are virtually assured that you can find an aspect of the accounting profession, which you will truly enjoy.
Finally, if you are looking for a specialized market, you should consider a career in internal auditing. Internal auditors are usually experts in their specific area. This field is gaining popularity every day. You need to focus your knowledge in specific areas but with today's demand, a quality auditor is all but assured of a position.
As you can see, choosing a field in accounting as a profession is a very involved decision. It presents opportunities and a lot of diversity. This profession will always be in demand and if you are proficient, you will always have a job. Make a decision, choose your specialty, and enjoy a rewarding career as an accountant.
