What Are the Advantages of Being an Accountant?
Accountants are not just number crunchers any more. They drive business decisions through orderly, accurate management of cash flow and finances. Accountants can work in the public and privates sectors, ranging from sports arenas, large public accounting firms, and everywhere in between.
Job duties include the assessment of an organization’s financial operations, review and maintenance of financial records, day-to-day management of funds, preparation and submission of tax documents, as well as providing recommendations for fiscal efficiency.
What Are Some Of The Positives About Being An Accountant?
High Demand
Accounting is all about managing money. Every business and organization uses accountants to handle its finances. As long as businesses exist and as long as people need help with taxes, there will always be accountants.
Work In a Variety of Environments
Accounting tends to be a universal service. Everyone could use the service of an accountant, from farmers to software development companies. This gives accountants flexibility when it comes to where and what industries they choose to work.
These professionals could choose to do consulting, bookkeeping, tax, or payroll services, while others may choose to work in manufacturing, government, insurance, finance, or company management. An accountant can also open their own businesses if they have the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. A certain number of accountants work from home or travel to audit clients.
Entrepreneurial Potential
In the profession of accounting, the dream of being your own boss is alive and well. As such, stating an accounting firm is within reach if you ever want to become an entrepreneur. This can be done after years of gaining experience, when an accountant has already developed good connections and a sufficient amount of contacts. It’s after such a period that one may feel comfortable to use the contacts to start their own business. Whether it’s specializing in taxes or consulting, the options are endless when it comes to financial matters.
Opportunity for Advancement
The finance sector is always developing and under pressure to become strategic. Businesses and other organizations want their finance department to analyze their financial situation, explain, take action upon the results delivered, develop a plan to implement, and change the future outcome. These require the skillset of an accountant.
How Does One Become An Accountant?
Earn the Right Degree
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or related field is the minimum educational requirement for individuals who plan to obtain an entry-level position. Some states even require advanced coursework that includes financial reporting, auditing, taxes, and other non-accounting business areas. Before you graduate, find an internship or an externship through your school, and join a professional association.
Land an Entry-Level Job
Work experience can help you advance as an accountant as you pump up your resume. Some require accountants to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, which means passing all the four parts. Taking an entry-level job allows aspiring accountants to have an opportunity to connect and observe their day-to-day job duties.
Become Licensed
Licensing is not a requirement to work as an accountant, but many employers prefer hiring job candidates with credentials. The CPA license is intended for individuals who want to increase employment opportunities and those who file with the SEC. Eligibility for the CPA exam varies depending on the state.
Why is Formal Education Important to This Profession?
Accounting degrees often take a practical approach and this means that you will learn by doing. Students are exposed to real-life opportunities to manage finances and business accounts. Also, the courses complement other subject areas under the large umbrella of business. There’s also an optional placement, which allows you to graduate feeling prepared for the rigors of this profession.
Interested in the world of accounting? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a Focus in Accounting, consider ECPI University for the education you'll need. For more information about this intriguing program, connect with a helpful admissions advisor today.
It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!
DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty, or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.
For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.