In order to become an accountant, a person must possess an innate appreciation for numbers and be mathematically inclined. A future accountant must be able to think logically, communicate effectively, synthesize and analyze information efficiently, and have strong computer skills. A person also must have a meticulous attention for detail and a proficiency in operating computers and accounting software.

Accountants prepare financial reports, collate information, and calculate figures while adhering to tax laws and analyzing and projecting financial information within an organization or for public record. A growing number of accountants and auditors are required to utilize computer software to meet data management and analytical needs within organizations. Many companies seek accountants who specialize in correcting software problems and develop software to meet data management and analytical needs while developing, implementing, controlling, and auditing computer systems and networks.

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There are four major fields of accounting and within each field there are many sub-fields. The major fields of accounting include public, government, management accounting, and internal auditing. A proficiency in accounting software is an absolute necessity for a career in accounting. Selecting the field most suitable for career goals and personal aspirations within the public, governmental, or business realm assures success within the accounting field.

Preparation for a career in accounting begins in high school. Enrolling in basic business related courses, as well as excelling in mathematics and English, will build the initial foundational basis for a future in accounting. A guidance counselor can assist in better directing a student to courses within high schools and future colleges which offer accounting programs and degrees. Requesting information and applications from traditional colleges and universities as well as online colleges, during a student’s junior year of high school will also assist in securing a future education in accounting.

An associates degree in accounting or business allows for an entry level career as an accountant with room to further educational or career goals. Courses of study in principles of business, information systems, macroeconomics, tax law, finance and accounting, spreadsheets, databases, and federal income tax in addition to core requirements in mathematics, science, social science, and English, allow candidates to work toward a bachelors degree or gain on the job experience as an accounting assistant, bookkeeper, management trainee, auditing clerk, or tax preparer.

Furthering an education by earning a bachelor’s degree allows for more diverse career options. While training at a four year college or university, whether in person or through various online programs, candidates study core educational requirements as well as specialized accounting courses. Courses include: instruction on finance, information systems, international business, economics, managerial accounting, forecasting, regression analysis, forecasting, financial statements, financial reporting, tax law, mergers and acquisitions, compensation, forensic accounting, and bankruptcy. A bachelors degree in accounting or a related business field (including many courses in accounting) allow students’ access to Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exams. The Uniform CPA Examination consists of four parts and takes two days to complete. Prerequisites for the CPA exams include a bachelors degree and some accounting experience usually attained through part time jobs or interships offered within accounting firms during college, especially on summer breaks when candidates may earn full time experience in the field. Many firms go on to hire interns as entry level accountants upon graduating from college with a bachelors degree and successful completion of CPA exams. Degree requirements vary within individual states, with most states requiring at least 150 semester units to fulfill degree and certification requirements. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (www.aicpa.org) offer state requirements as well as a multitude of other accounting resources and career information.

A bachelors degree as well as CPA certification grants entry into various sectors of accounting. Job responsibilities as an accountant depend largely upon the field of specialization. Public accountants provide accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services for corporations, governments, non-profit organizations, or individuals. Most public accountants focus on tax issues and advise business regarding tax advantages and disadvantages, consult with companies regarding compensation or employee healthcare benefits, design accounting and data processing systems, and devise plans to safeguard business or personal assets. External auditors are specialized public accountants who prepare individual income tax returns. audit client based financial statements, and/or prepare and report financial statements for investors or authorities. Public accountants are required to pass CPA exams and generally operate individually or as part of public accounting firms.

Public accountants who specialize in forensic accounting investigate and interpret “white collar” crimes like security fraud, embezzlement, tax evasion, bankruptcy, money laundering, contract disputes, and other potentially criminal financial transactions. Forensic accountants are generally required to have a masters degree with a finance and accounting background and an extensive masters degree training in law. Forensic accountants determine the legalities of questionable financial transactions. Forensic accountants work very closely with law enforcement agencies and lawyers and are often sought as expert witnesses during investigations and court trials.

Management accounting is another field of accounting. Also known as cost, managerial, industrial, corporate or private accountants, management accountants record and analyse financial information for businesses. Management accountants are in charge of budgeting, cost management, asset management, and performance evaluation. Management accountants generally work closely with a team of executives to strategically plan or develop new products while analysing and interpreting financial information and creating budgets to advise corporate executives in wise financial decisions. Management accountants prepare financial reports for stockholders, creditors, and regulatory agencies.

Government accountants and auditors work in the public sector. Government accountants examine and maintain records of governmental agencies as well as audit private businesses and individuals subject to government regulation and taxation. Federal, state, and local governments employ accountants to ensure revenues and expenditures are are received or spent in accordance with laws and regulations. The Internal Revenue Service employs government accountants for the Federal branch of the United States government and handles financial management, financial institution examinations, or budget analysis.

Internal auditors assure that a business’ financial and information systems, management procedures, and internal controls are effective. Internal auditors work within companies to ascertain and rectify issues like mismanagement, waste, or fraud. Internal auditors closely examine a company’s operations while evaluating efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with corporate policies and governmental regulations. Internal auditors evaluate automated transactions and computer systems to assure that information is accurate and easily available to management and authorities. Internal auditors are also known as information technology auditors, environment auditors, and compliance officers.

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that job opportunities as accountants and auditors are expected to grow much faster than other areas of employment, at an expected increase of 22 percent between 2008 and 2018. Candidates with professional certification are generally preferred over those who do not. An entry level accountant has the ability to earn $59,430 as a yearly salary.