Looking Out for Number One: Your Accounting Career

Were you one of those kids who could add before they could read? Do you prefer word problems to writing? Accounting and finance careers are in high demand, and with the right education and certifications, this could add up to a great opportunity for you.

Jobs by the Numbers

Accountants don't just punch numbers into calculators all day; they perform a variety of services such as auditing, tax work, and consulting. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) have many opportunities, ranging from FBI work to tax services. Financial analysts help businesses, government agencies, and individuals with their investments, analyzing their economic performance. Accountants and financial advisors generally do not work more than 40 hours a week and sit in comfortable office environments.

Education, Certification, and Preparation

For the best opportunities in accounting and finance, you'll need a bachelor's degree in accounting, business management, or statistics. Accountants with CPA certification also have an advantage over non-certified accountants. CPA certification requires 150 semester hours of coursework and a rigorous two-day examination. However, the hard work and preparation pay off, because CPAs have excellent job prospects. For financial advisors, good communication and skills in math, computers, and problem-solving are valuable for the job.

Financial Industry Growth

Employment in accounting and finance is expected to grow between 18 and 26% by 2014. Retiring baby boomers will need personal financial advisors, and the increase in the number of businesses and changes in financial laws and regulations will also drive industry growth. Accountants and financial advisors earn very respectable salaries at an average of about $50,700 and $61,900, respectively.

Whether you're a natural number cruncher or a practical thinker, the accounting and finance industry has a career that fits you. Add up your interests, invest in your education, and before you know it, a finance career will appear in the projections for your future.

Sources

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Accountants and Auditors"
• US Bureau of Labor Statistics, "Financial Analysts and Personal Financial Advisors"