Accounting Degree Overview

Accounting is the process by which financial information about a business is recorded, classified, summarized, interpreted, and communicated. Many business students choose to earn their degree in accounting, since it opens the door to a wide variety of career opportunities in almost any area of the business world. The field is normally divided into three broad areas: auditing, financial/tax and management accounting. The Accounting major is designed to provide the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary for a successful accounting career. An accounting-focused curriculum typically includes topics such as basic accounting and advanced principles, budget management, accounting ethics and legal regulations, security, auditing, regulatory compliance requirements, computer software in accounting, bookkeeping, general accounting, financial accounting and managerial accounting. Core competencies in technology, critical thinking, and communication are emphasized throughout the curriculum. Completion of an Accounting degree will help students perform a number of tasks such as keeping and verifying financial records, computing costs and efficiency gains from new technologies, participating in strategies for mergers and acquisitions, performing complex and multi-company or department accounting, quality management, developing and using information systems to track financial performance, processsing payroll, managing assistants and support staff, and managing health care benefits .

The Demand for Accountants

Professionals with degrees in accounting are in greater demand than ever. In fact, the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics anticipates that the field of accounting and auditing will grow faster than the average for all occupations through the next decade. This demand is in part because business dealings have become more complicated, but also because of worries about the possibility of fraud. The competitive pressures and new opportunities in the global economy require expertise in traditional accounting and finance practices, as well as the knowledge and foresight to help companies adapt to change and seize opportunities. Keeping track of money in business is seemingly both simple and complex, but not always easy. That's where's accountants come in--offering a level of expertise and assurance to stockholders, regulators and the public about the integrity of their businesses.

Career Opportunities in Accounting

The field of accounting offers stimulating and challenging work that is constantly evolving. Because accountants spend a lot of time looking under the hoods of businesses, they really learn how businesses work. It's no surprise that many successful players in business began their careers as accountants. In fact, an accountant is perfectly positioned to become a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) because he or she understands what drives business and profits in a company. Graduates of the various types of accounting programs typically find work as financial advisors, bookkeepers, accountants, investment professionals or others involved in the financial aspects of business and business management. Many graduates of master's and bachelor's level programs in accounting will continue on with their education to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), or Certified Internal Auditor (CIA). Some graduates choose to work in the field of tax preparation, banking, or even as financial advisors or investment professionals. Many business majors take a minor or complimentary program in accounting so they are able to understand and interpret complex financial reporting and planning. Some accounting graduates may also choose to work as interns to gain practical experience and get their foot in the door of a particular company. Typically these individuals are promoted or offered positions after they have completed actual work experience within the company.

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