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Accounting - Quick Tips to Careers

Introduction

Accounting deals with communicating business and financial information. Accountants analyze business records and prepare financial reports such as balance sheets, income statements, and tax statements. They also audit accounts for business and not-for-profit firms, and install and maintain general accounting systems. The major areas of specialization are public, managerial, and governmental accounting. A Bachelor's degree qualifies one for entry-level jobs in accounting. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certificate can greatly broaden one's opportunities to advance in the accounting field.

Career-Related Skills

  • Ability to compile accurate financial data
  • Critical thinking and analytical skills
  • Integrity, honesty, alertness and thoroughness
  • Strong mathematical ability
  • Strong communication skills, both oral and written
  • Sound decision-making abilities
This guide contains only a partial list of related occupations in Accounting. In addition to the skills and knowledge gained through your college course work, you may also need to acquire career related work experience, additional work related skills and/or additional education.

Some Related Occupations

Accountant
Accounts Payable Representative
Actuary
Auditor
Bank Officer
Budget Accountant
Budget Analyst
Certified Public Accountant
Claims Adjuster
Collection Specialist
Compensation/Benefits Administrator
Comptroller
Consolidation Manager
Consumer Credit/Loan Officer
Controller
Corporate Accountant
Cost Accountant
Cost Estimator
Credit Adjuster/Examiner
Credit and Collection Specialist
Credit Analyst/Loan Officer
Data Processing Specialist
External Auditor
Financial Aid Specialist
Information Systems Auditor
Insurance Agent
Internal Auditor
Internal Revenue Agent
Inventory Control Specialist
IRS Investigator
Management Accountant
Management Consultant/Analyst
Nonprofit Accountant
Payroll Accountant
Property Accountant
Public Accountant
Purchasing Agent
Tax Accountant/Auditor
Tax Specialist
Treasurer
Underwriter
Wage and Salary Administrator

Next Steps

In order to research the various occupations, you may want to do any of the following:
  • Speak with a Career Counselor
  • Read the books available in the Career Resource Library
  • Talk with individuals working in the field
  • Contact related professional associations
  • Obtain an internship in a field of interest

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