Accounting Degree Online
http://www.find-your-degree.com/articles/3/1/Accounting-Degree-Online/Job-Description.html
S. Kietzman
By S. Kietzman
Published on 06/28/2006
A person interested in accounting can choose to pursue four basic fields, these being internal auditing, management, government accounting, and public accounting. No matter which area of specialty one chooses to pursue, the basic duties of an accountant are generally the same. These include keeping records accurate and ensuring taxes are paid on time. The accountant also prepares and analyzes financial documents while also ensuring they are maintained accurately. Some accountants also provide assistance in financial planning and investments, offer financial consulting, assist with budget analysis, and provide a limited amount of legal services.
Accountants specializing in one of the four basic fields of accounting will have slightly different duties. An internal auditor, for example, is primarily responsible for making sure internal records for an organization are accurate while also checking for waste, fraud, and mismanagement of funds.
An accountant specializing in management, on the other hand, records and analyzes financial information for his or her employer. He or she may also assist in budgeting, performance evaluation, cost management, and asset management.
Unlike the management accountant, a government accountant is responsible for maintaining and examining government agency records. In addition, the government accountant audits businesses and individuals who operate under government regulation and taxation.
A public accountant may also audit individuals, while also providing consulting, accounting, and tax services to clients. These clients may be businesses, nonprofit organizations, the government, or individuals.
A person wishing to become an account must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in accounting or in another field similar to accounting. Fortunately for many busy individuals, an accounting degree can easily be earned online through a variety of online colleges.
Earning an accounting degree through an online college is an excellent option for those who are already employed but who wish to change careers and for those with families. By pursuing an accounting degree online, it is possible to work around busy schedules while still obtaining the education necessary to become an accountant and to gain the appropriate licensure.In order to become an accountant, most states require applying for a CPA license through the State Board of Accountancy. Generally, it is necessary to have the appropriate college education in order to receive licensure. Online accounting schools are capable of providing interested individuals with the education and training necessary to fulfill this obligation.
In addition, the need for qualified accountants continues to rise because financial laws and regulations are constantly changing. Furthermore, many businesses are expanding to the international level, meaning they need to keep track of and abide by international trade and accounting laws. Additional accounting job opportunities continue to grow as accountants retire or pursue other careers.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants earned a median annual salary of $50,770 in 2004. Those accountants earning the most money were employed in the Federal executive branch or by the United States Post Service, earning a median annual salary of $56,900. The lowest earning accountants were employed by the state government and earned a median annual salary of $43,400.
Earning an accounting degree through an online college is an excellent option for those who are already employed but who wish to change careers.
Job Description
A person interested in accounting can choose to pursue four basic fields, these being internal auditing, management, government accounting, and public accounting. No matter which area of specialty one chooses to pursue, the basic duties of an accountant are generally the same. These include keeping records accurate and ensuring taxes are paid on time. The accountant also prepares and analyzes financial documents while also ensuring they are maintained accurately. Some accountants also provide assistance in financial planning and investments, offer financial consulting, assist with budget analysis, and provide a limited amount of legal services.
Accountants specializing in one of the four basic fields of accounting will have slightly different duties. An internal auditor, for example, is primarily responsible for making sure internal records for an organization are accurate while also checking for waste, fraud, and mismanagement of funds.
An accountant specializing in management, on the other hand, records and analyzes financial information for his or her employer. He or she may also assist in budgeting, performance evaluation, cost management, and asset management.
Unlike the management accountant, a government accountant is responsible for maintaining and examining government agency records. In addition, the government accountant audits businesses and individuals who operate under government regulation and taxation.
A public accountant may also audit individuals, while also providing consulting, accounting, and tax services to clients. These clients may be businesses, nonprofit organizations, the government, or individuals.
Education and Training
A person wishing to become an account must first obtain a bachelor’s degree in accounting or in another field similar to accounting. Fortunately for many busy individuals, an accounting degree can easily be earned online through a variety of online colleges.
Earning an accounting degree through an online college is an excellent option for those who are already employed but who wish to change careers and for those with families. By pursuing an accounting degree online, it is possible to work around busy schedules while still obtaining the education necessary to become an accountant and to gain the appropriate licensure.In order to become an accountant, most states require applying for a CPA license through the State Board of Accountancy. Generally, it is necessary to have the appropriate college education in order to receive licensure. Online accounting schools are capable of providing interested individuals with the education and training necessary to fulfill this obligation.
Salary and Job Outlook
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The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that employment opportunities for accountants will grow faster than the average job through to 2014. This boost in employment opportunities is due mostly to the increased number of new businesses continually being formed. With the increase in businesses, there is an increased need for auditors capable of setting up books, preparing taxes, and providing general management advice when it comes to financial planning.In addition, the need for qualified accountants continues to rise because financial laws and regulations are constantly changing. Furthermore, many businesses are expanding to the international level, meaning they need to keep track of and abide by international trade and accounting laws. Additional accounting job opportunities continue to grow as accountants retire or pursue other careers.
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants earned a median annual salary of $50,770 in 2004. Those accountants earning the most money were employed in the Federal executive branch or by the United States Post Service, earning a median annual salary of $56,900. The lowest earning accountants were employed by the state government and earned a median annual salary of $43,400.