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Accounting Careers

Accountants help to prepare, analyze, and maintain all of the financial documents a business or organization needs to operate effectively. Most accounting careers require at least a bachelor's degree, although there are some entry level opportunities for people who have an associate's degree as well. Search for great accounting test study tips here.

Public accounting involves working for individuals as well as businesses and nonprofit organizations providing accounting, tax, and auditing services. In some cases, public accounting positions may also involve offering advice regarding specific financial issues such as safeguarding assets or providing benefits for company employees. Many people who have these types of accounting careers are certified public accountants (CPAs) who own their own business or work for an accounting firm.

Government accounting involves working for local, state, or federal government organizations. The most obvious example of an accounting career is the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agent whose job is to audit tax returns. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is another large employer of government accountants.

Management accounting, also known as cost accounting or corporate accounting, involves looking at a business's financial records to make recommendations regarding issues such as asset management, budgeting, or performance. These accounting careers involve helping to interpret financial data for company executives who need to make specific decisions regarding the profitability of the business.

Internal auditing is an area of the accounting profession that involves looking at an employer's financial records to determine if funds have been mismanaged or fraud has taken place. Internal auditors, also known as information technology auditors or compliance auditors, use sophisticated computer software to make sure the integrity of financial data has not been compromised. Large companies often employ internal auditors as a cost control measure.