Monday, December 1, 2008

Entry Level Accountant Jobs

There are plenty of entry level opportunities for new accounting graduates. In recent years there have been smaller numbers of students choosing accounting as their field of study creating a shortage of accounting graduates. There are several reasons for this; one the requirements have become tougher; two the field has gotten a bad reputation from accounting scandals; and three increasingly complex laws and regulations have made it an unpopular field to work in for many.

There are four basic fields of accounting: Public Accounting; Managerial Accounting; Governmental Accounting; and, Internal Auditing. Each of these fields has widely varying job duties, however the fundamental tasks of the profession broadly stated "are to prepare, analyze, and verify financial documents in order to provide information to clients". Most accounting jobs require at least a bachelor degree in accounting, but previous job experience is also helpful and most collages offer part time and summer internships.

It is important for aspiring accountants to have an aptitude for math and be and able to analyze, compare, and interpret facts and figures quickly and accurately. Good communication skills both verbally and in writing are essential. Accountants must be able to work with people, business systems, and computers effectively and have a familiarity with basic accounting and computer software packages as well as be able to understand complex law regulations and accounting concepts.

As mentioned earlier the requirements for accountants have become more stringent in recent years. As of 2007, 42 States and the District of Columbia required CPA candidates to have 150 semester hours of college coursework, which is an additional 30 hours beyond the usual four year bachelor's degree and several other States are in the process of implementing similar requirements. Many schools have altered their programs as a result and now offer masters degrees as part of the 150 hours. Becoming a CPA will be much more difficult in the future.
Even though CPAs are regulated by their individual states, the very rigorous two day four-part Uniform CPA Examination is used throughout the United States. Also there is an experience requirement for a CPA certificate in most states; however requirements vary from state to state.

According to Robert Half International a private recruiting firm specializing in accounting and auditing both the job and salary outlook is very good for entry level accountants for the next ten years. Their conclusions are supported by figures from the federal government as well. Logically, the best opportunities will exist for those with a masters degree, a certification or expertise with accounting and auditing software, so the better prepared candidates will find the best entry level opportunities and also the best chances for advancement. To improve your chances of getting a great job test your skills by taking the accountant college course online.

David Millers reviews accounting programs and recommends sharpening your skills at http://www.accountantcollegecourseonline.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Millers

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Saturday, November 29, 2008

Accounting Jobs - How To Find A Good One

You need to first understand that as an accounting graduate, there are a number of avenues open to you and lots of broad job choices available to you if you are looking out for a smart career move; always remember this and work towards achieving the best offer you can for your skills and qualifications. Remember, being self-assured and aware of your talents is the key to applying that knowledge for your growth and career development, so even with your accounting graduation degree, there are a lot of doors opening up for you - you simply need to assess your potential worth for the company of your choice so you know you are the right fit!

Accounting graduates are a fortunate lot since there are a lot of sub-specialties in their domain where they can apply their knowledge of the subject to get good paying jobs with many benefits: some of these are jobs in Tax, Auditing, Financial Analysis Firms or with those companies handling Management Accounting.

Accounting graduates are further advised to take time out to think through their job moves so they have short-term and long-term goals for their career planned out and they can work to achieve these in a systematic way to get best results. Begin by looking for jobs that match interests as well as aspirations for growth; experience is the key to getting better jobs so always pay due attention to raising your current level and area of expertise to a broader one so you have more choices open to you!

Many accounting graduates have also successfully taken to faculty positions and teaching jobs in coaching classes, tutoring other students while they wait for a permanent job, which is a good way out instead of letting time, pass them by. You, too, can consider some of these healthy and time-saving options for short-term accounting jobs if you are more ambitious than what the scope of these offer, at least till the time you enter a specialized field in accounting.

Those good at public accounting can definitely get jobs as interns or Freshers as they are called, at the various Tax staffing and consulting or even management services may have positions at the entry-level open for such employees through the year as does the staff auditor, who always seems to need extra heads and hands.

About 5-6 years at this level, reporting to a senior and learning the ropes will find the accounting graduate being in a position of asking for a better job role, such as a Senior Auditor or Senior in Tax and Consulting etc. where a manager will oversee their work. The ultimate of course, for any accounting graduate is the Partner level and Senior Partner position - but this takes hard work, time and luck to come through, so stick it out till then at other options such as Internal Audit, Tax Accounting, Management or even Financial Accounting till other avenues seem to open up for you!

With dedication and planned career moves, you can be assured of various job choices such as Financial Planning, Cash Management, Credit Analysis or even Treasury Operations - then, the world is your oyster - and you'll probably have the dough to buy a whole bed of them too!

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Wednesday, November 26, 2008

Tips On Starting Your Accounting Career

Accounting is the language of business. Its knowledge is fundamental to any businessperson that seeks to plan expenditure and strive for a profit. Most business professionals are therefore required to study some accounting. Accounting professionals interact with all levels of a business and for many it’s a very interesting job.

Eligibility

• Individuals with an analytical approach and technical expertise of accounting, good mathematical aptitude, knowledge of the technicalities of a business system and those who are well versed with computers.

• Basic eligibility is 4 years of college for a professional degree in accounting or a related field.

• A Bachelor’s degree with a minor in another subject from an accredited college or university to apply for the Master’s in accounting.

• People who have done their course in accounting over the Internet are also eligible for jobs in the accounting industry.

• In terms of job, prior experience as a trainee auditor or accountant can also help.

• Different courses and licenses require accreditations and licenses of certain organizations.
For example, Certified Public Accountants (CPA) should have a license by the State Board of Accountancy (STA).

• A certain number of semester hours plus work hours are considered for 4-year bachelor’s degree.

• Public accountants are taken as trainees. Management Accountants start as junior internal auditors or cost accountants.

• A master’s degree in business administration (MBA) is preferred by many companies.

Types Of Accounting Jobs

• After a degree in accounting, one could qualify for a certified public accountant (CPA) or registered public accountant (RPA) license. Even though many do not have a license, they do get jobs as auditors or accountants in government offices or private companies.

• In the long run, one could excel to a position like chief financial officer (CFO).

• A certified accounting professional could become an auditor, financial officer, management accountant, budget analyst, or tax accountant. Tax accountants are preferred with a legal background.

• An independent job could prosper if the individual has a good network of contacts.

• There are specializations in accounting; for example, the forensic accounting where the accountant investigates the different crimes breeding on the company’s finances.

• Teaching accounting can also be a good career option.

Tips On Starting a Career in Accounting

Following are a few tips on getting started

1. Decide which field of accounting you would like to get into.

2. Research related information and shortlist colleges and universities for the given courses.

3. Consult accountants or even teachers who have knowledge of the subject.

4. Enroll in a bachelor’s degree or course in accounting.

5. Start off as a trainee after getting a degree from a college. Most of the companies look for an accredited college.

6. Keep looking for hiring by the major companies of the industry.

7. Update your work knowledge according to the industry standards.

Accountants have a decisive role in the future of a company. Budgeting and adjusting according to the current market trends is one of the analytical decisions an accountant makes. Because they are problem solvers, the company can rely on an accountant to sort out any financial problems.

Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solution's Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.

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Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Accounting Job Descriptions

There are a number of categories in the field of accounting jobs for the job applicant. All of them focus on the financial operation of a company, and offer various and rewarding opportunities.

Those coming straight out of the college campus must look for entry-level jobs like account clerk and pay clerk. However, by virtue of gaining experience they will be able to move higher in the chain and get supervisory positions subsequently. But those with higher qualifications, like a Master’s degree in Accountancy, can directly enter the supervisory cadre. The supervisory employee supervises accounting functions and prepares reports and statistics detailing financial results. They must coordinate activities and reports with other departments. However, focusing on one or two areas, like Accounts Receivable, Accounts Payable, Payroll, Budget etc., will enhance the employee’s experience. By gaining more experience, the job applicant can find more interesting and better paid jobs.

By having a Master’s degree in accountancy, the job applicant can get managerial positions as well. In fact, the role of an Accounting Manager mainly revolves around managing the Accounts Receivable function within the organization's established policies. The manager must work closely with other staff and oversee completion of all work including posting, processing, and verification of receipts, credit claims, refunds, interest charges, and others. The manager must also keep pace with the changing accounting practices that the government or the governing bodies announce from time to time. This will help in discharging duties in a proper way and the company will stand to benefit largely.

For instance, to follow the generally accepted accounting principles, the Accounting Manager is required to take special measures. This is mainly to meet the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) stipulations, as this single procedure will not only eliminate fraudulent means adopted by some companies, but will also help the stock- holders to get financial information without any trouble. Therefore the Accounting Manager must oversee the preparation of the filings and submit them in time to the regulatory authorities. Such work not only enhances employee satisfaction in accounting jobs, but also makes them more loyal to the company. And the company will in turn reward such people with better pay and perks from time to time.

Accounting jobs can be rewarding, both financially and in terms of job satisfaction. To attain a higher position in the field, the applicant will need to have a Masters Degree or on-the-job training. Accounting Managers must work closely with all financial departments in the company, and make sure to follow legal guidelines. This is an important job, which improves the functioning of the company and working conditions for its employees.

Job Descriptions provides detailed information about job descriptions, accounting job descriptions, free resume-writing tips, how to write a resume and more. Job Descriptions is the sister site of Personal Time Management.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Elizabeth_Morgan

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Monday, November 24, 2008

Tips to Find an Accounting Job

Where is the best place to find an accounting job? Every time I have ever had to look for a job it has been difficult. It isn't so much that there aren't jobs out there, but it is a matter of finding the ones that are. To find an accounting job, you will want to use three main resources: the internet, the local paper, and an employment service or headhunter. Here are some tips that may help you in your search for that accounting job you want.

The first thing to do in getting your accounting job is to look online. There are a number of job sites on the internet that can help you. Most of them will allow you to sort job openings by location. Then, you can search by keyword so you could type accounting in to find accounting jobs in your area. There are also job sites that specialize in accounting jobs, which may be of great help in your specific situation. So check out the internet for your accounting job as a first step and you just might find yourself without a need to try any other steps.

The next thing you can try in your effort to land an accounting job is to check out your local paper. Many companies that have openings will advertise in the town newspaper and not online. That means you can find open accounting jobs in the paper that may not show up online. Check the classifieds and you should find under jobs that there is a section just for accounting jobs that can be a big help to you. The other advantage to a job you find in the newspaper is that you are going to be more easily able to tell where exactly the job is. Often, jobs online are not specific with contact information, plus there is always the chance that the jobs you are looking at on a website are being put there by an employment agency and not the primary company offering the accounting job.

Third, you can check with an employment agency or headhunter in your area. To find your accounting job, if you use a good company they should not charge you anything. The clients who seek to fill a position, but who do not want to have to deal with the interviewing process pay the companies. You should be able to find a good accounting job if you have the right qualifications and find the right headhunter or agency.

Finding an accounting job doesn't have to be difficult. Like with any job search, it is just about knowing where to go to find the openings in your area. Check online job websites, your local newspaper, and finally local employment agencies and headhunters to locate the accounting job that makes the most sense for you.

If you would like to view more of my articles on accounting jobs, please feel free to visit my accounting careers website!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Christopher_Luck

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Future of Accounting Jobs

The future of accounting is bright according to the Job Market Survey Statistics, which projects a 34% increase in Accounting Job openings by next financial year. Demand of Accounting Jobs is especially high in the International Sector.

According to the survey, as the global economy grows, the number of international & national business establishments will increase, requiring more accountants and auditors to set up books, prepare taxes, and provide management advice. Changing regulations and financial laws, and increased scrutiny of company finances will also drive growth.

Accounting: Job Options

Audit
The work of an auditor involves examination of accounting of financial statements and ledgers within corporations and government.

Budget Analysis

A budget analyst has to develop and manage organizations financial plans. There exist extensive job opportunities in this area both in government and private sector.

Financial

Financial accountants prepare financial statements and are engaged in significant financial decisions involving mergers & acquisitions, planning and long-term financial projections.

Management Accounting

Management accountants participate in judgments about business analysis capital budgeting. Their job profile consists of cost analysis, analysis of new contracts and participation in efforts to control expenses in efficient manners.

Tax

Tax professionals prepare personal and corporate income tax statements and formulate tax strategies. This kind of work requires an extensive knowledge base of economics and current tax codes.

Accountants Work at:

Public Accounting Firms
Professionals in such enterprise work in partnerships, which bestow accounting services to individuals, businesses and government. This field offers progressive potentials to audit managers, tax managers or partners.

Government
Government accountants have the options of working at the local/state level or the central level. They may be involved with administration and formulation of budgets, program analysis or cost tracking.

Various Corporations

International Corporations, be it big or small commonly have an accounting group (consisting of audit manager, tax manager & cost accounting manager), which prepares the firm's fiscal statements, tracks costs, handles tax issues and works on international transactions.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Aamir_Noman

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