Should i do accounting

So is accounting a good major for you to pursue? Take a look at these pros and cons of accounting careers to steer yourself in the right direction.

Learn more about a few of the perks you can expect by pursuing this profession. This gives you a much clearer career path compared to someone who chooses to study English or philosophy where the potential career outcomes are harder to define. Virtually every business needs an accountant or an entire accounting team, and even the average person has reasons to hire an accountant from time to time.

The job prospects in accounting are projected to grow in the coming years. As long as people need help with taxes and as long as businesses exist, there will be a need for accountants. The Bureau of Labor Statistics BLS projects that employment in the accounting field will grow 10 percent from to This is faster than the national average rate for all occupations.

After graduation, you might begin as an entry-level associate, but the potential for growth can be great. After getting established and gaining experience, career advancement can be achieved through on-the-job performance and additional education or certifications, like becoming a Certified Professional Accountant CPA.

Looking for more specifics? Like anyone, you want a career that allows you to provide for yourself and your family. So how does an accounting career stack up? Additionally, many full-time accountants receive great benefits such as healthcare, vacation time, retirement plans and more. The BLS reports that most accountants work full-time, around or over 40 hours a week. Where would you like to live?

West Coast, East Coast or somewhere in between? Big city or small town? In a mountain range or by the ocean? With some career fields, you may need to uproot your life and move to an industry hub to find work. Accounting, however, tends to be everywhere. From farmers to government organizations to software development companies, seemingly everyone could use the services of an accountant. This gives accountants a fair amount of flexibility when it comes to choosing where they want to settle down.

Starting your own business is the same option in every profession. The dream of being your own boss is alive and well in the profession of accounting. If you have some of that entrepreneurial spirit, starting an accounting firm could be a great way to advance your career. Just like any industry, working in accounting does have its drawbacks. After getting started as an entry-level accountant, you should look at what type of certifications you might want to earn.

How many world-famous accountants do you know of? The day-to-day work requires a lot of investigating and math, which can be boring to some but interesting to others. You can choose to specialize in a particular field of accounting, including managerial accounting, financial accounting, or tax accounting.

Most accountants work in private offices or as a part of a corporate team. Some are employed by government agencies at the local, state or federal level.

Auditors may travel from one company to another throughout the year to examine financial records and provide objective guidance to clients locally or across a particular region.

Step 3: Find an internship. Many students find that working at a paid or unpaid internship can provide valuable experience that can pay off in higher wages and increased job opportunities after graduation.

Step 4: Complete your degree. Completing your degree program, along with any additional coursework needed, is the next step on your path toward a career in accountancy. You could even earn extra credits required to sit for the CPA exam while working your first job.

Step 6: Get certified. Depending on which specialty field you choose, you may elect to obtain one of a number of additional qualifications. Obtaining certifications beyond your degree can improve your marketability and increase your professional credibility:.

A four-year degree in accounting is required as a prerequisite for all these certifications. Choosing an accredited university is essential to ensure the value of your degree after graduation. Smaller class sizes and knowledgeable professors are also key elements to look for so you can achieve success in your career after obtaining your degree. The accounting education requirements will vary depending on the specialty field you choose:. In most cases, students must complete a minimum of credit hours to receive a bachelor of science BS in accounting.

Accounting degree requirements may vary depending on the type of program and the concentration you choose. In general, it takes four years of study to earn a degree in accounting. For students pursuing a CPA certification, there is additional coursework needed, and the total time to complete may be longer, although some institutions offer simultaneous programs allowing you to complete your CPA requirements during your four-year degree program. If you plan to earn your MBA or Master of Accountancy, you will need to factor in additional time for extra graduate-level study and entrance exams, if applicable.

At Gwynedd Mercy University, we specialize in providing innovative solutions for aspiring accountants. Visit us online today to learn more about our innovative accounting degree programs and to experience the GMercyU difference for yourself. We look forward to the chance to help you achieve your educational goals and to assist you on your journey toward your career in accountancy. This consent includes contact via automated means. I understand that consent is not required to apply or attend Gwynedd Mercy University.

Contact Information. Box Gwynedd Valley, PA In fact, Fortune magazine lists accounting as one of the most recession-proof careers. Not only is accounting one of the most critical departments of any commercial enterprise, but accountants help strategize where to cut back.

Accountants help keep businesses solvent and in compliance with the IRS and other auditors, while ensuring that everyone gets a paycheck. As long as money circulates throughout the public and private sectors, there will be plenty of open jobs for accounting majors. Compared to other professions, the scholastic path to becoming an accountant is relatively quick. Being able to earn your degree and professional credentials in about half the time makes the accounting path appealing for ambitious emerging professionals who are eager to enter the workforce.

This allows you to continue building your career while you expand your skill set and professional network. If you have a head for numbers and are eager dig into challenging work in an industry that excites you, an accounting career could be your next move. Finding work-life balance in accounting. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Accountants and Auditors. PayScale — Average Accountant Salary.

Skip to main content. Learn More Today! What type of degree are you interested in? Next Step We value your privacy. What Bachelor of Science in Business degree most interests you? Master's in Accounting. Master's in Information Systems.

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