Your guide to an accounting degree, covering the basics, degree options and pay range.
An accounting degree can be a stepping stone to a great career as an accountant or auditor. Due to the recent financial crisis, the demand for thorough recordkeeping is expected to increase.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts growth of up to 16 percent by 2020 for careers in accounting and auditing to cover this demand. This makes accounting an ideal career choice for those who have an interest in working with numbers.
Accountants and auditors are employed in the preparation and examination of financial records, ensuring the accuracy of the records, and determining how much tax is due to the government on the income entering into a home or a business.
Accountants can be employed in a variety of different industries or in the government. Many accountants open their own accounting businesses.
Students in high school can begin preparing for a career in accountancy by taking as many classes in math and economics as possible. Once a high school diploma or GED is achieved, the next step to becoming an accountant is going to college.
A Bachelor of Accounting is the principle academic accounting degree. The curriculum requires study sufficient for professional practice in financial accounting, management accounting, auditing and taxation.
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Other undergraduate accounting degrees may include courses in accounting such as accounting 101 and principles of accounting, as well as other specific coursework as determined by the individual program. Many schools and colleges also offer introductory courses for accounting-related fields.
Most accounting degree programs require that the student complete the required coursework for the course while maintaining a specific, pre-determined GPA. Others may require that the student receive a minimum grade of C or B in all the accounting courses in order to be awarded a credential.
The accounting profession can be quite rewarding, both professionally and financially. The median pay for an accountant is $61,690 annually, or around $29.66 per hour, according to the BLS.
The pay for individuals possessing advanced accountant qualifications can be even higher. For example, the BLS states in its "Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2009" statistics report that a top-earning certified public accountant (CPA) can make over $100,000 per year.
Where or who the accountant works for can also substantially affect his or her earnings. For instance, in the same BLS report, the U.S. government pays accountants an average of $88,190 per year and the U.S. Postal Service pays an average salary of $79,600.
As you can see, an accounting degree can be valuable. With the field of accounting poised for growth, it makes sense that students should pursue this career path. Reply! is a wonderful resource for finding accounting programs in your local area that offer the bachelor's degree and other advanced accounting degree options.
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