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.