Accounting degree programs provide training in the fundamentals of auditing, accounting and ledger systems, enterprise resource planning systems, bookkeeping and business economics. People with accounting degrees tend to have strong computer skills and are able to create, manage and analyze spreadsheets and databases. Career opportunities are numerous and include public and management accounting, government accounting and auditing and internal auditing. Other possible positions include tax examiners, revenue agents, and bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks.
Public Accountants
Public accountants perform a variety of auditing, accounting, tax and consulting tasks for clients ranging from governments, corporations and nonprofit groups to individuals. While some public accountants advise companies on tax matters and prepare personal income tax returns, others are responsible for auditing financial statements. Public accountants work in forensic accounting, investigating fraud, embezzlement and other financial crimes.
Management Accountants
Management accountants, also known as private, corporate, industrial or managerial accountants, are responsible for analyzing and recording the financial information of the companies that employ them. They often work as part of an executive team that plans or develops new products. Management accounts advise executives on financial information and help them make competent business decisions.
Government Accountants and Auditors
Government accountants and auditors are responsible for examining and maintaining government records, as well as auditing individuals and businesses. They make sure that all financial activity is performed according to government regulations and laws. Those government accountants working at the federal level are often employed by the Internal Revenue Service.
Internal Auditors
Internal auditors are responsible for ensuring that an organization's internal operations are running efficiently, effectively and in accordance with laws and regulations. They do this by monitoring and evaluating information and financial systems, internal controls and management protocols.
Tax Examiners & Revenue Agents
Tax examiners are employed by the local, state and federal government and are responsible for reviewing filed tax returns. They figure out if tax deductions and credits are permitted by law and make and report adjustments. Similarly, revenue agents audit tax returns to ensure that they are accurate and legitimate. However, unlike tax examiners, revenue agents handle the complicated tax returns of large businesses and corporations, including sales, income and excise returns.
Bookkeeping, Accounting & Auditing Clerks
Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerk positions do not often require accounting degrees. However, many graduates take these positions with hopes of promotion. Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks are all responsible for maintaining and updating records, including receipts, accounts payable and receivable, expenditures and profit and loss. While bookkeeping--or managing a general ledger--is done at the small-business level, accounting and auditing clerks are often employed by larger companies and have more specialized tasks.
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