Numerous job options are available to people with accounting knowledge and skills, depending on the educational level attained:

America’s Career Infonet lists salary ranges for the following job titles, with estimated job percentage growth through 2014 in the United States:

Demand in the Accounting Fields

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, there are more than 2 million jobs for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks, with most employed in local government and in the accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services industry.

The large demand for this occupation ensures plentiful job openings, including many opportunities for temporary and part-time work. Those who possess a wider range of bookkeeping and accounting skills will be in greater demand than specialized clerks.

Demand for full-charge bookkeepers is expected to increase because they are called upon to do much of the work of accountants as well as perform a wider variety of financial transactions, from payroll to billing. Certified bookkeepers and those with several years of accounting or bookkeeper experience will have the best job prospects.

Experience and Education Needed for Accounting Positions

Most bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks are required to have a high school degree at a minimum. However, having some college education is increasingly important, and an associate degree in business or accounting is required for some positions.

Experience in a related job and working in an office environment also is recommended. Employers prefer workers who are computer literate, with knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software.

Once hired, bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks usually receive on-the-job training. Some formal classroom training also may be necessary, such as training in specific computer software.

These workers must be careful, orderly and detail-oriented in order to avoid making errors and to recognize errors made by others. They also should be discreet and trustworthy because they frequently come in contact with confidential material. In addition, these clerks should have a strong aptitude for numbers.

How to Get Ahead in Accounting

Bookkeepers, particularly those who handle all the recordkeeping for companies, may benefit from becoming certified. The Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, assures employers that individuals have the skills and knowledge required to carry out all the bookkeeping and accounting functions up through the adjusted trial balance, including payroll functions. For certification, candidates must have at least two years of bookkeeping experience, pass three tests and adhere to a code of ethics.

Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks usually advance by taking on more duties in the same occupation for higher pay or by transferring to a closely related occupation. Most companies fill office and administration support supervisory and managerial positions by promoting individuals from within their organizations, so clerks who acquire additional skills, experience and training improve their advancement opportunities. With appropriate experience and education, some bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks may become accountants or auditors.

Professional Organizations

You’ll find helpful information about accounting careers, certifications, licensing and more by visiting the Web sites of some accounting industry professional organizations.

Accounting Job Opportunities
 
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