Undergraduate Accounting Degrees & Employment
The job of an accountant is to ensure that corporations and private citizens pay their taxes on time and keep accurate financial records, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. You need a college education to become an accountant. In addition, certification can help accountants advance in their careers.
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Requirements
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Prospective accountants need a minimum of a bachelor's degree as a prerequisite for employment. However, the BLS states that some employers prefer job candidates to have a master of business administration degree with an accounting concentration. Because all but four states --- Vermont, Colorado, California and New Hampshire --- require candidates for certified public accountant licensure to complete 30 hours of coursework after finishing a bachelor's degree, it is important for accounting majors to consider the specific requirements of the state where they want to work after graduating.
Training
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A bachelor's degree program in accounting, such as the one offered at Temple University in Philadelphia, trains students in accounting theory, asset management, taxation and financial reporting. Accounting majors take courses in areas such as economics, mathematics, operations management and business ethics, in addition to meeting general education requirements. The BLS states a beginning accountant will typically work under supervision of a senior accountant.
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Certification
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The designation of CPA is awarded to accountants who pass a national examination administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. Candidates should review their state's educational and experience requirements for taking the CPA exam, as they vary from state to state. The examination consists of four sections and more than half of those who take it do not pass all four sections on their first attempt. However, candidates have 18 months to pass all four sections of the computerized exam.
Career Outlook
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Earning a CPA credential can improve job prospects for accountants. A master's degree is also advantageous for those seeking a career in accounting. Through the year 2018, employment is expected to grow by about 22 percent, particularly in corporate accounting. As of 2008, most accountants worked in the private sector or in government; about a quarter were employed in accounting firms; and about eight percent were self-employed, according to the BLS. The National Association of Colleges and Employers Winter 2011 Salary Survey states that individuals with bachelor's degrees in accounting received average starting salary offers of $50,708 for positions in private firms and $45,395 for jobs in public agencies.
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