Accounting Job Benefits

There are lots of job perks for accountants.

Accountants are in a prime position to receive excellent benefits for their services. Flexibility is theirs depending on the type of accounting career they pursue. They can opt to work long hours in prestigious firms or punch a time clock for the government. Niche markets offer excellent opportunities to earn higher income, and training and education sets them on course to climb the corporate ladder. The field of accounting has many job benefits.

Predictable Hours

Accountants usually work Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Tax season extends these hours as necessary to meet client demands. Accountants who are government employees generally punch a time clock, working a scheduled 40-hour week; self-employed and large-corporation accountants have more flexibility and sometimes entertain clients after regular business hours to discuss finances.

Prestigious Work

Accountants who pursue careers with special certifications, licenses and degrees have the opportunity to advance steadily in their field. “Professional recognition through certification or licensure provides a distinct advantage in the job market,” states the College Grad Web site. Many financial experts begin their careers as accountants and continue on to be partners or chief financial officers in notable companies and firms.

Career Options

Niche markets in accounting include auditing, budget analysis, tax specialist and administration careers. Accountants can work independently, for an accounting firm, for the government or for a private corporation. Independent accountants set their own hours and take care of private clients. Accounting firms usually have teams of people working on different aspects of prestigious accounts. Government employees process financial paperwork, overseeing business finances and taxation (both private and public), and private corporations hire accountants to work in-house overseeing their entire financial program.

Favorable Job Prospects

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “Accountants and auditors are expected to experience much faster than average employment growth from 2008 to 2018.” Changes in financial regulations will be beneficial to financial careers. International finance reforms will create a niche market for those who specialize in them. As the economy fluctuates and adjusts to many changes from the global recession, careers in accounting will expand.

References

• College Grad: Career Information: Accountants and Auditors
• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition: Accountants and Auditors
• Careers-in-Accounting

Resources

• Alec: Types of Accounting Careers