In the current economic climate many people are experiencing unemployment, but those who have opted for accounting and accounting jobs have experienced better than average retention as well as job security. Why?
One of the biggest reasons that accountants have experienced longevity in their sector is that the need for good accountants has grown by 15% over the last few years. This is due, in large part, to the accountability required by larger businesses, as well as the increased scrutiny being placed on businesses, in general.
Accountants may be expected to do any of the following tasks, including, but not limited to being a book keeper, accounting clerk, certified public accountant, as well as an account executive. While book keepers and accounting clerks make, on average 20-40K, a year as a salary (usually with benefits), certified public accountants, as well as account executives can make between 40-80K depending on the company.
Interestingly enough, there is not a lot of additional educational requirements to become an accountant. Most have only 2-3 additional years of schooling, past high school, with most averaging 2 years. This means that the average student can enter a viable field for a career in as little as two years of study. This has made this career choice popular and added to its upward trend toward stability.
Contrary to popular belief, an accountant is NOT a glorified secretary, and should not be treated as such. Accountants are professionals and have received training above and beyond the skills required to be secretaries. Most accountants are detail oriented people, paying meticulous attention to discrepancies, patterns, and cash flow. They technically have their fingers on the ‘financial pulse’ of the company and often become invaluable employees.
Most accountants find themselves working with large volumes of financial transactions (sales and payroll). Most accountants are fully capable and perform additional duties such as generating year end reports, internal financial reports, as well as organizing and maintaining the financial document controls such as receiving tickets, supplier’s invoices, payment stubs, and recording daily batches.
Accounting and accounting jobs require that the potential candidate be comfortable with computers and computer programs. Nearly all of the financial documents are currently handled and stored via computers and internal servers. Various accounting software exists and it may vary from one workplace to another. The ability to quickly learn new software can be a valuable asset in this career. This has also contributed to its success in the marketplace as a career of choice.
Last, but not least, being a ‘team player’ is certainly a good requirement when working as an accountant, or on an accounting job. The very nature of the work demands that the accountant be a good communicator and be able to succinctly and honestly portray the financial picture and landscape as accurately and timely as possible. Often the accounting decisions and conclusions affect everyone in the office, not just the owners of the company or the immediate supervisors. Being aware of this can make the workplace an environment where all are comfortable.
Note that, It is not easy to find accountant jobs these days due to outsourcing culture, however, there are accountant jobs available on the current jobs market, specially in UK jobs market, demand for accountant jobs is compartively high. Check more about accountant jobs at accountant jobs facebook page.
