Learning Accounting and Bookkeeping Basics

Accounting Training: Consider Your Options

by Andrew Schiff, PhD, CPA

In today's fast-paced, rapidly changing world, few careers offer as many advantages and rewards as a career in accounting. "Accounting and bookkeeping occupations ranked in top 25 occupations for number of jobs (over 2 million) and number of openings (over 38,000 per year)." Bureau of Labor Statistics, Office of Employment Projections These include a high level of job security, competitive starting salaries, top income potential, and the satisfaction of helping others.

There are over 2.2 million positions in accounting and bookkeeping in the United States, and hundreds of thousands of these positions become available each year. Best of all, the demand for accountants and bookkeepers is the strongest it has been in many years!

Opportunities exist in big companies, the government and small businesses. You can work full-time or part-time, and at times of the day that are best for you. Many accounting and bookkeeping positions can lead into high-paying supervisory and management duties. You can even provide accounting and bookkeeping services from your own home.

If you're thinking about accounting training to get started in this career, here are some approaches you'll want to consider:

Accounting opportunities to grow by 20% by year 2008"
U.S. Dept. of LaborTrain to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Becoming a CPA proves to one and all that you have mastered the rules and procedures of the accounting profession. Plus, your accounting career potential is unlimited. To become a CPA, you'll need at least 150 college credit hours in most states, and you'll have to pass a demanding two-day examination.

Train for a career as a staff accountant in a business or government agency. In addition to competitive starting salaries, you can advance to positions such as accounting manager or comptroller. Your accounting training should consist of a bachelor's or associate's degree in accounting. Plus, you can increase your appeal to prospective employers by gaining some related work experience.

Train for an entry-level position as an accounts receivable, accounts payable or payroll specialist, bookkeeper or accounting assistant. In contrast to the years of education required to become a staff accountant or a CPA, the accounting training required for one of these positions can be completed in as little as a few weeks. Plus, it's excellent preparation for the next level of education. One company which has developed a fast yet comprehensive full-charge bookkeeping and accounting training program is Universal Accounting Center "Demand for full-charge bookkeepers is expected to increase as they are called upon to do much of the work of accountants. Those with . . . bookkeeper certification will have the best job prospects." U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Handbook, 2002-03 edition. Through a series of live classes or self-study modules, you can prepare for a rewarding entry-level position is as little as one month. Many Universal Accounting students have also learned how to become self-employed bookkeepers and accountants operating out of their own homes.

In addition to your accounting training, you'll want to acquire some solid computer skills. The most important computer programs to learn for this field are a spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Excel, and accounting software. With these computer skills and the right training, you'll be well-prepared to begin a rewarding accounting career!

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