The global economic recession has made and continues to make the job outlook and the employment prospects for many professionals less than satisfactory. Just to cite an example, lawyers are already feeling the crunch so much so that many have decided to seek other careers. For many, a career in the accounting profession appears very attractive and for good reasons, too.

In general, accounting job openings will continue to grow despite the recession for the simple reason that every business establishment requires an accounting staff. Or in the case of small businesses, the hiring of an accounting professional like a tax accountant to be able to follow with the financial compliance laws is of utmost necessity.

As others see it, accountant career positions are one of the few recession-proof jobs. To name a few of these professions, medical and health care jobs as well as teaching positions especially in the public school system are notable for their favorable job outlooks but that's another story altogether.

High Demand

According to the Department of Labor, accountants and auditors as well as lower level accounting positions will experience much faster than average growth in employment. In quantitative terms, it translates to approximately 22 percent employment growth from 2008 to 2018. At 1.3 million employed in various capacities, said rate means approximately 279,400 accounting employment openings will be available within the same decade.

Such high numbers for the availability of accountant career positions can be attributed to two main factors. First, with the expected growth of the economy, more and more non-profit and for-profit establishments will be organized to answer to the various demands of society. In the process, professionals with accounting and auditing knowledge will be needed by these organizations to perform the financial functions from the setting up of the books to the reporting to compliance agencies.

Second, accountants and auditors will also be highly needed because of the greater emphasis on the integrity, transparency and accountability in financial reporting. With the fall of many economic institutions in the wake of financial mismanagement and fraud, such an emphasis is understandable lest the whole economy comes crumbling down.

The high availability of job openings in accounting is sufficient reason to consider a career in accountancy and its related fields. Now, if you can have the necessary education, training and certification to specialize in a specific area of the profession, then you will have higher opportunities to vie for more accountant job positions.

High Pay

With an accounting or auditing position in any capacity, you will definitely enjoy the many benefits that come with it. We are not just talking about the financial aspects of the job but the psychic income as well.

Let's discuss the financial aspect first as this is arguably the foremost reason for a job search in any industry. In May 2008, the median annual salary for accountants and auditors was $59,430 excluding other benefits like bonuses, incentives, retirement plans, leave credits and health insurance.

The salaries for various accounting job openings will vary from one industry to the next and one company to the next. Generally speaking, however, the accountant career positions in accounting, bookkeeping, tax preparation and payroll services earn more than those found in government agencies, business establishments and insurance carriers.

Also, with each higher education and/or certification earned, the opportunities for moving up the corporate ladder and the pay scale increases. For example, a candidate with a bachelor's degree will typically be offered a starting salary of $48,993 annually as of July 2009 as against an applicant with a master's degree being offered an initial salary of $49,786 in the same period.

Before said accounting job openings are within your reach, certain basic qualification requirements must be attained. Most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in accountancy or in related fields like business management with a major in accounting or internal auditing. Many employees often acquire more knowledge on the job through actual work experience under a senior accountant, through continuing education and various training seminars. As can be expected, professionals with a CPA license or a master's degree have higher opportunities for success in accountant career positions.

The field of accountancy is one of the most challenging, rewarding and fulfilling professions in the world for many reasons. Find more job listings for accounting and auditing positions at AccountingCrossing.com now! Sign up for a free trial today and start your successful search for your dream job with just a few clicks of the mouse.

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