http://www.accountingcrossing.com/lcarticlearchive.php ACCOUNTINGCROSSING ARTICLES SECTION en-us © 2007 AccountingCrossing. All rights reserved. Office: 175 S. Lake Avenue, Suite 200, Pasadena, CA 91101 admin@accountingcrossing.com(AccountingCrossing) admin@accountingcrossing.com Wed, 27 Aug 2008 04:21:22 CDT ARTICLES 60 http://images.employmentcrossing.com/employment/logo.gif http://www.accountingcrossing.com/lcarticlearchive.php http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400214 The January 2008 headlines reporting Societe Generale's $7 billion loss from trading fraud seemed unfathomable: one of Europe's largest banks had experienced one of the largest financial losses ever caused by a single employee. While it's easy to dismiss this as an isolated incident, there are important lessons for small businesses about how to manage their own affairs. CPAs who work with small business clients can provide needed guidance on tightening up policies and procedures when handl... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400214 Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400209 A bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining and updating financial records of expenses, profits, losses, and accounts payable, as well as other paperwork involving finances. As such, the bookkeeper must work closely with paperwork regarding financial obligations and other records of a company in order to ensure proper computation and tracking of the transactions that are made. Unlike bookkeepers of the past, the skill set of today's bookkeeper also includes capacities that go beyond a paper l... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400209 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400210 A number of recent surveys suggest that the number of jobs within the accounting field is diversifying and growing. The following article reviews recent findings regarding jobs for prospective accounting workers.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400210 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400211 Accounting hasn't changed much in over 500 years. In 1494 an Italian monk named Luca Pacioli gave the world the first known accounting notions, which are still used in everyday accounting. Accounting has survived through the centuries because of its stability and consistency. For a good accounting career one needs a strong foundation in accounting principles, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to constantly upgrade his or her skills.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400211 Mon, 14 Jul 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400208 The accounting profession has undergone dramatic changes in recent years, with new avenues opening up to an increasing number of job prospects. Accountants and auditors held about 1.3 million jobs in the US in 2006, according to figures released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). What's more, the BLS predicts that accounting jobs will increase by a staggering 18% from 2006 to 2016, with factors like increases in businesses and changing financial laws being the most prominent drive... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400208 Mon, 23 Jun 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400207 Ethics are the foundation of the accounting profession, and that should be remembered whatever your specific accounting job may be. Persons engaged in bookkeeping jobs must think of integrity as their first priority. The following article takes a look at this important issue.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400207 Mon, 02 Jun 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400206 Various organizations are in a state of ferment, stumbling in the dark as the US struggles through a significant recession. Just 12 months ago, large accounting groups were touting corporate finance work as the service line that would sustain the dramatic growth they had enjoyed as a result of international financial reporting standards and Sarbanes-Oxley requirements. Since then, however, those plans have gone out the window. In these tougher times, where do the financial accounting j... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400206 Mon, 26 May 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400203 Looking for a new accounting job at any point in time is an exciting proposition. A new place to work, a new job, and new opportunities are definitely things to look forward to. At the same time, the search itself can be very stressful. This is especially true during times of recession.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400203 Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400205 Back in the day, accountants were not much more than pencil-pushers. A solid foundation of technical knowledge, coupled with the occasional 18 holes with a prospective client, was all it took to seal even the most ambitious of deals. But today's accounting landscape is much more sophisticated — and highly competitive.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400205 Mon, 12 May 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400201 Bookkeeping is the process of recording financial transactions and maintaining monetary statements from which the condition of a business may be gauged at any time. Bookkeeping may also be defined as a record of fiscal rights and obligations, of operating expenses, and of returns generated from business transactions. The following article discusses the essential aspects of a bookkeeper's job.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400201 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400202 The onset of the twenty-first century saw corporate scandals at Enron and its auditor, Arthur Andersen, rock the foundations of the financial markets, precipitating the greatest stock market collapse in U.S. history. These Wall Street scandals made clear that American accounting practices and corporate governance were not all that they seemed.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400202 Mon, 28 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400200 Payroll, commonly called remuneration, is typically one of the largest expenses that most businesses incur on a regular, ongoing basis. An online dictionary defines payroll as ''one of a series of accounting transactions dealing with the process of paying employees for services rendered, after processing of the various requirements for withholding of money from the employee for the payment of payroll taxes, insurance premiums, employee benefits, garnishments, and other deductions.''... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400200 Mon, 14 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400187 Pursuing a career as a forensic accountant means that you will investigate the financial activities of businesses and individuals in order to determine if there has been any illegal activity. If it is found that there has been illegal activity, you will often serve as an expert witness during trial when that business or individual is prosecuted. ... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400187 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400188 Many sectors, such as finance and technology, have global firms that have expanded business overseas and increased operations beyond their corporate U.S. headquarters. Even law firms have opened foreign offices to better serve their clients in other countries and increase their profits. The accounting industry need not be included in this group. Well, maybe the Big Four accounting firms — Deloitte & Touche, Ernst & Young, KPMG, and PricewaterhouseCoopers — can be included i... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400188 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400189 A recent trend in business has resulted in corporations creating cross-functional teams to better solve organizational and operational problems. These teams have afforded accounting professionals with great opportunities to advance their careers as they are often sought out to join or oversee such teams.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400189 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400190 With the Baby Boomers retiring in the coming years, many job markets, including the accounting job market, will have more jobs available. A variety of other factors will also play into the accounting job market turnout. The five things all accounting professionals should know are that business and government requirements are changing, which means there will be a need for more accounting and auditing professionals; those accountants and auditors with strong accounting education and certi... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400190 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400191 Before you submit your accounting resume, be sure to be clear about your objective, include your professional accounting experiences, and write the resume using action verbs. By doing this, you'll be well on your way to crafting an accounting resume that will land you your dream accounting job.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400191 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400192 In this article, you'll discover how accountant Ryan Dumermuth shot to the top by studying hard, serving as an accountant with Rea & Associates, and listening to mentors. Today, he not only has received recognition for all his hard work, but he has also acquired a wealth of practical advice to give to young accounting professionals.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400192 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400193 Accounting professionals, in particular certified public accountants, are in demand according to industry analysts. A growing number of companies are in need of CPAs due to various factors. Thus, more and more employers are hiring certified public accountants.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400193 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400194 When starting your new accounting job, it is important to lay the groundwork for salary negotiations before the interview even starts. For example, you should conduct research so that you are aware of what competitors are offering for similar positions, but also be sure that you do not bring up the issue of compensation too early in the hiring process.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400194 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400195 In this article, you'll discover how to interview well for a potential accounting position, which includes researching the accounting firm, rehearsing common accounting interview questions, and relaxing before the interview.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400195 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400196 This article provides accounting professionals with some tips on interviewing for an accounting job. Plus, though most interviews may be similar between industries, there are some questions accounting professionals may be asked that are specific to the accounting industry. Examples of such questions are included.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400196 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400197 With accounting job growth expected to rise 18% in the next eight years, accounting professionals should be spot-on in their accounting resumes. Three important elements that will boost an accounting resume are an eye-catching career objective and profile that concisely explain one's qualifications at the top of the accounting resume, effective and accurate accounting job titles that correctly convey past job duties, and an array of meaningful and relevant accounting education, certifica... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400197 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400198 Think there is no creativity in being a number cruncher? Think you have to be a black and white thinker to hold an accounting job? Think all accounting jobs are for nerdy mathematicians? Think again! In today's job market people are looking for accountants who can think creatively and outside of the box. So what does that mean for accountants like you?... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400198 Tue, 08 Apr 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400186 Almost every day, Vanessa Wilbourn looked forward to a cup of tea from Starbucks on her drive to high school.Then several weeks ago, she started wondering about whether her habit was good for the Earth. After watching a TV show about practical ways to become environmentally conscious, she decided to start small.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400186 Mon, 17 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400077 In July the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) approved the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board's (PCAOB's) Auditing Standard 5 (AS5), An Audit of Internal Control over Financial Reporting that is Integrated with an Audit of Financial Statements. AS5 replaces Audit Standard 2 (AS2) and is effective for audits of certain publicly held companies for fiscal years ending on or after November 15, 2007.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400077 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400185 For retailers, the housing boom giveth, and the housing bust taketh away.While housing prices skyrocketed throughout the nation, consumers with equity to burn spent freely on everything from new furniture to high-end accessories. That led retailers to aggressively expand by opening more locations and trying new concepts.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400185 Mon, 10 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CDT http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400183 For travelers, a spa treatment - the hot stone massage, the seaweed body wrap - is a luxury, a guilty bit of pampering indulged in during a vacation or business trip. http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400183 Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400150 If you want to advance in the accounting industry and have the opportunity to work in high-ranking positions as an accountant, you have to pass the CPA exam. This exam is extremely difficult and less than half the accountants that take it pass it the first time. It is a uniform exam accepted in all states and territories, but many states have specific requirements that you must meet to be licensed as a certified public accountant. The exam is a very comprehensive one in which you must de... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400150 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400079 When you graduate from university with a degree in accounting, the first thing you want to do is get a job. Most recent graduates start off working for a public accounting firm to learn the ropes and to gain experience in all facets of the business. You will have some experience in this as the university program includes one or two work terms. It is quite possible that the firm where you do your work term will hire you and you may even have a job offer before you graduate. It is during y... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400079 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400080 With all of the financial data being recorded in computer databases and the use of accounting software to perform the accounting work in an office, there is a need for certified information systems auditors in the detection and investigation of fraud. This has led to the development of a certification program for both internal and external auditors to enable then to broaden the scope of their responsibilities so they perform their duties in greater detail.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400080 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400081 Although you don't need post-secondary education to work in payroll in a business, more and more employers are looking for professionals to fill these positions with formal training and certification. Your have greater opportunities for employment when you have the credential of a certified payroll clerk to place on your resume. The coursework in a technical or vocational college for such a program will provide you with the skills you need to perform computerized accounting duties and fu... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400081 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400082 States that have casinos and licensed gambling operations require the services of a financial auditor. For this position you must hold a Bachelor's degree with a specialization of at least ten courses in accounting. You must have work experience of at least four years in the area of either public accounting or auditing or a combination. One year of your experience must be in the area of reviewing and analyzing complex corporate documents or the preparation of complicated tax returns. Man... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400082 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400083 A personal financial advisor assesses the financial needs of clients and advises them on how to increase their savings and on the right investments to make. You do need to have a broad knowledge of tax laws, investments and insurance in order to help your clients with their needs. Planning for retirement and estate planning are two main areas that you will work in. Some of your clients may have short-term needs while others need planning for long-term goals. You can give tax advice, sell... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400083 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400084 A registered investment accountant is a person who manages the investments of wealthy individuals. Some of the clients include institutions and organizations that have large investments. In this type of accounting job, you will be buying the stocks and securities for your clients and advising them of the most profitable investments to help them make more money. Most individuals and companies invest in mutual finds and while they are comfortable making their initial investments through a ... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400084 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400085 All industries have need of an accountant and the same is true of the travel industry. In this industry, a trust accountant is in charge of making sure that monies paid in advance for trips are deposited into a trust account. The accountant has to make sure that the travel agent or the airline does not own this money until the travel actually takes place. Should the customer cancel the reservation, the accountant has to ensure that the customer receives the full refund or the amount due,... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400085 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400086 CSA certification for an internal auditor means that you have certification in control self-assessment. This certification is very beneficial when you are hired by a company to ensure that all the financial records, transactions and statements are accurate. With this certificate, you have knowledge of different methods you can use to improve the internal controls and processes of a business. You can be a lower level internal auditor and take on more challenging issues in the company by b... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400086 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400087 When you choose the accounting industry as the area where you want to work when you graduate, there are many opportunities open to you in a choice of career. Every company, organization and level of government needs the services of an accountant to help with managing the books and its financial records. Accountants and auditors are essential in the preparation of tax returns and financial reports and statements. Theses professionals also monitor the information systems used in collecting... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400087 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400088 It is essential that you have a Bachelor's degree in accounting, business or a related field to get started in a career in accounting. Upon graduation, you should look for a position with an accounting firm so that you get started in your career and gain the experience you need to advance with certifications. There are many types of certifications available to accountants who want to specialize in the various areas of the accounting industry, but they all require initial experience worki... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400088 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400089 When you consider a career in accounting, you need to pursue a university degree with a major concentration in accounting courses. In this field, you will be dealing with businesses, financial reports and record keeping, assets and investments as well as taxes. There are several areas in this field in which you can specialize, such as public accounting, management accounting, tax accounting, auditing and forensic accounting. However, this all comes with experience, as you have to start i... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400089 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400090 The job of accounts receivable specialist is an entry-level job in the accounting industry, but it is one that is essential to the financial welfare of any company. At this level you process all the money that comes into the firm and record the entries. In a small company, this may be only one of many duties that you have to perform, but in a large company, you will report to either the bookkeeper or the accounting manager. The computer is an essential tool in the performance of this typ... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400090 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400091 The main job of a managerial accountant is to assess a company's financial situation and make recommendations and decisions that will affect the future of that company. This includes such things as assisting in developing policies for the company and providing financial analysis and information that will assist the senior management in making their decisions. In this position, you will analyze the budget to find ways of cutting costs and expenses and to increase profits or prevent the co... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400091 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400092 When you want to work in the accounting industry, the first thing you need to know is what education and training is needed for the many types of jobs that exist in this field. Some of the jobs in the accounting industry require high levels of education and some only require a high school diploma. When you research this field, you will make your decision on how long you want to spend in school obtaining the qualifications and how much salary you want to make on the job. Even though there... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400092 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400093 If you have a diploma from a two -year course in accounting and at least two years of experience working in accounts payable, you can advance to the position of accounts payable specialist. The main focus of this job is to ensure the accuracy of invoices that come into a company that need to be paid for goods or services rendered. The invoices have to be checked for accuracy and completeness and then sorted and payments prepared. Another aspect of this accounting job is to examine the re... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400093 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400094 One of the many careers you can enjoy in the accounting industry is that of an actuary. An actuary is an expert in the field of risk management for businesses. Using their knowledge of business and finance, these experts assess the possibilities of various types of risks and help put policies in place that will either prevent any problems or minimize the risks that can occur. Actuaries are essential in the accounting aspect of the insurance industry.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400094 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400095 A career as a real estate accountant is one possibility if you want to be part of the newer positions in the accounting industry. With the global market now focusing on real estate acquisitions, this is one job for which they are now a great demand. You will be in demand by all real estate companies when you specialize in this accounting field. Many real estate agencies enter the market and cannot survive because they don't understand the demands of the industry and the amount of financi... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400095 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400096 Accounting is one area of the job market that does not show any signs of slowing down. In fact the opportunities for recent accounting graduates to find jobs in this profession are growing daily. Experts predict that the job market for accountants will be the fastest growing one with an expected increase of job postings continuing for the next number of years. Now is the time to get involved in this exciting profession where there are many possibilities for advancement and high salaries.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400096 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400097 With so many careers available in the accounting industry, if this is the line of work you want to do, you should gain all the information on each one at your university or college so that you have the proper training. All universities and colleges have student support services where you can obtain the information you need about the different types of accounting jobs. Then when you make your choice, you can ensure that you take the right courses leading to a degree or diploma in that are... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400097 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400098 The basic training you need to get started in the accounting industry is a Bachelor's degree in accounting or business. One important component of this degree program is one of more internship terms in which you work in an accounting office and apply the theory you learn in your courses to practical work in the field. The first job you get when you graduate from university will be that of a junior accountant, which is an entry-level position in the field.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400098 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400099 Does the job of bookkeeper interest you? This is a role that requires you to have knowledge of the accounting industry without the responsibilities of being an accountant. Depending on the size of the business you work with, your duties can include accounts payable, accounts receivable, maintaining the general ledger and preparing the financial records for quarterly or annual tax returns. You mat also be responsible for the reconciling and balancing the bank accounts and the computation,... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400099 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400100 The role of environmental accountant is a new field in the accounting industry that is designed to incorporate both economic and corporate data. In this role, you will focus on helping a business or organization identify the proper use of resources, measure the impact a company's business is having on the environment and estimate the costs involved of minimizing this impact. These costs could include such things as cleaning up the environment, purchasing technology for reducing the amoun... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400100 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400101 If you find Math easy when you are in high school, you may have a promising career as an accountant ahead of you if you decide to pursue a Bachelor's degree in accounting when you enter university. This doesn't mean you will have to take all Math courses. Your degree program will include a mixture of accounting courses that involve learning the principles and methods of accounting as well as the specifics of different kinds of accounting. You will also take elective courses in other area... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400101 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400102 Even when you are still in university or college taking the courses you need for your accounting career, you can benefit from tips to help you get a job in the accounting industry. It doesn't matter whether you are taking courses leading to an undergraduate degree in accounting or you are taking courses for an associate's degree leading to a job in bookkeeping or payroll. Every student needs help in finding the right job so they can get a start in their career.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400102 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400103 Choosing a career in the accounting industry is not just a matter of being good with numbers and having university training. For most accounting jobs, you do need an undergraduate degree in business or with a major concentration in Math. There are jobs in this field that require a two-year course from a technical or vocational college. In each of the jobs that fall under the general term of accounting, you would perform different tasks. Therefore you do need to have knowledge of what acc... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400103 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400104 The role of certified fraud examiner is in an area of the accounting industry called forensic accounting. It is one in which you will investigate white collar crime such as embezzlement of funds from a company, insider trading or other corrupt activity concerning the financial aspects of a business. You do have to be a Certified Public Accountant in order to meet the eligibility requirements of obtaining the certification you need to work in this type of job. This, in itself, is a presti... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400104 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400105 A corporate accountant manages the accounting department of a private corporation. In this position, you would report to the director of Finance, the CFO or the CEO of the company. It is a very comprehensive area where you have to be very knowledgeable about all the accounting activities of the company and be responsible for the accuracy of all the financial statements and documents. It is a leadership position in which you will be responsible for the training and supervision of the work... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400105 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400106 When you want to become a CPA and work in the state of New York, you must meet the requirement for the licensing of accountants in that state. A certified public accountant, while doing the same type of work as a general accountant, is distinguished with a prestigious position above the rank of junior accountant by the education and licensing that comes with the certificate. When you have this certification, it shows employers that you have the extensive training and experience they need... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400106 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400107 If you want to become a CPA in Oklahoma, you have to be aware of the state licensing regulations for accountants. You don't have to be a certified public accountant to work in this state, but if you want the higher credentials, make sure you check the regulations as there have been some changes made since the passing of a Senate bill in 2004. Accountants that have this certification earn a higher salary than those without it and have more possibilities for advancing in their career.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400107 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400108 A finance controller is in a high-ranking position in a company or large organization with the responsibility of managing all the financial aspects of its operation. In this position, you would be responsible for developing, planning, monitoring and reporting on all the financial activities. This type of job is one that you will find in banks, government agencies and departments that require people in the position to help set the operating policies and procedures for dealing with finance... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400108 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400109 A tax accountant deals mainly with tax returns and ensuring the proper deductions have been claimed and the right amounts of taxes have been paid. To work in this field of accounting you need to have a Bachelor of Science in accounting, Business or a related field. You also need to have several paid work terms in which you apprentice with an accounting firm that specializes in tax preparation for both businesses and individuals. When you do get your first job after graduation, it will be... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400109 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400110 Oregon is the only state in which tax consultants and preparers must be licensed by the state in order to work in this area of the accounting industry. Some of the licenses that you can have in this field are:... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400110 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400111 As a tax examiner you could be employed at the municipal, state or federal government level. This is an essential duty because there is a need for personnel to check the calculations of the income tax returns and the amount of taxes that residents pay. The work is very similar no matter what level of government you work in The main job of those working with the federal government is to review the tax returns to check for accuracy and whether or not the tax credits and deductions claimed ... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400111 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400112 Although you will be performing the duties of an accountant as a treasurer, there is a distinction in this job title because many people who have this position act in the capacity of volunteer. This refers to small organizations and committees and not large organizations. Charitable organizations require the services of an accountant to handle the large sums of money they receive and to prepare the financial statements needed for their reporting. In such an organization, this position is... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400112 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400113 As an enrolled agent you have the authority to represent taxpayers who have to appear before the IRS for audits, collections and appeals. You must be a certified public accountant to act in this capacity and there are limitations on the types of representation you can provide, the types of tax matters you can handle and the types of IRS cases that you can deal with. In the title of the certification, ''enrolled'' means you are licensed to practice by the US Federal Government and ''agent... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400113 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400114 An external auditor is an accountant who independently audits the books and financial records of a company. This person is not a direct employee of the company and therefore is required to give an unbiased review of the company's finances. The results of the audit are often relayed to the investors and shareholders, government officials or the general public depending on the nature of the audit. The main difference between internal and external auditors is that with the external audit, t... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400114 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400115 An internal auditor works with one firm or government department checking the financial records to verify that all the transactions are legitimate and that there is no waste in the business dealings. An auditor is a check that businesses have in place to ensure that there is nothing fraudulent taking place. The financial records are carefully scrutinized to ensure that they are accurate and that the management procedures and activities all comply with the policies set down by the busines... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400115 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400116 When you first enter university and know that you want to pursue a career in accounting upon graduation, you should follow the program outlined for a degree in accounting. You can also become an accountant with a degree in business. The course you take in your degree program will give you an idea of the many different facets there are to working in the accounting industry and help you to choose one area in which you may want to specialize. All organizations, both for profit and not for p... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400116 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400117 While you are still in university taking the courses for your Bachelor's degree in accounting, you can start looking for accounting jobs. As part of your degree program, you will have to undertake one or two work terms in which you will work in an accounting firm and learn the day-to-day routine. Many of these firms take students interns with a view to hiring them when they graduate from their degree program. It is essential to do well in your work term and you may even have a job offer ... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400117 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400118 The position of payroll clerk is one of the jobs in the accounting industry that dopes not require a university degree or a diploma from a technical or vocational college. You receive most of the training you need for this position on the job with the company. This entry-level position is perfect for a person considering taking courses leading to a degree or diploma for a higher-level job in accounting because it gives you a glimpse of what types of duties are involved.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400118 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400119 A private accountant works with one specific company as opposed to a public accountant who works with several clients. Even though a large accounting firm may hire a public accountant, it is the nature of the work that distinguishes these two areas of the accounting industry. When you work with one specific company, all of your work will relate to the financial dealings of that company. Your duties will all deal with aspects of the company's finances that help managers make important de... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400119 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400120 There are many opportunities for accounting majors for employment with the IRS. One of these is as an IRS Revenue agent. You can obtain an entry-level position if you have a Bachelor's degree or higher in accounting or business from an accredited university. The degree program should include thirty semester hours (ten courses) in accounting. If you are a certified public accountant you also have the educational requirements for this position. It is also a requirement that you are a US ci... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400120 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400121 As a tax preparer you work at preparing income tax forms for individuals and businesses. You can work with a firm or on your own in this type of job. This does not mean that you will only work during tax time as businesses all have different fiscal year ends and they need quarterly tax reports prepared. You might review a client's past returns, computer taxes owed from previous years or deal with the general ledger of a company. For many people, this job could be a second income if they ... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400121 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400122 Forensic accounting is a field of the accounting industry that deals with white collar crime. Since it deals with investigating cases in which there is a suspicion that the law has been broken in some way, such as in embezzlement, fraud or money laundering, this type of accountant has to conduct the investigation and prepare the reports according to the standards of the court. After the investigation is complete. You may have to testify to your findings in court and submit your reports a... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400122 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400123 A budget analyst is one that is essential in large firms and government departments. In this type of job, your main focus will be on the operating budget - the development and maintenance of the budget. Not only will you have to develop a budget, but you will have to analyze the present budget and past budgets to make comparisons in costs and spending to allocate the resources fairly throughout the business and to estimate future needs in funding. All organizations, whether they are for ... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400123 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400124 In the field of environmental accounting, you will append a major portion of your time analyzing the costs of impacts on the environment. This includes both internal and external factors of the business or government agency you work with. Once the domain of government, this field of the accounting industry is now a specialty of the private business sector as managers try to find ways of cutting costs without damaging the environment. Some of the tasks you will perform as an accountant in... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400124 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400125 When you work in accounting, your job will deal mainly with the financial aspect of the company or department that you work with. When you pursue your undergraduate degree in accounting, there are several different fields you can consider in this industry, such as:... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400125 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400126 If you don't mind what people say to you and you have a pleasant demeanor, the job of tax collector for the IRS might appeal to you when you look for a job in the accounting industry. Another term for this position is that of revenue officers, as you deal with the collection of delinquent tax accounts. The first step is for the accounting department to send official notification to the taxpayer that proceedings are being started to collect the past due account. The taxpayer has a certain... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400126 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400127 The job of accounting specialist is an entry-level position in government accounting for which you need to have a Bachelor's degree in accounting. You do need an introductory knowledge of accounting principles and methods and how to apply these to various accounting situations. You will also need an introductory knowledge the practices and theoretical base of government accounting, state and federal taxation laws, the use of data processing systems and government auditing. This describes... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400127 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400128 The chief financial officer is one of the high-ranking officers of a company. In this position, you will report to the either the chief executive officer or the chief operations officer. The CFO of a company is responsible for analyzing and reviewing the financial data of a company. It involves preparing reports on the company's financial performance and the development and maintenance of a budget. Keeping a check on the company's income and expenditures is an important aspect of this jo... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400128 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400129 A cost accountant is a relatively new type of position in the accounting industry. It is a branch of management accounting dealing with cost projection and management of projects. In this position, your duties will consist of collecting, assimilating, collating and analyzing financial date with relation to one or several projects for which you are responsible. The quality of the information that you provide to your supervisors in this capacity can make or break a company, so it is an imp... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400129 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400130 When you work in the accounting industry as a financial analyst you will provide information and advice to businesses to help them make wise investment decisions. In this type of work, you will focus on gathering financial information of the company, analyze it and make recommendations as to whether certain stocks would make a good investment. When the company has money to invest to further increase its profits, you will assess the economic performance of other industries and businesses.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400130 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400131 The job of financial manager is a job in the accounting industry with responsibility for providing advice to clients so that they can make sound financial decisions. You can work independently in the private sector or work with a large firm in this type of job. Your clients could include large multi-national companies and individuals. The roles will vary in scope depending on where you work, but they will be very similar in some aspects of the position. For example, in a large corporatio... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400131 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400132 The job of senior accountant is an advanced position in the accounting industry. In order to apply for such a position, you need to hold at least a Bachelor's degree in accounting and at least three years of experiences as a professional accountant. You should have certification as a CPA to hold this position as well. You will need to have considerable knowledge of accounting practices as you will have to perform work that carries a considerable degree of difficulty. You will also be inv... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400132 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400133 A senior tax accountant is, as the job title suggests, a high-ranking position in the accounting industry whether it is in government or in the private sector. The basic function of such a job is to ensure that a company's tax policies comply with those set down by the state and federal government. Preparing the company's tax returns will be the primary duty, but there are other duties and responsibilities associated with this position as well. Internal auditing of the company's financia... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400133 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400134 The position of insurance tax audit specialist is one that you can get when you are in the field of government accounting. You do need to have a Bachelor's degree with courses in accounting as well as two years of experience working in accounting and auditing to be eligible for this type of job. In addition, it would be beneficial if you have one of the following types of certification:... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400134 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400135 The position of management accountant can also be known by other titles, such as cost accountant, industrial accountant or private accountant. In this position, your responsibilities include recording and analyzing the financial statements of the company or government department. Large firms and state and federal governments employ accountants in this type of position, so there are plenty of opportunities for employment in this field of the accounting industry. In management accounting, ... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400135 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400136 Every business, whether large or small, that has employees needs the services of trained personnel to handle the payroll for the company. The job titles of the position may vary from payroll clerk, payroll administrator, payroll technician, timekeeper and others. There are many different tasks that you would perform in such a job for which you would need specialized training. Many colleges now offer associate degrees of a two-year duration that will give you the skills and knowledge you ... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400136 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400137 All accountants work with numbers and calculations using spreadsheets and accounting software. However, there are so many accounting jobs that the type of work that you can do in each one is different and offers different types of challenges. For the basic general accountant, the job description could be fairly simple, whereas that of an accountant in senior management would entail an entirely different set of skills.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400137 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400138 If you are majoring in accounting in your university degree, you will no doubt want to look for jobs in accounting, business or the financial sector. Although you may have your eye on jobs all through your university career and may even have a company in mind that you would like to work for, there is no point applying for any jobs until at least your last year of studies. Degree programs in accounting and business have an internship component. While you work in the field at a business, y... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400138 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400139 If you love working with numbers and have an affinity for mathematical computations, then you do have what it takes for a career in accounting. When you start your university career and pursue a degree in accounting, you will be on your way to finding many different types of employment. Some of the jobs you can have in this field include:... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400139 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400140 When you choose government accounting as the filed of the accounting industry where you want to work, there are many types of entry-level jobs available for recent graduates. You do need to have a Bachelor's degree in accounting from an accredited university and an introductory knowledge of accounting principles and methods as well as government procedures for accounting. Knowledge of the tax laws and structures at the state and federal level is also essential. You can start off as an ac... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400140 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400141 When you pursue a Bachelor's degree with an accounting major, you have many opportunities for different kinds of employment. There are three main areas in which you can specialize - financial accounting, managerial accounting and Taxes and Assurance Services. In financial accounting, you will learn how to prepare the financial statements for a company. This involves using the information that assistant accountants and clerks enter into the general ledger. When you get a job of this natur... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400141 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400142 The term ''accountant'' refers to a very broad field of work in the accounting industry. In this job, you perform many different tasks, work in a variety of different locations and offices and specialize in several different fields. In their jobs, accountants and auditors work in governments and private business to ensure that the financial operations run smoothly and without any criminal activities. The functions they perform are vital for the future of the economy and the financial ind... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400142 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400143 An internal auditor works for a company, organization or government agency and audits the financial records to ensure they are accurate and complete. The main focus of the job is to check the records to ensure that the finances are managed properly and that there is no waste, such as in duplication of services. The job also focuses on ensuring that there is no corruption involved in mismanagement. Another aspect of this job is to regularly review the controls the business has in place to... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400143 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400144 The job of business valuator is one in the accounting field in which there are many job postings. It is one that requires you to have CPA designation, and many certified public accountants are now striving to attain the certification required to obtain this type of job. Therefore, it is one in which there are many opportunities for advancement in your accounting career. In this position, you will appraise all types of businesses to determine their financial worth. As a CPA, you can contr... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400144 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400145 The job of Accounting Analyst 1 is an entry-level position that you can obtain as a recent university graduate with a major in accounting. In the job description for this position, you will see that you will be responsible for reviewing, maintaining, analyzing and developing accounting systems for the company or government agency that you work with. The main focus of your work will be to review the current accounting systems and make recommendations for improvement. You will act as an as... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400145 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400146 If you would like to have a career in the accounting industry, you can get a start by taking the training needed to qualify as an accounting clerk. Many vocational colleges throughout the country offer this one-year course in which you will take courses in the fundamentals of accounting. There are also two-year courses, which will give you an Associate's degree in the accounting field. This involves using accounting software to perform the calculations necessary in the job. Other courses... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400146 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400147 With so many people now looking for advise about financial planning, one area of the accounting industry where there are plenty of opportunities for employment is that of certified financial planner. In this job you will be highly sought after and you need to distinguish yourself from a financial advisor, as the two jobs are completely different. With certification, you can work in a large firm or set up your own office and work independently.... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400147 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400148 One of the many jobs available in the accounting industry that might interest you is that of accounting supervisor. This position requires a considerable amount of educational credentials beginning with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in accounting, finance, business or a related field. Most employers look for an applicant with an MBA (Master of Business Administration) degree. You do need to have at least three years of experience working in accounting and have certifi... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400148 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400149 Both a CPA and an accountant do the same types of work in public accounting, but there is a difference between a CPA and a general accountant in the qualifications both hold. In a large firm there many be many accountants, but only a small number of CPA's. High-ranking positions within a company are the domain of a certified public accountant and in order to achieve this rank one must pass the CPA certification exam. This exam is a uniform one that is administered by American Institute o... http://www.accountingcrossing.com/article/index.php?id=400149 Tue, 19 Feb 2008 00:00:00 CST