Accounting Degree Program
|
An accounting degree program can prepare students for a variety of career opportunities in both the private and public sectors. Businesses of all sizes, from the one-person sole proprietorship to international corporations, need the expertise of accountants. The aspiring entrepreneur may need advice on setting up the financial record keeping for the business and assistance with tax consequences of various business decisions. International corporations will have entire accounting departments with specialists for the separate financial areas such as budget planning, raising capital, and risk management. Nonprofit companies need accountants and bookkeepers to track contributions from donors, to keep administrative expenditures within acceptable levels for charitable groups, and to ensure that the funds are available to meet the goals and objectives of the organization. All sizes and levels of government, from tiny village councils to federal agencies, employ accountants and bookkeepers to create budgets, keep track of the tax dollars, perform internal audits, and prepare reports for elected officials. Law enforcement officials often call on specially-trained forensic accountants to help solve complex criminal cases involving such diverse crimes as money laundering, embezzlement, and insider trading. An accounting degree program is an important first step toward any of these employment possibilities.
Prospective students can receive an accounting education by attending traditional classes or through online or distance programs. These latter allow more flexibility for students who may already have full-time jobs or other responsibilities that make it difficult to attend traditional classes. More information on an educational institution's accounting degree program can be obtained at the school's website or by reviewing a current catalog. Both these resources should provide such information as the types of degrees offered by the school, the application process, any prerequisites needed before applying, and a breakdown of tuition, room and board, and other fees. Information on online or distance learning should explain any residency requirements, such as week-long seminars, classes, or workshops that the student will need to attend. Many distance programs require students to spend a week or so at the physical campus taking an intensive course that covers a semester's worth of material in a short amount of time. The prospective student will also want to know how the coursework is structured. Some classes are provided on CDs or DVDs with downloadable textbooks. Others may require participating in videoconferencing sessions. Additional questions on an accounting degree program can usually be answered by making a phone call to the school's admissions department or the accounting department itself. Advisors should be available to assist both prospective and current students reach their educational goals.
Depending on the goals and objectives of the specific program, the student may be able to obtain a certificate or an associate, bachelor, master, or doctoral degrees. The most basic education, the certificate, will provide a student with the skills needed for an entry level position. The program for basic certification will be relatively short, perhaps only a few months or so. But for someone who doesn't want to spend several years in college, the certification can provide a valuable job skill. Certificate and associate degree programs are often offered by community colleges. Those who aspire to greater responsibilities, and the correspondingly higher paychecks, will want to spend the extra time needed in an accounting degree program to get an undergraduate or graduate degree. The graduate degree may either be a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) with a concentration in accounting or a Master's in Accountancy (MAcc). Those interested in research and academia may wish to further their education by doing the necessary work to get a postgraduate, or doctorate, degree. This kind of educational expertise can open up exciting employment opportunities. In Biblical times, a talent for finances could lead to a high position in a wealthy household. The gospel writer and historian Luke quotes Jesus as saying: "And the Lord said, Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his lord shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of meat in due season? Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing" (Luke 12:42-43). Similarly, modern companies and government agencies entrust accountants to be trustworthy in their handling of financial data. Courses in ethics are often included in a reputable accounting degree program.
Many students who graduate with accounting degrees want to become certified public accountants (CPAs). Individuals can only use this designation if they have met specific criteria regarding both education and employment experience. They also have to pass a state test. Other designations include certified internal auditor (CIA) and certified management accountant (CMA). Individuals cannot sit for the exam for any of these designations unless they have the required education and experience as determined by each state's licensing board. These requirements vary from state to state. The exams are held only at certain times of the year and only at authorized test centers. More information about the testing can be found by doing the proper internet search. Additionally, the student's accounting degree program should be able to provide information about the exams and help prepare the student to pass it. Aspiring certified accountants may be surprised to learn, however, that some states will substitute a certain number of years of relevant employment experience for a college degree. This is only an acceptable option for someone who has learned a great many skills while working in the field. Someone who is just beginning a career path should start out with the training offered by a reputable accounting degree program. Having that college credential will benefit the student throughout her career.
|
|
|
|
