Accounting Jobs Recommended for Career Shifters

Not too many jobs are as left-brained as accounting. In this profession, astute logic and painstaking attention to detail are treated like hygiene—i.e., they are essential and basic qualities, not “special” skills. This is understandable, as accountants routinely deal with tons of numbers and their practical applications.

Among other things, accountants prepare financial statements, record business transactions, compute costs and financial gains, and manage information systems to track financial performance. Because accountants play important roles in many organizations, jobs in accounting are often quite lucrative.

Accountants are required at every company, regardless of industry, which makes accounting positions almost always available. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a 15.7% growth in the number of accounting jobs from 2010 to 2020. This grwoth rate is faster than most other professions. As a matter of fact, during the recession, when the United States lost as many as 500,000 jobs every month, the accounting industry added 3,000 jobs a month on the average.



Certified public accountants (CPAs) have many career paths to choose from. They can work for corporations, private individuals, nonprofit organizations, and government offices handling such matters as taxes, financial analyses, and employee benefits. Specialists called management accountants analyze companies' financial data and aid corporate executives in making sound business decisions. They are also in charge of preparing financial reports for stockholders, regulatory agencies, creditors, and the Internal Revenue Service.

CPA salaries generally start at around $55,000, and increase for those who pursue further education and practice a specialty. Certain cities, such as New York and San Jose, are also known for higher-paying accountant jobs. This is especially appealing now, when unemployment nationwide has reached levels upwards of 7 percent. The better news is that whatever your current occupation is, you can always cross over. Many community colleges offer evening and weekend classes, allowing you to earn an associate's degree in two years on a full-time basis.

While other types of jobs in Florida are getting scarce, accounting continues to offer many employment opportunities. During these uncertain times, if you find yourself on shaky career ground, you would do well to consider switching careers to secure your future. Visit job portals like EmploymentCrossing.com and you'll see the abundance of job openings in this field.