Career In Accounting : Working Conditions, Qualification & Advancement ( Part 3 )

Working Conditions/Hours:

• Most accountants and auditors work in a typical office setting;

• Self-employed accountants may be able to do part of their work at home;

• Accountants and auditors employed by public accounting firms and government agencies may travel frequently to perform audits at branches of their firm, clients’ places of business, or government facilities;

• Most accountants work a standard 40-hour week. For those working in corporation, there is the month end and year end close which increases the hours worked. [ it is very important to note that there is always monthly and yearly deadlines that Accountants needs to adhere to ];

• For those working as internal auditors, they might be rushing to complete the assignments which again depends on the manpower in their internal audit departments;

• For those in the public accounting firm, tax specialists or self-employed as they have clients to service, they often work long hours during the audit or tax seasons.

• Most accountant and auditor positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.

• Beginning accounting and auditing positions in the Federal Government, for example, usually require 4 years of college (including 24 semester hours in accounting or auditing) or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Some employers prefer applicants with a master’s degree in accounting, or with a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting.

• Previous experience in accounting or auditing can help an applicant get a job.

• Many colleges offer students an opportunity to gain experience through summer or part-time internship programs conducted by public accounting or business firms.

• In addition, practical knowledge of computers and their applications in accounting and internal auditing is a great asset for jobseekers in the accounting field.

• Professional recognition through certification or licensure provides a distinct advantage in the job market. CPAs are licensed by a State Board of Accountancy. The vast majority of States require CPA candidates to be college graduates, but a few States substitute a number of years of public accounting experience for a college degree.