An individual may specialize in management, public, government or internal accounting. A management accountant keeps record of companies' debts and credits. A public accountant may work for individuals or businesses preparing taxes, auditing financial records or consulting on employees' benefits. An accountant who works for government agencies, such as the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), ensures the government and the public are following correct tax laws and regulations. An internal auditor ensures that companies' finances are current and prevents fraud or embezzlement.
An individual may pursue an associate's degree in accounting from junior colleges. However, an individual must acquire at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related to field to work. Universities and colleges typically offer accounting programs which prepares an individual for entry-level accounting positions. According to the BLS, a beginning accountant works under the direction of an experienced accountant before assuming more responsibilities and independence.
According to the BLS, an individual gains training in the accountant field via a summer or part-time internship program. These programs are typically at businesses and public accounting firms and allow an individual to obtain experience in analyzing and comparing facts and working with people. Also, the internship includes training of accounting software applications.
According to Education Degree Directory, most employers prefer an applicant with a master's in accounting or business administration and previous work experience in accounting. Typically, a person takes courses such accounting law, bookkeeping procedures, statistics, information technology and quantitative analysis. With a graduate degree an individual, according to Degree Directory, may seek additional employment opportunities in areas such as internal auditor, treasurer, Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and controller.
Accountants who file financial reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must be certified. An individual obtains CPA licensure by passing the national examination. The examination includes four sections. A person doesn't have to take the entire examination at once. However, the individual must pass each part of the examination within 18 months of passing the first section.