Reasons to Become an Accountant
- Choice of Career Path
- Various Accounting Jobs
- Good Wage
- Travel & Flexibility
- Transferrable Skills
There are several reasons why an individual might choose to become an accountant. Accountants are trained professionals who create and provide financial documents for clients and businesses. They also prepare tax forms, assist in accounting inspections, examine financial documents for accuracy, analyze financial transactions, and help organizations reduce costs and save money. Some choose this career because of the good salary, some choose it for good job growth, and others do it because they enjoy the prospect of crunching numbers. Here are five reasons why people might want to become accountants.
Choice of Career Path
There are so many reasons why an individual might choose accounting, and the excellent career path it offers is at the top of the list. Surprising as it is to many people, accountants do so much more than just push adding machine buttons, crunch numbers, create spreadsheets, and analyze data. They also provide their services to organizations, businesses, and the community in general. Once a candidate has an accounting degree and some experience, he or she can find some high-level positions such as CEO, chief financial officer, and even head of nonprofit organizations. Accountants are often amazed at how their services are valued throughout a community and in the business world.
Various Accounting Jobs
If there is one thing an accountant can be sure of, it’s that they should always have a job or be able to find a job. Accountants are everywhere and are needed in almost every business. Whether it’s a small business, large corporation, nonprofit, or government agency, they all need accountants to keep their finances documented and in order. The unemployment rate for accountants is quite a bit lower than most other jobs. An accounting degree is good for not just working as an accountant but also for work in business analytics, tax firms, finance, and many other industries. Accountants are needed everywhere, and an accountant can also choose from different accounting specializations, including auditing, management, taxes, finances, and more.
Good Wage
The potential to earn good wages is another reason people might choose to become accountants. The more demand there is for an accountant, the higher the compensation and benefits, and there is definitely a demand for good accountants. As of a May 2018 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report, accountants earned an average annual wage of $78,820. Accountant wages across the nation ranged from $43,650 to $122,840. Accountants that are more qualified have the potential to earn even higher wages. For instance, earning the CPA credential and other advanced degrees can help accountants earn more. Some accountants, particularly those with work experience, may earn six-figure salaries.
Travel & Flexibility
While many accountants work in banks, factories, or other organizations, others have careers where they are allowed to travel for work. Some accountants choose to become public accountants or consultants. Many accountants also work as auditors and are required to travel from one location to another. Accounting is a field that offers not only travel opportunities but also the flexibility to work in different areas of accounting.
Transferrable Skills
Earning an accounting degree not only prepares individuals to work as accountants but also provides them with skills that can be transferred into other occupations and fields. If crunching numbers or creating financial statements becomes boring and mundane, an accountant can use his skills to transfer into another area, such as teaching, trading, consulting, or even business. Accounting degree programs teach students many skills that can be used in various fields.
Conclusion
Working as an accountant not only brings good wages and challenging jobs but is also a career that’s fun for the right individual. Employment growth of six percent is expected for accountants during the 2018-2028 decade as reported by the BLS, which is yet another of the many reasons to become an accountant.
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