Do you have a knack for numbers? Can you see yourself recording, analyzing and interpreting a company’s financial performances? A career in accounting may be for you!
Education
According to the College Board, this major is offered at the Associates and Bachelor’s degree levels. However, to become a certified public accountant (CPA) five years of school are necessary. High school classes, such as AP Calculus and AP Microeconomics, can be very helpful when going into an accounting major. Students can expect to take college courses relating to business law, auditing and cost and tax accounting.
What to know before you apply
It’s important to be sure that any college you are applying to offers a bachelor’s and master’s degree program in accounting, or a combined five-year program. Find out how the programs prepare students to become CPAs. Do they encourage internships in the program and are there local companies that will be able to give you hands on experience in the field?
Salary
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics public accountants earned an average yearly income of $75,060 in 2011.
