Start A Career In Accounting With Your Online College Degree!

It’s no big secret that corporations and governmental agencies employ accountants. There are also those who help families and individuals with tax preparation, securing retirement plans and deciphering mortgages. While a Certified Public Accountant and higher can certainly do the job, they aren’t always necessary. An aptitude in math and a traditional or online college degree can get you started.

For the general public, it’s probably best to hire an Accredited Business Accountant. This kind of accountant specializes in the needs of small-to-mid-size businesses and in financial services to individuals and families. In states where use of the word "accountant” is not permitted by non-state licensed individuals, the practitioner may use the term Accredited Business Adviser. They are also called general accountants.

Even so, to earn any sort of accreditation, one must get the approval of the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation. They developed the eight-hour Comprehensive Examination for Accreditation in Accounting. The test checks a graduate’s capability in financial accounting, reporting, statement preparation, taxation, business consulting services, law and ethics. He must also have a minimum of three years experience in the field. Two years of education, i.e., an Associate’s degree, either online or on campus, can fill in for those two years of experience.

From there it’s been noted that general accountants with a year’s experience earn between $31,500 and $48,250. Senior accountants earn between $43,250 and $79,250, managers between $51,250 and $101,500, and directors of accounting between $68,000 and $208,000. The disparity in salaries is due to the size of the firm, location, level of education and professional credentials the business accountant finds him or herself in.

In the Federal Government, the starting annual salary for junior accountants and auditors was $28,862 in 2007. Candidates who had a superior academic record might start at $35,752, while applicants with a master’s degree or 2 years of professional experience usually begin at $43,731. Beginning salaries are slightly higher in selected geographic areas. Accountants employed by the Federal Government in nonsupervisory, supervisory, and managerial positions averaged $78,665 a year in 2007; auditors avraged $83,322.

High-level senior accountants may receive additional benefits, such as a company car and an expense account. Wage and salary accountants usually receive standard benefits, including health/medical insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid annual leave.

The best way for business accountants to advance is two-fold. The first is to gain experience on the job. The other is to further one’s education, such as going on for a Bachelor of Science in Accounting/Finance or even a Masters degrees. It’s also not uncommon for accredited business accountants to become CPA’s, Certified Internal Auditors or Management Accountants.