Accounting Degree and Career Path

Most accountant and internal auditor positions require a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. For example, to begin an accounting or auditing position in the Federal Government, a person usually need to have 4 years of college education, in which 24 semester hours are spent on accounting or auditing, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. While many employers prefer applicants with a master's degree in accounting or a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting, practical knowledge of computers, their applications in accounting, and previous experience in accounting or auditing can also help an applicant get a job in the accounting field. Since experience has become a critical component for careers in accounting, many colleges today offer students opportunities to gain experience through internship programs conducted by public accounting or business firms.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, accountants and auditors held about 1.3 million jobs in 2006. They worked throughout private industry and government, and about 21 percent of wage and salary accountants worked for accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services firms. Approximately 10 percent of accountants or auditors were self-employed. Furthermore, based on a comprehensive