Managerial Accounting

Accounting: An Interesting and Diverse Career Within the Career Path of Accounting there are certainly a diverse range of options. One can choose to be a Corporate Accounting Assistant, an Accountant, a CPA (Certified Public Accountant), a CMA (Certified Management Accountant), a Forensic Accountant, an IRS Agent, an International Accountant, a comptroller (or controller), or even a Chief Financial Officer (CFO). This is just a few careers in accounting. Accounting also offers all levels of positions from entry level to senior level. One can also be an entrepreneur in the accounting field. A Corporate Accounting Assistant handles accounts receivable and accounts payable. They help prepare financial records as well as help with payroll and the distribution of payroll. They handle company Deposits. A Corporate Accounting Assistant should have a four year bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. They should be good at handling pressure, organization, and math. They should be good at learning new programs, like challenges, and be good with dealing with people (Films Media Group, 2007). These are characteristics that everyone in the accounting field should posses. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) provide a wide variety of services including accounting, tax, auditing, and consulting services to governments, corporations, non-profits, and individuals. CPAs often specialize in a specific area rather than offering services in all areas. CPAs may become entrepreneurs and own their own firms. In order to become a CPA, one must have a Bachelor’s degree, complete further coursework (around 30-40 more hours), meet the requirements for their state, and pass an exam administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam is very challenging and only about 50% of candidates pass it on