Life by the Numbers: 15 Good Opportunities in Accounting

In the business world, one of the fastest growing professions is accounting.  The current economic crisis and subsequent recession has companies around the world tightening their belts, and this means hiring more accountants to keep track of expenses, target areas where financial savings can be made, and keep track of regulatory obligations.  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has projected that jobs in the accounting field will increase by 18 percent between 2006 and 2016, a respectable period of growth over a ten year range that puts it above average when compared to other business professions.  In fact, although the economy in the United States is currently dropping hundreds of thousands of jobs across the board, accounting is seeing a steady increase in terms of positions added.

Let’s take a look at 15 good opportunities that can be found in accounting

  1. Forensic accounting.  This position asks you to sift through the files of companies searching for fraud, mistakes, or other regulatory-related issues.  Forensic accountants can be employed by the government, internally by corporations, or act as third-party consultants.
  2. Sarbanes-Oxley specialists.  Instituted in 2002, the Sarbanes-Oxley Act imposed stiffer oversight regulations of public companies.  Accountants who specialize in Sarbanes-Oxley audits and compliance will find booming business.
  3. Management accountants.  These accountants keep track of a company’s records and analyze their financial situation in order to help them define their strategy moving forward.
  4. Green technology.  As ecologically-conscious technologies gain traction in the business world, small startup companies will start to need more than just casual accounting help – especially when it comes time to apply for government grants, programs, and tax cuts.
  5. Internal auditors.  Similar to forensic accounting, internal auditors act as a constant check on company financial policies in order to spot fraud or waste before it can make an impact on the bottom line.
  6. Tax preparation.  Whether for small businesses or individuals, come tax time there is always a strong call for accountants willing to help people pull their tax documents together.
  7. Health care industry.  This growing sector is sending out a call for accountants who are willing to help it unravel the complex chain of patient, provider, and supplier relationships that are a feature of the business.
  8. International accounting experts.  Becoming fluent in the economic realities of foreign markets can seriously improve your prospects of employment at home as you serve as a link between a company and new opportunities around the globe.
  9. IFRS experts.  A more specialized form of international accounting, focusing on International Financial Reporting Standards can help you to take advantage of surging interest in this system of determining fair market value for a number of different types of assets and liabilities.
  10. Financial software pecialists.  Are you adept at navigating specific types of financial software systems?  If so, then there is room for you at almost all levels of business accounting.
  11. Budget analysts.  In business, accountants can play a role outside of traditional accounting positions, and budget analysts with an accounting background often have the inside track.
  12. Personal financial advisors.  If you can combine your knowledge of accounting with good people skills and a willingness to help people explore their financial options, then becoming a personal financial advisor can be a lucrative career choice.
  13. Financial systems designer.  Small companies on the verge of becoming big often need to have their previously adequate financial system completely revamped and made ready for the big time.  Think of it like bookkeeping on steroids.
  14. Certified Public Accountants.  This versatile certification allows accountants to explore many different roles both as employees and as entrepreneurs.
  15. Professor of accounting.  Why not put your education to good use training the next generation of accountants eager to step forward into this interesting occupation?