Why Accounting Is a Good Career Choice

If you like to work with numbers and have a knack for analysis and problem solving, a career in accounting may be the right fit for you. Accounting is an important part of any business. Every organization has financial information it needs to maintain, monitor, and utilize. Whether they have an in-house accountant or hire out, they need knowledgeable accounting professionals to handle that information. There are many benefits to a career in accounting, including the flexibility to work across the country and the globe and opportunities to grow professionally.

Accountants Work Across Industries

Since every company needs to be able to quickly assess how it stands financially, they need people with accounting skills who can crunch their numbers and keep their books. This means you’ll have the opportunity to work across industries. You could work for a tech company, a retail company, or in hospitality businesses. You could work for local or state government agencies such as public school systems or law enforcement agencies, or even nonprofit organizations. Or, you can work for public tax preparation agencies. As long as financial information is documented, collected, analyzed, and archived, there will be a need for accountants.

An Accounting Career Could Take You Abroad

Accountants are also needed across the globe. If you wanted to live abroad, you could find opportunities to work as an accountant, especially if you’ve earned the CPA credential. The Certified Public Accountant credential is recognized both nationally and internationally. Membership in certain industry organizations, such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, is also globally recognized.

Accounting Is a Trusted Profession

According to a recent Gallup Poll, accountants are ranked among the most trusted professionals, along with nurses and doctors. It takes a high standard of ethics to be an accountant. Financial information shouldn’t be shared with just anyone, and it needs to be accurate at all times. When there are problems with a company’s accounting, it can affect decisions, customer acquisition, profits, and possibly the organization’s public image. Because accountants must adhere to strict standards, they are seen as trustworthy professionals.

Laws that Affect Accounting Continually Change

Another great aspect of an accounting career is that you get to be a lifelong learner. National tax codes get updated and the rules and regulations on taxes vary from state to state. There are even local taxes that could affect your organization or the people you serve. It will be up to you to understand what the changes are and how they might affect your company. Technology also changes, so throughout your career, you’ll need to adapt to new processes, software, and devices that could make your job easier and more efficient.

You Can Grow as an Accounting Professional

You can also take the opportunity to advance your knowledge and skills through certifications. The most common certification that accountants earn is the Certified Public Accountant credential, but you could also become a Certified Management Accountant, a Certified Internal Auditor, or a Certified Financial Analyst. Employers like to see these certifications because it shows you’re motivated and dedicated to the profession. It can also give an edge over the competition during a job search and help you negotiate a higher salary.

It’s Not Just About the Numbers

As an accountant, you’ll be known as the number-cruncher of your organization. But your job will entail so much more than data. You’ll also give advice, particularly if you work in the public sector. You can help people understand tax laws and how changes to the tax code can impact them. You can also help your organization predict its profits for the upcoming year and determine where to cut when necessary.

At Limestone University, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration—Accounting that will help prepare you for a dynamic career that could offer you a variety of paths. Request info to learn more now