Accountants can play an essential role in protecting the employees of companies, shareholders and the general public from corporate fraud and financial crime. Furthermore, Job Journal said, with the introduction of new legislation in the wake of the Enron and WorldCom scandals, the job prospects for accounting graduates have improved, as both government and private sector employment has increased to cope with the new regulations. It added that while the duties of accountants can vary, individuals considering a career in the field must be good at math and possess sound analytical skills, as they must quickly assess and interpret large volumes of facts and figures. In addition, accountants must be able to clearly and accurately communicate their findings and be able to work with other people and external businesses. Computer skills are also a requirement, as is a familiarity with accounting software. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a career in accounting requires at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related area. In 2006, there were 1.3 million people working in accounting and auditing, and this number is expected to grow by 18% by 2016.  |