Accounting is a career that manages to flourish even in tighter economic conditions, with hiring consistent or increasing year-on-year. John Turner, managing partner at accounting and consulting firm Smith, Turner & Reeves, told the Clarion Ledger that an accounting degree is close to a guarantee of a job, as companies need these types of workers no matter what their situation. "In times when companies are making a lot of money, they're looking to save money on taxes. In economic downturns, you have companies looking or consulting to enhance profits," he explained. Accounting is currently the fifth most in-demand career, according to the Department of Labor, a trend that is being driven by an increasing number of financial laws and regulations in the US. The vast majority of positions in this field require a bachelor's degree or even a master's - these may be in accounting or in business administration with a concentration in accounting. A facility for working with business systems, technology and people are all qualities that are beneficial for would-be accountants. In addition to being a sector in which workers are in demand, accounting is also lucrative. A 2007 Robert Half International salary survey indicated that candidates just entering their first job could expect offers of between $31,500 and $48,250 - rising to between $36,000 and $60,000 with one to three years of experience.  |