As more and more baby boomers reach retirement age, firms have been hurrying to hire the next generation of accountants. A report in the Asbury Park Press says that "newly-minted college graduates" are a highly sought after commodity these days. The National Association of Colleges and Employers predicts that bosses will take on eight per cent more new college graduates this year than they did last year, which reflects the healthy job market that awaits those with the right qualifications. Recent graduate Terry Powers said that she chose her course of study because "accounting is a wide-open field and there is a lot of demand for accountants and auditors". Those who want to enter this field should obtain a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related subject. Candidates who have a master's degree may have an edge with employers. In addition, there is a strong demand for certified public accountants. According to the latest data from the Department of Labor, accountants and auditors receive a median annual salary of $54,630 - however, this figure varies considerably based on location, employer and experience.  |