A Career in Accounting Offers Endless Opportunities

(ARA) - The impact of legislation and the ongoing scrutiny of corporate financial practices continue to fuel unprecedented demand for accounting professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of accountants and auditors is expected to grow at least 18 percent by 2016 -- a rate faster than the average for all other occupations.

According to CNNMoney.com, accounting positions rank among the top five open positions in the United States. The best job prospects are for accountants and auditors who have a college degree or certification, especially the Certified Public Accountants (CPA) designation. This high demand equates to higher starting salaries, job security and flexibility, especially for MBA graduates and CPAs.

Growth in Accounting
Tom Vucinic, president of Becker CPA Review, shares several factors driving the growth in the accounting profession:

* Legislation: The accounting scandals that led to the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, created an ongoing demand for accountants well trained to meet the demands of today's sophisticated business principles.

* Globalization of Markets: More companies, particularly multinational companies, are adopting or need to interpret International Financial Reporting Standards.

* Technology: Advances in technology continue to push the accounting profession. To reduce costs and stay competitive, companies must integrate and automate financial reporting and compliance processes.

* Aging Workforce: The shortage of experienced accounting professionals is becoming more pronounced as baby boomers retire. Companies are increasing recruitment and retention efforts now to be ready for a large swell in retirements that will occur over the next decade.

"It's not just corporate and public accounting that is hot -- forensic, governmental and international accountants are experiencing an increase in demand as well," says Vucinic. "I've never seen the transformation that we've had over the past three or four years with such a high demand -- a demand that's not being met by the current supply of accountants. This is a great opportunity and people should embrace it."

Meeting the Demand
DeVry University, with its Keller Graduate School of Management and Becker CPA Review, is helping to meet this increased demand by providing an integrated, fast-track path for accounting career-minded students to earn the credentials to become one of the most respected and sought-after business professionals in today's hottest career. Whether starting as a high school graduate, transferring from a community college or changing career focus, students can begin at DeVry University, where they will earn their bachelor's degree in Business with a concentration in Accounting. Continuing through Keller Graduate School of Management and its courses that utilize the Becker CPA Review methodology, those students can earn their master's degree in either Business Administration (MBA) or Accounting & Financial Management (MAFM), and prepare to sit for the CPA exam.

"The CPA is a certification credential, whereas the MBA indicates a broad base of knowledge," says Tom Barrett, a senior faculty member with Keller/Becker CPA Review. "The MBA in combination with the CPA designation tells an employer not only have you demonstrated that you can put this information together and pass one of the most difficult tests out there -- the CPA exam -- you've learned management skills, marketing skills, you've got the whole package."

And today's accounting professionals are recognizing the importance of taking a lifelong learning approach to their careers.

"We all know the business world is a dynamic environment; it changes quickly," says James Harrison, student at the Keller Graduate School of Management. "To be competitive, you can't just 'keep up.' You have to stay ahead by continuing to learn and hone your professional skills and experience. Continuing your education -- especially in accounting -- can give you a competitive advantage. A keen understanding of accounting principles can sharpen the skills you need to thoroughly understand almost any business."

For more information about the DeVry-Keller-Becker Fast Track, visit www.devry.edu/accounting or call (800) 683-5546.

*In New York, DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management operates as DeVry College of New York.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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