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Do you have a teen that is approaching the age to drive? If so, you have probably already imagined the first time you take him or her out on the road for the first lesson. Does this seem like something that you can stomach? I took my son to a parking lot for his first lesson and it literally made me sick. That was the one and only time that I tried teaching my son how to drive. This blog contains information about driving school for teens. You will find a list of things that your teen will learn and a long list of benefits from paying for professional lessons.

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Is Accounting The Right Career Path For You?

18 September 2015
 Categories: Education & Development, Articles

Accounting is a diverse career with many options, but it's not for everyone. Although the vision of a tired man punching away at an adding machine for hours on end is no longer a valid image of what an accountant does, you do have to enjoy numbers in order to be happy and successful as an accountant. If you have the right skill set, then you can find a rewarding career in accounting that suits your personal strengths, tastes, and personality. Keep reading to learn more about accounting to help you determine if it's the right career for you.

Required Training

In order to work as an accountant, you need to have a bachelor's degree in accounting or in a related field. Of course, it will greatly increase your chances of landing a lucrative accounting position if you have your master's in accounting, but it's not mandatory. Also, you may be able to get a diploma or certificate from a junior college or business correspondence school that will allow you to work as a junior accountant. Then, you can advance over time as you gain experience.

In addition to an accounting degree, any accountant who files a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission must be a CPA, or certified public accountant. Each state has their own guidelines and requirements to become a CPA, but everyone must pass a difficult national exam regardless of the state they live in. Less than 50% of the people who sit for the CPA exam actually pass it the first time. The most common requirements for obtaining a CPA license among the states are the following:

  • A college degree

  • A certain number of college semester hours in accounting

  • A certain number of college semester hours in business

  • You must fall within a specific age range

  • You must meet certain residency requirements

An Accountant's Responsibilities

Before you can decide if a job in accounting is right for you, you need to know what an accountant's day to day responsibilities are. The typical accountant works for companies, individual clients, and governments to make sure financial records are kept accurately, taxes are paid, and the firm is running efficiently. Some accountants will also analyze budgets and provide financial planning services, information technology consultations, and limited legal services. They typically work from 9 am to 5 pm in an office, but they may have to work longer hours during busy times of the year, like tax season.

Average Salary Of An Accountant

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2012 the average salary of an accountant was $63,550 per year, or $30.55 an hour. Your specific salary as an accountant will depend upon what state you work in, your certifications, your experience, and the type of accounting job you choose.

Accounting Job Outlook

Also stated on the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, it is estimated that the job outlook for accountants is expected to increase by 13% through 2022. This is about as fast as the average growth for all occupations.

Self-Assessment Quiz

To help you decide if accounting is the right career path for you, take this self-assessment quiz. All you have to do is answer the following questions and then total your "yes" answers.

  • Would others describe you as a detail person?

  • Do you feel comfortable explaining complex ideas to others?

  • Have you taken an accounting course before?

  • Are most of your decisions based on logic?

  • Do you typically plan things in advance?

  • Have you aced accounting classes in the past?

  • Do you think of yourself as more of a "concrete" thinker rather than an "abstract" thinker?

  • Are you good at solving puzzles or problems?

  • Do you tend to organize information or data in a sequential manner?

  • Do you greatly appreciate predictability?

  • Do you have high personal standards?

  • Are your personal finances in order?

  • Do you feel that you are more of a rule follower than a rule breaker?

If you have 1-2 "yes" answers – You may enjoy taking a couple of accounting courses, but another field of study will probably suit you better.

If you have 3-5 "yes" answers – An accounting career may be a good choice for you, but before you make the leap, consider taking 1 or 2 collage accounting classes to assess your abilities and interests. You may also want to speak with your academic adviser about the accounting program at your college or university to see if it aligns with your professional goals.

If you have 6 or more "yes" answers - You seem to have an inclination for the accounting field, but always consider all your options before you choose your major. Think long and hard about starting an accounting career and consider if it fits your goals, aptitudes, and passions.

This information and the self-assessment should provide you with a good amount of information to help you decide if accounting is the right career path for you. If you are still not sure, contact your local accounting firm or click here for more information