By Susan - Tuesday 13 Jan 11:00 am
Accounting degrees offer a lucrative future in terms of appealing salaries and the promise of future growth in your field. Accountants will always be in employment, no matter what the situation of our economy. Books will always need to be done, in fact companies depend on accountants to keep their financial status in check. Accounting degrees are therefore one step in the right direction towards being employed within a reliable and economically viable field.
There are certain industries within the accounting field that are more competitive in terms of the salaries they offer. Having your accounting degree can assist you in breaking into one of these niche industries and making your way towards a leading accounting position and impressive salary.
The 5 best industries and salaries for those with accounting degrees are as follows:
- Accounting Firms – Obviously accounting degree graduates will benefit hugely from accounting firms who’s sole focus is on supplying accounting services to various companies and business establishments. Depending on where you work, you could receive a starting salary of $30000 – $55000 per annum, $40000 to $85000 after 3 – 5 years and between $50000 and $110000 after 5 – 7 years of service.
- Law Firms and Legal Enterprises – Law firms deal with a of of money coming in and going out. The accounting department needs to be on it’s toes in order to keep everything in balance and to ensure that accounts are paid. An accounting degree more than qualifies you for this job, but the pressure may be high. Annual salaries will be similar to that of the accounting firm listed above.
- Contract work in all Industries – Although you may not be guaranteed that you will have work for the next two years, you will be able to demand a higher salary for your contract period. Accounting degree graduates would be able to take advantage of this, although it is advisable to have some working experience first before promoting yourself as a solo flyer. Salary can start at $50000 on an annual basis.
- Government – Although Government have strict budgets to adhere to, they reward thir employees hugely with impressive salaries as well as incredible benefits. Accounting degree graduates would find it to be extremely beneficial working within government accounting offices. Average annual salary starting at $50000.
- Private Healthcare – Private healthcare operations offer attractive packages for anyone that is employed within their workforce. Accounting degree holders will find themselves to be decently remunerated for accounting services rendered in this domain. Average annual salary starting at $43000.
All salary information was obtained on Payscale.com and further information regarding this subject can be found by clicking here. By referring to their guide of expected salaries, accounting degree graduates can decide for themselves which industries would be the most profitable to enter into.
Posted in: College Degrees
By Susan - Sunday 11 Jan 10:00 am
A degree in accounting is one thing, but obtaining a masters degree in accounting can open up and entire new world of opportunity that is separate to obtaining just an accounting degree.
The results for obtaining your masters degree in accounting might not present themselves immediately, as masters degree holders and accounting degree holders will initially be applying for similar jobs straight after completing their studies. The difference, however, comes in at a later stage. Masters degree in accounting graduates will have a more promising chance of being promoted into more lucrative and sought after positions as opposed to their regular accounting degree counterparts. When opportunities arise within the company that you work for, masters degree in accounting graduates will be at the front of the queue for receiving.
There are some employers who will insist on only interviewing candidates who have their masters degree in accounting. This is entirely dependant on the employer in question, and graduates with accounting degrees instead of masters degrees in accounting should not feel like they will be getting the short end of the stick. It merely states that having your masters can prove to be an advantage for you.
Another reason to obtain your masters degree in accounting is that most people studying accounting want to evolve through towards getting their CPA or Chartered Professional Accountant qualification. You need a certain amount of hours and units before you can reach the stage where you are able to qualify as a CPA, so you might as well use those hours and units by getting your masters degree in accounting. After obtaining your bachelors in accounting, you will need to obtain 30 units of credit to be able to apply for your CPA. Alternatively you will need to work for two years, whichever comes first. By working these years and obtaining these units of credit, you are actually venturing halfway towards getting your masters degree in accounting. It makes sense to continue and get your full masters degree in accounting instead of throwing in the towel halfway and moving towards getting your CPA. That way, time is not wasted and you will be more than qualified in your industry which always counts for a lot when approaching employers for work.
Some students feel that this is unnecessary, as the CPA degree is what you want to get according to them, and a masters degree in accounting is just wasting time along the way. To each his own.
Graduates with masters degrees in accounting will not receive that much more in salary initially when compared to accounting degree holders, although there can definitely be a difference. Again, it is determined by your employer.
In short, it seems like an intelligent and wise decision to move towards obtaining your masters degree in accounting while working towards getting your CPA. With an increase in benefits and job opportunity when compared against a regular accounting degree, a masters degree in accounting will definitely not be wasted and will pay for itself in the long run.
Posted in: College Degrees
By Susan - Friday 9 Jan 9:00 am
With Accounting listed as one of the most lucrative choices for future career advantage and an attractive entry level salary, it is easy to note why so many students opt to venture this route by studying accounting degrees. There is always a demand for accounting degree graduates as every business requires the services of an accountant.
There are certain positions that accounting degree graduates will find easier to break into as entry level employees. There are many challenging and sought after careers set aside specifically for accounting degree graduates. These positions offer competitive salaries, security and company perks as well as the possibility to progress towards more senior accounting positions.
Here are some of the most common and sought after entry level careers for accounting degree graduates.
- Junior Accountants – An accounting degree graduate in this position would carry out basic duties, including accounts receivable and payable, collections and payments.
- Bookeeper – Accounting degree graduates can easily enter into book keeping as they will have all the skills necessary to do cash books, trial balances, reconciliations etc
- Accounting Clerks – These positions are specific towards a certain element of the financial aspect of a business. Accounting degree holders entering into this career will be awarded an are of expertise to focus on and be in charge of
- Payroll Clerks – This position is readily available to accounting degree holders and is an integral part of most businesses. The employee would be in charge of salaries and wages, deductions thereto and payment thereof.
- Internal Auditors – a lot of auditing firms have job availability for accounting degree graduates. Auditing involves ensuring that companies and businesses are running accurately and legally.
- Financial Analysts – This is a specialized area for accounting degree graduates, and involves the continuous interpretation of financial information and the analysis of the company’s finances, in an attempt to find the best possible business scenario.
- Cost Accountants – This entry level position can develop further into a Management Accountant position for accounting degree graduates.
- Public Accountants – Positions as public accountants are available for accounting degree holders. The main responsibilities along this career path would be company tax functions and auditing. Excelling in this position could lead you to becoming a supervisor or manager of your department.
- Government Accountants – Accounting degree graduates would be responsible for overseeing the performance and allocation of government funds. This job could also spread into the Department of Defence or the IRS.
- Trainee – Accounting degree graduates could enter into a company as a trainee in literally any position. From here you would earn a basic salary while absorbing all the necessary skills for your chosen career. You could be simply a trainee accountant, or a stock broker, mortgage advisor etc. The options are limitless.
Posted in: Accounting Degree, College Degrees
By Susan - Saturday 3 Jan 10:15 am
The different types of college degrees are vast and voluminous, and the amount of fields of employment to enter into are numerous. Some college degrees can guarantee that you are offered an extremely beneficial and lucrative starting salary, others can’t. Depending on your specifications and personal interests, you could be selecting a college degree that doesn’t offer a large return on investment by way of your potential salary. Selecting a college degree that suits your personal interests and talents, as well as offering a lucrative return on salary is definitely the option that you want to be searching for.
Some career paths will start with a college degree that can guarantee you a competitive salary and an advantageous setup from the start. There are some variables such as location, graduating college etc. that could alter these figures somewhat, but generally speaking, the college degrees listed below are found to be highly lucrative in terms of the opening salary they offer upon commencement of employment.
According to an article published in 2007 on CNN Money, the following college degrees return the most financial rewards in terms of the starting salary that can be offered upon finding employment within that field. Some changes might have occurred in the last year to the figures listed alongside these college degrees:
- Chemical Engineering – The most lucrative college degree on offer promising students a starting salary of $59361 per annum
- Computer Engineering – Bringing in $56201 as a starting salary after completing a college degree in this field
- Electrical Engineering – $55291 is the opening salary post attaining a college degree in this subject
- Mechanical Engineering – College degree holders in this field can expect to earn $54128 upon commencement of employment
- Computer Science – Upon graduation, a college degree in Computer Science could earn you $53396 as a starting salary
- Civil Engineering – $48509 is the starting salary for employees with a college degree in Civil Engineering
- Economics – A college degree in Economics will earn you an opening salary of $48483 per annum
- Management of Information Systems – With a starting salary of $47648, college degree holders can guarantee themselves a head start in life
- Finance – A college degree in Finance opens with a starting salary of $47239
- Accounting – $46718 is offered as an opening salary to college degree holders in the field of Accounting
If the college degrees listed above don’t compliment your strengths and skills in any way, then you could opt to enter into the field of Business Administration or Management, Marketing, Political Science or Government, or perhaps a college degree in History, English, Sociology or Psychology? These subjects were also listed in the same article as the top choices for the most lucrative college degree choices, and offer extremely competitive salaries as listed in the Summer of 2007. The entire article can be read in context by visiting the CNN Money website here.
Posted in: College Degrees
By Susan - Monday 29 Dec 2:00 pm
You have graduated from high school and are looking towards your future college degree, but what are your options and where do you head from here? You are presented with two main options right off the bat: electing to enrol in a two year college degree or a 4 year college degree. Although 4 year college degrees receive a lot of hype and attention, they are not always the most suited for your personal requirements. There are pros and cons to each college degree and you will need to equip yourself with the background information on each one to decide for yourself which college degree is made for you.
Four year college degrees usually entail that students complete very general background subjects for the first two years, and then concentrate on their majoring subjects for the final two years. Those opting for two year college degrees go straight into their majoring subjects and complete their degrees in less time, although with a slightly lower level of recognition.
Pros of Two Year College Degrees:
- They are the cheaper alternative, resulting in you having less debt to pay on your college loan or perhaps no debt at all due to the overall reduction in fees
- They are quicker than 4 year college degrees allowing you to start working much sooner upon completion
Pros of Four Year College Degrees:
- These college degrees are highly recognized and rewarded worldwide in terms of employment opportunities
- Highly commendable on and off campus learning opportunities in the form of lectures, cultural events, honor societies etc on campus, and study internships, field trips and education programs off campus
Cons of Two Year College Degrees:
Cons of Four Year College Degrees:
- The four year college degree option is extremely expensive, and will more often than not require that students take out a large college loan to pay for it. This could result in a substantial amount of debt needing to be covered after graduation
- You can only start working two years after your counterparts who opted for the two year program
Some students might not have the option of being able to study a four year college degree due to financial reasons, but they shouldn’t worry about it or feel that they have started out with a disadvantage. There are many jobs available to two year college degree holders, and many equal opportunities too. On the flip side of that coin are the advantages of studying a four year college degree if it is a viable choice for you. Some may choose to upgrade from a two year to a four year along the way once more funds have become available. Just because you have committed to one, it does not mean that you are stuck with your decision until completion. There is a lot of flexibility within both choices to change your college degree to suit your personal growth.
Posted in: College Degrees
By Susan - Friday 26 Dec 10:05 am
Accounting degree graduates have a wealth of job opportunities as their field is one of the most popular to enter into. With attractive opening salary offers from businesses around America, many students choose to enter into the Accounting degree program, hoping for their own personal profitable opportunity.
The America job markets offer numerous entry level positions for accounting degree holders, intending to employ them from the start of their careers so that they can grow and learn with the company. Company ethics and morals as well as principles and methodology become ingrained in the accounting degree graduates, building them into one of the team players.
According to Salary.com’s website there are some cities that are more suited to employing entry level accounting degree graduates than others may be. For those graduates that are not tied down to a particular city, it could be a good idea to research these options, ensuring a better chance of receiving top class employment after completing their accounting degrees.
The 5 best cities for entry level accounting degree graduates are taken from the article on Salary.com that can be found by clicking here. They have been listed below:
- Plano, Texas – Accounting degree graduates will be sure to find job availability here as it is a thriving metropolitan area bursting with financial businesses. Not only listed as on of the prime areas for entry level accounting degree holders, but also for anyone wanting to do business.
- Aurora, Colorado – Aurora has a booming economy where accounting degree graduates will happily settle into the bustling life of the 3rd most populated city in Colorado. Their key areas of growth and advancement are biotechnology and aerospace.
- Omaha, Nebraska – Omaha is the largest city in Nebraska offering a wealth of opportunity for accounting degree graduates and regular job seekers alike. Top industries in this area include banking, transportation, telecommunications, insurance and construction.
- Minneapolis, Minnesota – Minneapolis is the largest city in Minnesota with a strong economy based on commerce, finance and health care. Accounting degree graduates will also find employment within the sector of transportation, which is also fairly prominent in Minneapolis.
- Albuquerque, New Mexico – Albuquerque is the largest city in New Mexico and is placed in the middle of the New Mexico Technology Corridor. Accounting degree graduates can find entry level positions in the growing fields of technology and high tech research.
Accounting degree graduates need not be in a panic about finding their own entry level positions, as even outside of these cities listed above there is always opportunity and job availability for accounting degree holders. If you imagine that every company need to have their books written up and their company accounts done, then it is easy to understand why the accounting degree is so popular.
Posted in: College Degrees
By Susan - Tuesday 23 Dec 2:00 pm
It is no secret that accounting degrees are well received and attended because of the fabulous monetary benefits that accountants enjoy. CNN Money has voted Accounting as one of the top career choices in terms of stability, salary and accessibility. Read the full article by clicking here. Everyone needs an accountant, everyone works with money, so everyone will need the services of an accounting degree graduate at some stage or another.
There are numerous entry level positions that accounting degree graduates can enter into, and from here growth and development can lead you to your ideal career choice. The experience necessary for maintaining a high power position in accounting will be acquired through formative years in an entry level position, building up to the eventual position that you set out for as an accounting degree graduate.
As an accounting degree holder, you want to make the correct decisions right off the mark, so opting to enter into a career where you can grow and advance into your dream career is imperative. Here are the 5 top careers for accounting degree graduates. From these positions, career advance is highly likely.
- Public Accountant – As an accounting degree graduate, you will be able to enter into most companies as a Public Accountant. You are basically a general accountant with no specific responsibilities other than the basic accounting functions. From here you can evolve into many different positions, as your foundation is so broad.
- Management Accountant – A management accountant works with one specific company or a few companies and does all the accounts and books for them, even if working within a large firm. Accounting degree holders in this position would be assigned a company to work with and would focus solely on their accounts.
- Internal Auditors – A career in internal auditing will cover the audits for the company you work for and only them. Your accounting degree will assist you by providing you with the knowledge needed to carry out constant investigative functions to ensure that your company is not committing fraud or wasting money and that they are compliant with government regulations and laws.
- Government Accountant – Your position would be the same as that of a Public Accountant except you would be working for the Government. Your accounting degree will ensure that you are able to audit companies, ensure that revenue is collected and allocated correctly, keep up to date with the taxation of companies and individuals etc. Plus a government career can offer you stability as well as certain benefits.
- Banker – A great entry level for any accounting degree holder is as a banker. There are numerous tasks that need to be carried out on a day to day basis within the banks, and new employees will get the chance to move through most of them unless they specialize in something specific. From here a leap to investment banking can be made, ensuring a more attractive salary.
Posted in: College Degrees
By Susan - Friday 19 Dec 2:00 pm
Accounting degrees offer a lucrative future in terms of appealing salaries and the promise of future growth in your field. Accountants will always be in employment, no matter what the situation of our economy. Books will always need to be done, in fact companies depend on accountants to keep their financial status in check. Accounting degrees are therefore one step in the right direction towards being employed within a reliable and economically viable field.
There are certain industries within the accounting field that are more competitive in terms of the salaries they offer. Having your accounting degree can assist you in breaking into one of these niche industries and making your way towards a leading accounting position and impressive salary.
The 5 best industries and salaries for those with accounting degrees are as follows:
- Accounting Firms – Obviously accounting degree graduates will benefit hugely from accounting firms who’s sole focus is on supplying accounting services to various companies and business establishments. Depending on where you work, you could receive a starting salary of $30000 – $55000 per annum, $40000 to $85000 after 3 – 5 years and between $50000 and $110000 after 5 – 7 years of service.
- Law Firms and Legal Enterprises – Law firms deal with a of of money coming in and going out. The accounting department needs to be on it’s toes in order to keep everything in balance and to ensure that accounts are paid. An accounting degree more than qualifies you for this job, but the pressure may be high. Annual salaries will be similar to that of the accounting firm listed above.
- Contract work in all Industries – Although you may not be guaranteed that you will have work for the next two years, you will be able to demand a higher salary for your contract period. Accounting degree graduates would be able to take advantage of this, although it is advisable to have some working experience first before promoting yourself as a solo flyer. Salary can start at $50000 on an annual basis.
- Government – Although Government have strict budgets to adhere to, they reward thir employees hugely with impressive salaries as well as incredible benefits. Accounting degree graduates would find it to be extremely beneficial working within government accounting offices. Average annual salary starting at $50000.
- Private Healthcare – Private healthcare operations offer attractive packages for anyone that is employed within their workforce. Accounting degree holders will find themselves to be decently remunerated for accounting services rendered in this domain. Average annual salary starting at $43000.
All salary information was obtained on Payscale.com and further information regarding this subject can be found by clicking here. By referring to their guide of expected salaries, accounting degree graduates can decide for themselves which industries would be the most profitable to enter into.
Posted in: College Degrees
By Susan - Friday 12 Dec 4:06 pm
Veterans need not be excluded from going to college, applying for college loans or scholarships. There are options available for every individual, especially for Veterans, and these options are inclusive of college loans and scholarships.
By serving the country during your military career, it is felt that the country is indebted to your service and it is thought that the opportunity to study might not have presented itself to you before as time was spent in service of your country. For this reason, Veterans are highly eligible for college loans and scholarships, and there are benefit programs in place that Veterans and their families can take advantage of. Scholarships are more frequently offered to veterans than college loans are.
There are numerous college loan opportunities that are funded by the government, but also state funded college loan and scholarship programs. In addition to this, there are many private institutions that will offer veteran college loans and scholarships, but at a slightly higher interest rate. These rates are determined by the individual institutions and should be confirmed before an application for your college loan is made. Scholarships and benefits are also made available to the children of military Veterans.
Application forms for government funded college loans and scholarships as well as for privately funded college loans can be obtained from the colleges or schools that you are planning to study at. These forms can be handed in at the school’s reception and will then be submitted to the Department of Veteran Affairs by the registrar of the school you are applying at. You can apply for your college loan or benefit directly to the Department of Veteran Affairs by clicking here. Veterans have 10 years from the date of being released from duty to take advantage of their education benefit.
Sallie Mae has teamed up with Veterans Advantage to offer a competitive college loan available only to military veterans. Veterans Advantage is a portal that offers veterans incredible rewards in all spheres of retail, financial, health, entertainment and many other dimensions of day to day life. College loans are another dimension that offer veterans an opportunity they might not have received during their service. Sallie Mae has a few options available for veterans, and VA (Veterans Advantage) card holders can use their membership cards to log into the Sallie Mae College Answer website to find further information on college loans specifically tailored to suit their needs and financial situations.
Standard government funded college loans (FFELP) are probably the best place to start when applying as a veteran. Alternatively, college loans can be applied for with private institutions provided the applicant is willing to pay a substantial amount more in interest charges than as would be with federal college loans. By shopping around for college loans, you will become familiar with the advantages and disadvantages of all available college loans, and you will be able to make an educated (excuse the pun) decision.
Posted in: College Degrees, College Loans
By Susan - Thursday 4 Dec 2:17 pm
Selecting to apply for a college loan is a responsible direction to choose and one that requires a certain degree of personal initiative. Once you have crossed that bridge and are opting to apply for your college loan, then the steps to having it approved are fairly simple. Not much effort will be required on your part, but it is important to carry out all the steps and to understand the process of college loan approval. Provided you have no drug convictions against your name, and do not presently owe any money on a college loan, then you can proceed further with your application.
These 10 steps to being approved for your college loan will help you to identify with the procedure taking place that could unite you with the future that you always dreamed of.
1. You will need to be applied to your college before you can apply for your college loan. You don’t, however need to have been admitted to the college, but will need to have admission to receive approval for your college loan.
2. Determine your dependency status by completing the Dependency Status Worksheet on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid website on www.fafsa.ed.gov.
3. Confirm or investigate the school code that is applicable to your college so that you are positive you have the correct information before applying for your college loan. Some codes change from year to year.
4. For federal loans you will need to apply for a pin on the www.pin.ed.gov website that will give you access to your college loan specifics and allow you to make binding legal obligations.
5. For federal loans you will need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) eligibility form to verify whether or not you may apply for a college loan through federal means. This can be located at www.fafsa.ed.gov
6. You will need to have your social security number, high school diploma or equivalent and your parent’s tax information in your possession to submit for application. For private college loans you will need to submit all the requirements for a credit check. These may vary from one institution to the next.
7. When submitting your FAFSA form for application to your college loan ensure that you print out your confirmation report as it includes a confirmation number and the date and time that your application was received.
8. Submit your application for a college loan, no earlier than the 1st of January and no later than the 30th of June of the year you are applying for entrance, although some colleges may have different dates for applications so you should check this with the relevant college.
9. Try and apply early enough so that there are still funds available to supply you with a college loan.
10. Follow up by logging into the FAFSA website using your pin for federal loans to check the status of your college loan application. For private loans, each institution will have their own methods of communicating for you to be able to gauge progress on your college loan application.
Posted in: College Degrees, College Loans
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