Career Options
In 2001, accountants held about 776,000 jobs. They worked within accounting, auditing, and bookkeeping departments in public firms, private industry, and government; one- sixth of accountants were self-employed. The employment forecast for accountants is expected to increase 10 to 20 percent through the year 2010. As the economy strengthens, the number of business establishments will increase, requiring more accountants to provide financial reports, prepare taxes, and provide management advice. As these businesses grow, the volume and complexity of information developed by accountants regarding costs, expenditures, and taxes will increase as well. Also, global trends such as the growth of international business will continue to fuel the demand for accounting expertise and services related to international trade, as well as to international mergers and acquisitions.
The changing role of accountants and auditors will spur employment growth, as these accountant specialists will offer more financial management and consulting services as they take on greater advisory roles the market demands. By focusing on analyzing operations, rather than providing financial data, accountants themselves will boost the demand for their services. However, the competition for accounting positions will remain keen in an industry as a whole.
