Certificate Level II (Business)
Accounting
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Are you good with numbers and looking for a job that will always be in demand? Do you have an organized mind that’s good with details? Do you want to improve your ability to work with figures, think critically and make informed decisions, whatever your career path?  Forget about any stereotypes you may have about number crunchers with one-task jobs. Today’s hottest accounting job may require someone who is part accountant, part tax whiz and part financial analyst — and all up-to-date on the latest software applications to accomplish it.
Accounting principles and practices, and the analytical, communication and computer skills that accompany them, are critical in today’s competitive business environment. Even though it may seem to be a highly structured field, think outside the box: accounting affects virtually every business field and type, whether you’re an entrepreneur, CEO or everyday worker looking for a better financial future. Small to large businesses, government agencies, nonprofits, educational institutions — all need trained accounting personnel to make sure that financial transactions are handled properly and accurate records are kept. Workers entering this challenging profession may analyze financial records, manage budgets, perform cost analysis, evaluate taxes and more. Check out a career in accounting today! CareersNumerous job options are available to people with accounting knowledge and skills, depending on the educational level attained: - Accounting assistant
- Accounts payable clerk
- Accounts receivable clerk
- Auditor
- Billing clerk
- Bookkeeper
- Budget analyst
- Cashier
- Cost accountant
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- Financial examiner
- Financial manager
- Inventory specialist
- Payroll clerk
- Securities clerk
- Tax accountant
- Tax preparer
- Teller
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Demand in the Accounting Fields
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, there are more than 2 million jobs for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks, with most employed in local government and in the accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services industry. The large demand for this occupation ensures plentiful job openings, including many opportunities for temporary and part-time work. Those who possess a wider range of bookkeeping and accounting skills will be in greater demand than specialized clerks. Demand for full-charge bookkeepers is expected to increase because they are called upon to do much of the work of accountants as well as perform a wider variety of financial transactions, from payroll to billing. Certified bookkeepers and those with several years of accounting or bookkeeper experience will have the best job prospects. Experience and Education Needed for Accounting Positions
Most bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks are required to have a high school degree at a minimum. However, having some college education is increasingly important, and an associate degree in business or accounting is required for some positions. Experience in a related job and working in an office environment also is recommended. Employers prefer workers who are computer literate, with knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software. Once hired, bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks usually receive on-the-job training. Some formal classroom training also may be necessary, such as training in specific computer software.
These workers must be careful, orderly and detail-oriented in order to avoid making errors and to recognize errors made by others. They also should be discreet and trustworthy because they frequently come in contact with confidential material. In addition, these clerks should have a strong aptitude for numbers. How to Get Ahead in Accounting
Bookkeepers, particularly those who handle all the record keeping for companies, may benefit from becoming certified. The Certified Bookkeeper (CB) designation, awarded by the American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers, assures employers that individuals have the skills and knowledge required to carry out all the bookkeeping and accounting functions up through the adjusted trial balance, including payroll functions. For certification, candidates must have at least two years of bookkeeping experience, pass three tests and adhere to a code of ethics. Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks usually advance by taking on more duties in the same occupation for higher pay or by transferring to a closely related occupation. Most companies fill office and administration support supervisory and managerial positions by promoting individuals from within their organizations, so clerks who acquire additional skills, experience and training improve their advancement opportunities. With appropriate experience and education, some bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks may become accountants or auditors. Course information: Howard College Catalog
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