Accounting with Software, General

<h2 id="section---IsAccountingWithSoftwareRightForMe">Is Accounting With Software Right for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>Accounting software is generally used for a variety of day-to-day operations, including tasks associated with auditing, bookkeeping, financial documentation and tax work. Software applications may be customized for a specific company or provide general accountancy support. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOptionsAndDuties">Career Options and Duties</h3> <p>Accounting and auditing clerks provide administrative support in a financial setting. You can pursue a position as an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Accounting_Clerk_Answers_to_Your_Career_Questions.html">accounting clerk</a>, which requires that you work on specific tasks, such as accounts receivable and accounts payable. If you work as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_Bookkeeping.html">bookkeeper</a>, you can expect to manage a group of accounting tasks, such as updating the general ledger and creating reports. As an auditing clerk, you would verify the accuracy of existing financial documents and possibly correct errors created by other staff members. </p> <p>You may also purse a career as an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Does_an_Accountant_Do.html">accountant</a> for a small local business, major corporation or government agency. Many accountants choose to open their own practice and specialize in forensic or managerial accounting, auditing or tax preparation. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the need for accountants and auditors is expected to grow by an average rate nationwide between 2012 and 2022. An average increase in employment is also projected for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks through 2022. As of May 2013, bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks earned a mean annual wage of $37,250. In the same month, the mean annual wage for accountants and auditors was $72,500, as reported by the BLS (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInAccountingWithSoftware">How Can I Work in Accounting With Software?</h2> <h3 id="section---UndergraduatePrograms">Undergraduate Programs</h3> <p>Accounting and auditing clerks may not need more than a high school diploma to land a position. However, some employers prefer job applicants with college education; many postsecondary schools offer certificate programs in bookkeeping and associate's programs in accounting. </p> <p>Most employers of accountants prefer to hire candidates with a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Accounting_Bachelors_Degree.html">bachelor's degree in accounting</a>, <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Finance_Bachelors_Degree_Program.html">finance</a> or a related field of study. In addition to basic accounting, a bachelor's program can include topics related to costs, management and financial accounting. </p> <h3 id="section---GraduatePrograms">Graduate Programs</h3> <p>You could also pursue an <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Masters_Degree_in_Accounting_Online_Degree.html">online master's degree in accounting</a> to further improve job prospects and your understanding of specific areas, such as taxes or auditing. When researching programs, look for those that provide training in the use of current accounting software, along with the traditional classes in business, finance and mathematics. </p> <h3 id="section---ProfessionalCertifications">Professional Certifications</h3> <p>Although requirements can vary by state, accountants need to be certified and meet certain educational requirements. Many accountants pursue the <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Training_Is_Necessary_to_Become_a_CPA.html">Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential</a>, which is also required to file Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) reports.</p>