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“There's no accounting for taste,” says the Latin proverb. In today's business world, however, there is a growing taste—and need—for accounting careers. A number of highly-publicized cases of accounting fraud, most notably the Enron scandal and its subsequent media blitz, have fueled the business world's heightened awareness of the importance of ethical practices and have led to the creation of the new government regulations of the Sarbanes-Oxley act. This increased attention to the field of accounting, combined with today's healthy business climate, has spurred companies both large and small to recognize the importance of strong, honest, reliable accounting practices and to take the necessary measures to ensure that they are up to—if not exceeding—industry standards.

From Scandal Comes Opportunity

The new focus on quality accounting practices, in turn, has led to an incredible spike in available accounting jobs and a renewed respect for the field. Indeed, in its 2007 guide to the future of accounting careers, Robert Half International (RHI)* states, “Wherever financial professionals work—in public accounting, within a public or private company, for a government agency or a non-profit organization—their stature and responsibilities have been elevated, as has the level or trust placed in them.”

More Jobs, More Prestige, More Money

With all of the new attention, energy and status, the accounting industry has transformed itself from one perceived as stodgy and static to a diverse, vibrant field that includes everyone from tax advisors to FBI agents, from CPAs to environmental activists. It's not surprising that with this greater business focus on accounting, accountants' salaries and job options have increased as well. According to Monster.com's article “Finance, Accounting Salaries to Rise in 2007,” base pay for finance professionals and accountants is expected to rise 3.8 percent overall, with senior manager and director salaries increasing 7.6 percent and entry level salaries increasing 6.2 percent to 6.7 percent.

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There has rarely been such an opportunity-filled time to get an accounting degree or to advance your credentials, especially since RHI's research on specific accounting career positions within the accounting field shows that people with certification, such as a CPA, or advanced degrees, such as an MBA or an MAcc consistently make more money and have more job options. Learn more about accounting degrees and certifications, accounting scholarships and accounting careers.

*"A New Outlook on a Timeless Profession," Robert Half International, 2007.

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