Certified management accountants must have a university degree and be accredited by the Society of Management Accountants. With experience, people in this occupation can progress to management positions in auditing and accounting. The proportion of self-employed workers in this occupation has increased significantly over the last ten years. The proportion of women in this occupation has increased significantly over the last ten years. Over the next five years, this outlook is not expected to change, as the number of job openings is expected to be matched by the number of qualified job seekers.
Most industries use computerized financial systems to monitor business finances.
Other applications that are being used are electronic funds transfer, automatic teller machines and electronic data interchange. These will all lead to new skill requirements for these professionals. Concern about corporate fraud may create opportunities in forensic accounting. Payroll experts are also likely to be in high demand. Most of the increase in employment requirements through 2004 in this occupation is expected to occur in the professional services and business services industries.