The certificate or associate degree in Accounting prepares students for a variety of positions in the accounting field. Many students find part-time employment in the accounting field after completing the first accounting courses in the program and continue to work while fulfilling program requirements. Because lower division accounting courses are required for all business administration degree programs, accounting courses provide an important foundation for students who plan to transfer to a four-year bachelor s degree program. Persons trained in accounting may also pursue careers as budget analysts and financial managers. Accountants may be licensed as Certified Public Accountants, Public Accountants, Registered Public Accountants, Certified Internal Auditors, Certified Management Accountants, and Certified Information Systems Auditors.
Some accountants work as teachers, researchers, and consultants.
Capable accountants usually advance rapidly with work experience. Graduates of community college programs who meet the educational and experience requirements of their employers may obtain junior accounting positions and advance to more responsible positions by demonstrating their accounting skills on the job. Management accountants record and summarize the financial information of their companies. Internal auditors verify the accuracy of their organization's records and check for mismanagement, waste, and fraud. Government accountants and auditors maintain and examine the records of government agencies and audit private businesses and individuals whose activities are subject to government regulations or taxation.