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Working for an Accounting Firm

Accounting is both an art and science where precision is just as important as personal judgment and outside-the-box thinking. Far from being the number-crunching discipline that many people believe, accounting is truly about using the numbers to tell a story. Two identical companies can have the same sales, expenses, and overhead. But in the hands of the right accountant, one company can legally have impressive profits for shareholders while the other company legally has minimal profits for tax purposes. If you enjoy creative challenges, numbers, and problem-solving skills, you might consider working for an accounting firm.

Training before Working for an Accounting Firm
In most cases, a bachelors degree in accounting is necessary for entry. Some also receive their training in business administration, finance, or bookkeeping. For long-term career success, you might consider completing the CPA exam.

Regulatory Practices for Accounting
In order to understand and follow "generally accepted accounting principles" you must have a firm understanding of the regulatory and legislative policies in your jurisdiction. These are becoming increasingly uniform internationally, but there exist enough differences and discrepancies to make the job still very challenging. Your understanding of local, national, and international accounting standards is essential at many accounting firms.

Computer Science and Accounting
Becoming proficient in computer science and information technology can help open many more doors in the future. Accounting is rapidly moving away from paper entry systems towards more computer-based models. Developing facility with these newer technologies can make you a more marketable candidate in a career field that already enjoys substantial demand.

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