By DeVry University
September 9, 2020
7 min read
September 9, 2020
7 min read
Are you interested in a career in accounting? With so many types of accounting in use today, you may find yourself wondering: what is accounting, and is it a viable area of focus for me?
This field of business is dynamic and growing, attracting students from a variety of backgrounds. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountant and auditor employment opportunities are projected to grow by four percent through 2029.
Financial accounting
Management accounting
Cost accounting
Tax accounting
Public accounting
Forensic accounting
Auditing
Government accounting
Ensuring financial statements are compliant with regulatory and legal requirements
Preparing tax returns
Implementing accounting procedures at an organization
Auditing accounting systems and books to ensure they are accurate and compliant.
Maintaining financial records
Making recommendations around cost reductions, revenue enhancements and profit margin increases
As you can see, accounting professionals perform a wide variety of tasks that are essential to an organization’s ability to operate effectively. However, for those looking to progress further in this field, the next step often involves becoming a Certified Public Accountant.
Business Environment and Concepts (BEC)
Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR)
Regulation (REG)
Auditing and Attestation (AUD)
All four sections must be passed within an 18-month timeframe in order to earn your CPA credential. Other requirements also apply, such as meeting a minimum test score of 75 points on each section, meeting varying state requirements and completing sections within designated testing windows.
Individual CPA Exam prep courses
Supplemental preparation opportunities through bachelor’s and master’s degree programs
Certificate and degree programs specific to those pursing their CPA credential
Tutoring options
Many students also benefit from integrating CPA Exam prep into their regular undergraduate and graduate studies. DeVry University’s Keller Graduate School of Management, for example, offers a graduate certificate program focused on CPA Exam prep. The program integrates Becker’s CPA Exam Review, helping you get acquainted with the testing material, the questions you might be asked and the best ways to approach each individual section of the exam.
Legal or regulatory compliance
Creating and maintaining proper financial procedures
Reviewing all documents that may be requested during an external audit by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Risk management and asset protection
Adequacy and compliance with internal control procedures
Automating ledgers in accounting software to reduce the repetitive processes that can waste time and lead to human error.
Processing transaction cycles to ensure revenue, expenditures, conversion, financing and fixed assets are all accounted for.
Implementing application controls to ensure that all finances and transactions have a place on the balance sheet. This is particularly helpful if there is an audit and organizational spending behavior must be accounting for.
Setting up information security requirements. As an accountant, you might be the only person—or one of only a few—who has access to certain databases and software programs. In this case, it would be up to you to ensure only the correct people can access information on the programs your company uses. You might also be responsible for defining the terms by which people have access to certain fields, screens or information.
Integrating business information systems. Because you're responsible for the financial health of your organization, it may be up to you to set up business information systems in ways that ensure the safety and privacy of your company's confidential information.
Though technology has changed the business world, what hasn’t changed is the industry growth that has characterized this arena for many years. The role of accounting professionals is continuously evolving to meet the changing need of the companies they serve, which reinforces the ongoing need for these valuable, strategic employees.
Interested in learning more about our accounting programs at DeVry? Contact us.
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In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, www.tn.gov/thec. Naperville Campus: 1200 E. Diehl Rd., Naperville, IL 60563. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online compliant system http://complaints.ibhe.org/. View DeVry University’s complaint process https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-complaint-procedure.html Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program.
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