Postal Letter

What employment opportunities are there for someone with an Associates degree in accounting?

I currently finished my 2 yr associate of arts in accounting degree through the University of Phoenix online. What sort of opportunities are there for someone with this degree? Also, I am debating on whether or not to continue my education to get my bachelors degree and/ or CPA certified. Any comments will be gratefully accepted.

Public Comments

1. Try Accounting.
2. Lol I really hope this is a joke. I'm sorry but a "degree" from the University of Phoenix isn't worth the paper it's printed on. You really should have done your homework before going to a place like that, even though they say it's accredited it is NOT taken seriously by any employer. They know it is a for-profit diploma mill that will take anyone who is gullible enough to pay the money. If you try to apply for a job with that name on your resume you will be laughed at. I'm sorry you wasted so much time and money but you should have done a little research before buying into their scam. Your credits will likely not transfer to any legitimate school so you'll have to start all over again if you want to earn an actual Associate's degree or a Bachelor's degree. Also, accounting is a field where you need at least a Bachelor's so this time try looking into state colleges, NOT something online, as those degrees are worthless and not respected by anyone.
3. You can be a payroll or accounts/payable or receivable clerk. You can also be a bank teller. Turn it up a notch become a CPA. Most community colleges have night and weekend programs to fit your schedule. They are much cheaper than U of P.
4. Associates Degrees in Accounting An Associates degree in accounting prepares students for entry-level jobs such as accounting assistant, bookkeeper, or management trainee. It can be a step towards national accreditation exams in accountancy. As a graduate you may qualify to work as a tax preparer, auditing clerk, or accounting assistant. If you're anxious to get your foot in the door of the workforce, this is a good option to choose, and it prepares you to continue in an online bachelor's degree program while you work. Public Accountants Careers in public accounting focus on auditing and tax functions. New public accountants usually work for several clients on their own or as part of a firm. Advancement to positions with more responsibility takes one or two years, and a few more for senior positions. Those who excel may become supervisors, managers, or partners; open their own public accounting firms; transfer to executive positions in management accounting; or become internal auditors in private firms. Larger firms prefer to hire master's degree graduates. Management Accountants Management accountants often start as cost accountants, junior internal auditors, or trainees for other accounting positions within a corporation. As they rise through the organization, they may advance to positions such as accounting manager, chief cost accountant, budget director, or manager of internal auditing. Some become controllers, treasurers, financial vice presidents, chief financial officers, or corporation presidents. Many senior corporation executives have a background in accounting, internal auditing, or finance. Government Accountants Government accountants can work at any level of government to analyze and oversee the performance and allocation of funds. At the federal level, opportunities exist in such diverse areas as the Department of Defense, the IRS, and the Securities and Exchange Commission. Internal Auditors Internal auditors deal with conducting compliance audits, developing internal controls, and establishing accounting information systems. As they advance in their careers, they can become involved in operational audits and provide recommendations and plans for continued financial improvement within an organization. Public vs. Private Accounting The breadth of the accounting industry leads to many areas of specialization, such as general, budget, cost, property, systems, forensic, and tax accounting. Private accountants are also in demand for non-profit organizations that need specialized expertise in tax regulations and policies unique to them. Accounting Salaries In 2007, the median annual earnings of accountants and auditors were $57,060. The middle half earned between $44,230 and $75,020. The top 10 percent of accountants and auditors earned more than $98,220, and the lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,570. . Accountants with a bachelor's degree received offers starting at $46,718 annually. Directors of accounting and auditing--the highest paid positions--earn between $68,000 and $208,000. Salaries differ depending on the firm's size and location, and the accountant's education and professional credentials.
5. Even people with a bachelors degree in accounting can't find jobs, or at least not jobs they think they should be qualified for having paid for 4 years of school. Accounting is very competitive. You could be a bank teller, but you don't have to have a degree to do that. You could do bills for a corporation. You could be an accounts receivable clerk. You could have a telephone job collecting bills. You could start your own business, say a credit union.