Accounting

What careers are there in accounting?

Public Accounting

Works for a group of individuals and businesses.

Auditor

Examines the financial records of a firm to determine if the firm follows generally accepted accounting principles and the records fairly represent the financial status of the organization. Auditing is done by a Certified Public Accountant.

Tax Service

Prepares tax returns and assists clients with tax planning and advising.

Financial Services

Prepares accounting records for clients including payroll; may provide advice and assistance regarding financial matters. This service is provided by bookkeepers as well as CPA firms.

Typical Jobs

Entry level: bookkeeper, licensed tax preparer.

With additional training and experience: Licensed Tax Consultant, Staff Accountant, Certified Public Accountant.

Private Accounting

Works for a single business, not-for-profit institution, or government.

Financial

Records transactions and prepares financial statements for the organization.

Managerial

Prepares budgets, cost data, and performance reports for use within the organization.

Governmental

Prepares budgets, records transactions, and prepares statements for not-for-profit, and government entities.

Typical Jobs

Entry level: accounts payable clerk, accounts receivable clerk, payroll clerk, accounting technician, and accounting trainee.

Experienced: staff accountant, budget analyst, cost accountant.

Supervisory: accounting supervisor, disbursement officer, controller, fiscal officer, chief financial officer.

Average starting salary

An Associate of Applied Science Graduate in Accounting without experience qualifies you for the position of Accounting Technician with the State of Oregon. Graduates with accounting or related experience may start at a higher job classification.

There is a wide range of pay for graduates working for accounting firms or industry. For more information about the opportunities in accounting, visit these links.

• Salary.com - search by position and region for entry-level, mid-career, and experienced salary comparisons.
• Jobs.com - for opportunities in your area.

• Oregon Employment Department - Promoting the employment of Oregonians and developing a diversified, multi-skilled workforce.

Updated October 2006 by the College Advancement Department.