Accounting

Would you like to know how to plan your financial future, and how to help others do the same? Want to learn how to calculate profits and losses, and advise businesses in strategies to lower their tax costs? People in accounting like work activities that follow set procedures and routines. They prefer working with data and detail, rather than with abstract ideas. They prefer work in which there are precise standards, rather than work in which you have to judge things by yourself.

Educational Choices

Some workers in this field are trained in accounting techniques, but are not certified as CPAs. They typically receive an associate's degree and work as bookkeepers, payroll administrators, and other positions within the accounting field. CPAs, or Certified Public Accountants, are certified by the state to be knowledgeable in their field, and to be able to give advice on tax law and to perform audits. CPAs are required to have at least a bachelor's degree, although some states require 150 credit hours for certification. CPAs must also pass a state certification exam, and have some on-the-job experience before they can receive official certification as a Public Accountant. For more information about the accounting as a career and to play a video that describes this job, visit:

• CareerZone: Accounting

Education for Construction Technology at TC3

TC3 offers an A.A.S. degree in accounting. Students graduating from this program are qualified for jobs in accounting, financial analysis, billing, and public accounting and other entry level positions. Students wishing to become a CPA will need to transfer to a four year college to pursue further education. Students from TC3 have successfully transferred to Cornell University, Binghamton University, Elmira College, Ithaca College, SUNY Brockport, SUNY Cortland, and other universities.

Job Titles

• Personal Accountant
• Financial planner
• Controller
• Auditor
• Tax Preparation Consultant
• Small Business Accountant
• Bookkeeper
• Budget Planner
• Chief Financial Officer
• Treasurer
• Budget Analyst
• Payroll Administrator

Skills and Tasks

• Uses computer to develop, maintain and analyze budgets, and prepare balance sheets.
• Predicts revenues and expenditures, calculates profit/loss, and submits reports to management.
• Maintains familiarity with tax code, computes taxes owed, prepares tax reports.
• Maintains records of banking accounts, calculates interest earned, and other financial records.
• Meets with clients to determine and serve their financial needs.
• Frequently checks work for accuracy.

Employers in this field

• Public Accounting firms
• Small businesses
• Corporate accounting departments
• The IRS
• Tax Preparation Firms
• Not for Profit Agencies
• Corporate Payroll Department
• Corporate Billing Office
• Self Employment

Salary Ranges

• In 1998, the New York state annual wage range for CPAs was: $31,870– $58,970
• In 1998, the New York state annual wage range for bookkeepers / non-CPAs $19,000 - $25, 000

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