If you have an aptitude for mathematics and can compare, interpret, and analyze facts and figures with ease, you may want to consider a career in accounting. Along with these traits, the ability to communicate clearly, work well with people and systems, and a high sense of integrity is an added bonus. Today, thousands of industries and businesses require the services of professional accountants and auditors to track their assets, debts and income. Besides recording all financial transactions and creating statements of costs and gains, accountants also participate in preparing strategies for business mergers and acquisitions, developing financial information systems, quality management and creating tax strategies for companies. Accountants are perpetually in short supply and jobs in this field are not hard to find. In spite of the current economic turmoil, well-trained professional accountants will have no problem landing a well-paid job. In fact, with the recent scandals in the financial sector, there is a greater need than ever for dedicated and honest professionals.
Accountants basically work towards ensuring that companies and businesses run efficiently. They are considered to be the backbone of any organization. Accounting can be broadly categorized into four fields - public accounting, management accounting, government accounting, and internal auditing. Accountants and auditors in each field analyze, record, and verify all financial transactions accurately and provide this information to their clients.
* Public accountants deal with corporations, non-profit organizations or individuals. Their job profiles could include auditing, consulting on tax matters, and designing data processing and accounting systems. There is a new brand of forensic accounting that has emerged which investigates and interprets bankruptcies. Many public accountants are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and work either with an accounting firm or as individual consultants.
* Management accountants are responsible for maintaining the records and analyzing the finances of the companies that hire them. They could be involved in budgeting, cost management, evaluation, and strategic planning. They prepare the all-important financial reports that go out to the company's stockholders, creditors and board members.
* Government accounting requires the maintenance and checking of records in the public sector. These accountants will also audit those companies and businesses that are subject to government taxation and regulations. The Internal Revenue Service is one of the largest employers of government accountants.
* Internal auditing is an extremely important sub-category of accounting. Internal auditors check for mismanagement of funds and fraud. They verify all records and financial statements and evaluate a firm's financial systems and internal controls to ensure that there is no leakage of funds or illegal activities. Internal auditors conduct regular reviews of corporate policy, laws, and procedures. Internal auditing can further specialize into environmental auditing, legal auditing, insurance auditing, healthcare, and bank auditing.
Most accounting jobs would require a minimum Bachelors degree in accounting. Accounting degree programs that also prepare students for various certifications and licenses have an added advantage. When choosing a Bachelor of accounting degree, make sure that the college you choose is accredited and that the course provides training in the latest auditing software and specialized programs so that you have an immediate edge in the job market once you graduate.
by Scott.C

When you want to specialize in a particular subject, a Masters degree is the way to go. There are several advantages of having a Masters degree. Many people choose to do an MBA because they want to enhance their qualifications for better job prospects. Some may do an MBA for the sheer pursuit of a better education. The most appealing reason may be the monetary aspect as an MBA will certainly boost your earning capacity when compared against a Bachelors degree. Having a Masters degree will give you the upper advantage when competing for higher-level jobs.
Masters degrees are available in a variety of subjects - from a Masters in Business Administration to Masters in Health care Administration to Masters in Nursing - the choices are endless. And while a traditional Masters Degree program can take between two to four years to complete, an online Masters Degree can be completed earlier than that depending on the commitment level you can give. As long as the online college you enroll in is accredited, there should be no problem in finding a job or getting the same career options as students who have chosen a more traditional path of education. There are several reasons to earning an online masters degree. It allows students flexibility. Students can study and fulfill other commitments they may have such as a job or commitments at home. If you are willing to put in the extra effort, online degree programs can also be accelerated and completed ahead of schedule. With an online graduate degree, you could study from anywhere - your home, your office, even while traveling. As long as you have a computer and an Internet connection, you have access to all your study material around the clock. Distance learning has broken all boundaries of traditional education. When enrolled in an online program, you could be interacting with students and faculty from around the world. This adds an entire new dimension to the learning experience and offers you a world-view that may be lacking from brick and mortar classrooms.
If you have decided on an online Masters degree, keep the following points in mind before making a final decision:
* After having completed your online Masters degree, the reputation of your online school is especially significant when you apply for a job. In fact, it would be advisable to speak to several employers and ask their opinions on the schools you have short-listed.
* Always check the accreditation of the online school and online master's degree program. There are a number of colleges and online degree programs that fall way below the mark where quality is concerned. In case the school is not accredited, your degree will not count for anything in the long run.
* Think about the cost of your online master's degree program. Masters degrees are more expensive than Bachelors and depending on the reputation of the school, the faculty and the level of technology used, the costs could add up considerably. Many schools will help with financial aid so ask the college admissions office well in advance.Since not all online colleges and online master's degree programs are created equally, it is extremely important that you do a thorough investigation of all factors involved. An online Masters degree demands a great deal of commitment and effort and will have a significant impact on your career. So take care and make an informed decision
by Scott.C

College is not for everyone! I heard this phrase from a teacher back in high school. And although he may be correct, every individual should really sit and think why a college degree would not be suitable for them. Sure, I don't thing that every single human being must attend a four-year University in order to succeed in life. However, that BA Online Bachelor Degree certainly can help you attain a decent career. There's no denying this. Your chances of being employed increase 90 percent if you have a college degree. That counts for something. I guess what I'm getting at is; what will you do to be successful without your college diploma? Are you headed to Hollywood or starting your own business? Ponder these issues carefully before dismissing a higher education in online bachelor degree. And try not to forget that you can work a regular job and acquire your college degree at the same time. I'm talking an online bachelor degree. These are a tad easier to handle since you don't have to grapple with the campus scene and classroom meetings.
People beyond their 20s, 30s and even 40s are making a decision to get educated from accredited university. They may have spent their lives working blue collar jobs or failing to excel in the workplace, but now times are different. Because now they can achieve an online degree from home. As long as you have three things, you're good to go. First you need a computer, preferably a recent one; secondly you must have Internet access; and finally you need the drive to get that online degree. Schedule your courses through a local University accreditation or one clear across the nation. Do so that you can deal with them on your spare time. It's really a cinch. Take your pick from countless Universities and community colleges that offer online bachelor degree programs. This process is changing and developing further as the years go by. I can remember just a few years back when Online Bachelor Degree was not so prominent. Be glad you now have this wonderful option at your fingertips. Take advantage of your PC and online schooling today. That education you've always dreamed of is only a mouse click away.
by Maliki Hassan

Online colleges allow you the freedom to pursue an education program online. That means, there is no need to attend courses in college and there is more flexibility in learning. Online colleges are a great option for those who cannot attend a college for their education. This could include working people or even students of courses that are unavailable in local colleges.
However, choosing an online college is an important decision. Taking the decision lightly could lead to a less than optimal experience. It could also lead you to invest your time and money in the wrong degree.
So, how can you identify the best online colleges?
An accredited degree program is a must as far as many employers are concerned. In case you are interested in further education, most colleges too will accept degrees from an accredited college. Therefore, you need to ensure that the online colleges you are considering are accredited.
The main reason behind opting for an online course is the flexibility it offers. Therefore, it is important to pay special attention to how the course is structured. You might expect all online colleges to offer flexible online courses but don't bet on it. Some online colleges do require you to come together periodically at a particular time for a joint discussion. Although the discussion is online, you would still be required to attend it. If you cannot compromise on flexibility, then, you must consider online colleges that do not have such a stipulation.
Online colleges may have different systems when it comes to delivering their courses. Some may send you the course material and appear only for the exams. Others might require you to make your own notes. Some courses are taught through CDs and other media. Sometimes, material is sent through emails. In the same way, you might be required to turn in assignments from time to time, in addition to the exams that are held. You have to consider these very carefully before you zero in on an online college. Choose an online college that is best suited to your learning methods and your schedules. If you have a preference for any one method, choose a course that leans heavily on your method of choice.
The course material also plays an important role in the selection of colleges online. The material should place special emphasis on those sections that are important to you. It is also important to select a course that emphasizes the organizational implications and the practical use of the program. Try to spot colleges that have a system of placement. This could be very helpful as the first job is always the most difficult to come by.
by: Alice Shown