Most Sought After Degree in 2011: Accounting

Accounting Career. (Photo: Life123)

If you’re good with numbers, you’re in luck. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, accounting has been named the most sought after degree in 2011. In other words, if you’re earning an accounting degree as we speak, your chances in the job market are extremely favorable.

Accountants make about $60,000 annually on average, with some bringing home up to $104,450/year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. As an avid supporting of doing what you love, I’m not suggesting you sell your soul for $80,000/year, but if accounting is in alignment with your talents, skills, and personal values, by all means, go right ahead!

People who are successful as accountants are typically analytical, logical, with a keen attention to detail. One of the reasons we’re currently in this whole economic crisis right now is because of a handful of executives who were willing the fudge the numbers with poor and fraudulent financial reporting. Especially now, a critical attribute that accounting firms look for is a strong ethics and a reliable moral compass.

Accounting majors are making a significant positive impact on today’s financial sector to prevent future financial crises. In a comment on the Huffington Post, Accounting major Mark Goldstein says, “We are the first generation of accounting students who have extensive training in internal controls, informatio­n systems assurance, and fraud risk indicators­. All of these components exist precisely for the purpose of the PREVENTION of future large-scal­e financial crises. We will be the people designing and auditing these systems in order to create larger-sca­le accountabi­lity in the financial world.”

If you’re seriously considering a career in accounting, check out our interview with Certified Public Accountant Jon Funk from last summer where he shares insights into a day in the life of an accountant.