Accountants are the backbone of any company or corporation. They provide the necessary information and data that enables the company to determine profit projections, cost analysis, and taxes the company will ensue. Without accountants and controllers companies cannot perform to their fullest potential and they will not last long in the corporate area.

Not only do accountants work in departments and corporations, but they also work as independent business owners and provide their services to sole proprietorships and small businesses and work from home. They also provide tax services to individuals. Accountants may also work as actuaries for real estate and insurance companies determining the probability of events that may affect a person's life.

There are many facets to an accountant's career; they encompass areas such as tax planning, profit projections, financial reports, costs, tax rendering, and auditing to name a few. Most accountants work for companies and are not required to be a CPA. All accountants must adhere to principles and guidelines set forth by the US government.

To become an accountant an individual must attend a college or university and obtain a degree in accounting. Graduates of an accounting program—either a Bachelor's or Master's degree—will allow an individual the opportunity to work in multiple fields of employment such as a controller or as an account manager. These fields or areas of concentration encompass actuary services, international tax, auditing, CPA services after passing the exam, individual taxes, payroll, and planning as well as corporate accounting and taxes.

Careers and Education Resources for Accountancy Majors

• eLearners - Resource for college degrees in Accounting - Information on basic resources for those considering Accountancy.
• The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants Website - A large resource of general information and testing statistics for CPAs.
• The Institute of Management Accountants - An overview of what Management Accountants do and resources for those working as Management Accountants.
• Auditors - Information from ING on Auditors and Auditing.
• Online Accounting Tutorial - A simple tutorial to test yourself and find out if accounting is right for you.
• Studying for the CPA exam doesn't have to be difficult as there are many tutorials and resources to help.

Accountants will always be in high demand as the number of businesses and corporations operating in the world increase each year. An increase in accounting positions will also arise as the legislation for taxes, business dealings, securities laws, and general operations within companies change.