To
Make A Difference
A
vast understanding of business processes, financial reporting, taxation,
and business regulation places the accountant in the role of financial
doctor. Just as M.D.s perform check-ups, diagnose illnesses, and prescribe
programs of treatment to help restore and maintain their patients'
health, through audits and advising, accountants help organizations
to remain healthy and grow. An audit is an annual examination of a
company's controls, transactions, and financial reports by a CPA (certified
public accountant). At the close of the examination, the CPA will
give an unbiased opinion as to the fairness and completeness of the
company's financial reports. Investors, lenders, government agencies,
and others rely on the CPA's opinion to help them determine the quality
of financial information they are receiving from the company.
To
Be Challenged
Accounting
is one of the most challenging and value-adding of the business curricula.
Students learn the financial language of business, how to assess,
measure, and report on the profitability and financial health of an
organization, and ultimately to recommend solutions to business problems.
The practice of accounting, whether in the for-profit, not-for-profit,
or governmental sectors of the economy, is challenging. Seeking to
help organizations increase their efficiency and effectiveness, accountants
identify and research business problems, determine which solutions
are viable, and present recommendations based on sound logic.
To
Have Choices
Accountants
are essential to all organizations. Whether it is a business, a government
agency, a hospital, a church, a school, or the Red Cross, all organizations
have finances to manage, and resources to employ efficiently and effectively.
Accountants are needed to report on the organization's use of resources
and help the organization plan and assess the merits of its programs
and alternatives. Accountants help organizations restructure activities
to get the most out of their resources. Because accountants are idea
and solutions people, professionals who exercise judgment, their work
is varied, dynamic, and challenging. Having a thorough understanding
of the financial aspects of business, along with good presentation
and people skills, accountants frequently move into management positions,
or start their own businesses. The study of accounting also provides
an excellent base for students who are planning to enter law school
or pursue a career in federal law enforcement.
To
Be a Professional
Many
occupations claim to be a profession, however, professions always
include a duty to society, recognized expertise, certifications, a
code of professional ethics, and a commitment to life-long learning.
To serve organizations and society, accountants seek certification,
subscribe to and advocate codes of ethical conduct, and complete continuing
education programs each year. Why all this commitment to learning?
Consider: Would you want to be diagnosed and treated by a doctor who
has not read a medical journal or attended a medical conference since
finishing medical school?
To
Be Respected and Trusted
Society
expects accountants to be ethical and monitor the ethics of the organizations
they serve. Because of their commitment to honesty, confidentiality,
unbiased decision-making, and giving the best possible service and
advice, accountants have become trusted organizational advisors.
To
Be Rewarded
It
is rewarding to help an organization overcome its problems, grow,
and become better at what it does. Beyond this psychic reward, accountants
are among the highest paid business professionals. Accounting graduates
typically are among those receiving the highest starting salary offers.
The
following chart is adapted from information published in the 2004
Robert Half & Accountemps Salary Guide, as well as, information
provided by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
A masters degree in accounting or an accounting certification [such
as, CPA, CMA (certified management accountant), or CIA (certified
internal auditor)] will add an extra 10-15% to these salaries.
Public
Accounting - audit, tax, and management advisory services
|
|
Salary
Ranges |
|
|
|
|
|
1st
Year
|
Large
Firm
|
$
35,750 - $ 42,500
|
|
|
Small
Firm
|
$
29,750 - $ 38,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
1-3
Years
|
Large
Firm
|
$
41,000 - $ 51,250
|
|
|
Small
Firm
|
$
33,750 - $ 45,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
3-6
Years
|
Large
Firm
|
$
48,750 - $ 62,250
|
|
|
Small
Firm
|
$
41,000 - $ 56,500
|
| |
|
|
| 1st
Year Partner |
|
$150,000
(average)
with
the potential to
make much more |
large
firm > $250,000,000 in sales, small firm< $250,000,000
in sales
Corporate
Accounting - financial, tax, audit, cost analysis, budget, and
treasury functions
|
|
|
Salary
Ranges |
|
|
|
|
|
1st
Year
|
Large
Company
|
$
33,000 - $ 41,000
|
|
|
Small
Company
|
$
29,500 - $ 38,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
1-3
Years
|
Large
Company
|
$
37,000 - $ 51,250
|
|
|
Small
Company
|
$
34,000 - $ 45,500
|
|
|
|
|
|
3-6
Years
|
Large
Company
|
$
48,000 - $ 62,750
|
|
|
Small
Company
|
$
40,500 - $ 61,000
|
|
|
|
|
|
Controller
|
Large
Company
|
$
95,500 - $145,750
|
|
|
Small
Company
|
$
61,250 - $107,250
|
|
|
|
|
|
Cheif
Financial Officer
|
Large
Company
|
$170,750
- $346,750
|
|
|
Small
Company
|
$
84,250 - $153,500
|
large
company > $250,000,000 in sales, small company <
$250,000,000 in sales
Degree
Programs
Information
for Prospective Students
Site Index
updated:
October 25, 2005
maintained by Kathy Lusk
contact us:
klusk@clemson.edu
|
