oarding, and an economics class. Training is available at business schools in addition to junior colleges, colleges and universities. The cost of education varies. For example, Southern Connecticut State University has a good accounting program that costs $4,800 a year for commuters and $9,600 a year to live on campus. Salve Regina University also has a very good accounting program that costs $24,000 a year. Most large public accounting and business firms and the federal government require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting, but many employers prefer a master's degree. (Encyclopedia of Careers 1-5, VGM's Careers Encyclopedia 1-4)Two important things in choosing a career are opportunities and advancement. In 1997 there was around 962,000 accountants in the United States, and job opportunities will continue to increase at an average through the year 2005. You can gain experience by starting with simple jobs like a cashier or even as a stock person. Another consideration could be working as a treasurer for a student organization requiring financial planning and money management can also help you gain experience. Advancement is one of the first things people look at when searching for a job/career. Accountants may advance to such jobs as chief plant accountant, chief cost accountant, budget director or manager of internal auditing. Highly talented accountants achieve corporate positions such as controller, treasurer, corporate presidents, financial vice presidents or presidents.Income is important to most people, because we all like a job that can provide for our families and ourselves. Junior accountants and auditors start at about $25,000 and earn an average of $35,000. The starting salaries for accountants with a bachelors degree average $29,400 a year. Public and private accountants receive similar increases, and the larger the corporation or firm, the higher the salaries will be. In public accounting the low mid-...
