Accounting positions range from bookkeeping clerks who maintain financial data in computer and paper files to chief financial officers who are responsible for providing leadership in the design and operations of a total accounting information system and its output of financial statements.

Overview of Accounting as an Occupation Field

The U.S. Department of Labor identifies accounting essentially at two levels. At the "executive, administrative, and managerial" occupational level, accountants and auditors are included. Under "bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks," positions are available to those with some training and interest in working with financial records.

Persons employed in accounting are generally expected to have strong computer, analytical, interpersonal, and communications skills in addition to sound knowledge in accounting related to the level of the position. Career opportunities are available for individuals with varying levels of formal education.

In general, the rate of growth of...