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Home > News > Career News > Article

CPA Degree: Your Path to Economic Intrigue

CPA Degree: Your Path to Economic Intrigue By Kelly Richardson
kelly.richardson@hqeducation.com
HQ Education Columnist
June 5, 2006

When most people think of a CPA, the first image that comes to mind is the tax preparer in his tie and stuffy shirt. But earning a CPA degree can lead to much more than yearly tax time. There are an entire range of alternative finance positions that make earning a CPA degree your door to economic increase.

You may already know that the CPA, or Certified Public Accountant, is one of the more respected careers in the financial sector. But did you know that the traditional stereotype of the straight edged accountant no longer applies to this evolving career? In fact, CPA degree holders can specialize in a variety of new financial niches that make every day a problem or mystery to solve. The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants describes these exciting positions in detail. Here are the highlights of some of the more fascinating careers that CPAs qualify for.

CPA Degree: Hot Career Paths

  • Environmental Accounting. CPAs routinely handle environmental compliance audits and claims or disputes against property.
  • Forensic Accounting. Forensic accountants perform detective-like duties that determine whether fraud has been committed by a suspect.
  • International Accounting. The passage of the North American Free Trade Agreement has brought international accounting into the spotlight.


If you have strong analytical skills and an eye for detail, perhaps you would fit well into one of these stimulating accounting roles. The U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics reports that earning your CPA degree means becoming a part of a stable career field.

The 30-second CPA Career Profile

  • Basic Credentials. A CPA degree is a one-year program that follows a basic four-year degree in accounting.
  • Positive Outlook. The demand for CPA degree holders will grow faster than the national average until 2014.
  • Competitive Salary. Earning a CPA degree will have you making an average salary of $39,000 to $67,000 annually.


Come on over to the cloak-and-dagger side of finance when you earn your CPA degree and begin this your path in solid career.

Sources
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Accountants and Auditors, U.S. Bureau of Statistics


About the Author

A freelance writer, researcher and teacher, Kelly Richardson has over 15 years of creative and technical writing experience. He teaches secondary Honors-level English and writes for a variety of clients in specialized industries such as medicine, technology and education. Kelly holds Undergraduate and Graduate degrees in English and Education from Georgia State University. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Educational Policy & Leadership.


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