Top 5 CPA Job Opportunities
by Valerie Wendt
Product Manager – Bisk CPA Review

Now is a great time to pursue a career as a CPA. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics' 2010-2011 Occupational Outlook Handbook , accountants and auditors can expect to experience a significant growth - possibly up to 22 percent - in employment opportunities through 2018. CPAs with professional certification are most likely to benefit from these optimistic figures. Average nationwide earnings as of May 2008 for the middle half of the occupation was between approximately $45,900 and $78,210, with the median salary at just under $60,000.

CPAs are not limited to preparing taxes and offering financial advice. In fact, there are a number of areas that CPAs can specialize in. Below, we provide short descriptions of some of the best specialized career paths that CPAs have available to them today.

Forensic Accounting
If you have an interest in detective work, forensic accounting may be for you. This type of accountant typically investigates and examines any evidence of white-collar financial crimes like fraud and embezzlement. Forensic accountants often serve as expert witnesses during legal proceedings and are responsible for preparing and presenting evidence in court.

Environmental Accounting
Environmental accounting, or social accounting, examines and measures the environmental and social impacts of business decisions. A CPA working in environmental accounting may help a company determine how it can be both environmentally responsible and profitable at the same time. An accountant in this field may be hired to work on environmental compliance or may be asked to set up systems to ensure compliance and avoid any disputes or claims in the future.

Internal Auditing
Accountants within this branch of accounting examine an organization's records for waste, fraud or mismanagement. Internal auditors confirm the accuracy of their company's records and management procedures, and assess efficiency and compliance in regard to laws and government regulations.

Information Technology Services (IT background)
If you have an IT background, you may wish to pursue work with companies seeking employees to design and implement their custom advanced software systems. A CPA with strong IT skills may find work in e-commerce, consulting with colleagues and other IT or accounting professionals to make sound financial and technological decisions for the company.

Education
As the CPA employment outlook continues to be optimistic, experienced CPAs are in demand to teach new generations of CPAs who are coming into the field. While a teaching degree may be required to teach at a college or university, CPAs without a degree can still teach CPA Exam Review courses or write and teach CPE courses as well.

The right educational path is key to a successful accounting career. Most accounting positions require a bachelor's degree in accounting or a similar field, with more and more employers preferring master's degrees in accounting or business administration. Previous experience in the field is also desirable, so colleges and universities endeavor to assist students in finding internships and/or part-time work with local accounting firms while attending school.

In addition to a college degree, aspiring accountants may gain professional recognition through certification or licensure, thus increasing their job prospects. An individual can earn a CPA designation with the combination of the required amount of college credits, practical experience and by passing the Uniform CPA Examination. Also, most states require public accountants and CPAs to fulfill continuing education requirements in order to get their licenses renewed.

Conclusion
A CPA career doesn't have to mean sitting in a cold, quiet office preparing taxes. There are many different and exciting CPA career opportunities currently available, and with some careful research and planning, you have a strong chance of finding the job that you've been dreaming of. Whether you are just emerging into the field, or you've been a CPA for years, now is the time to explore these exciting career opportunities that can make a big difference in your life and the life of your clients.

* Prospective students are encouraged to conduct independent research as employment opportunities may vary depending on location, experience, education and other factors.

About Bisk CPA Review
Founded in 1971 by Nathan M. Bisk, JD, CPA (FL), Bisk Education is the world's largest exclusive provider of professional education online. With its CPA Review, CPE, and University Alliance divisions, Bisk Education has more than 450,000 enrollments, has awarded more than 12 million credit hours, and has helped more than 140,000 candidates pass the CPA exam – including Elijah Watt Sells Gold Medal winner John McInnis, who achieved a perfect score!