Accountants and Auditors

Focus on the Jobs That Count

Accountants and auditors can make or break a company. They ensure that the company is run efficiently, its financial records are kept accurately, and its taxes are paid properly and on time. With changes in financial laws and increased desire for accountability to protect shareholders, demand for accountants and auditors is on the rise. Even during difficult economic times, demand continues to be strong as businesses try to cut costs and maintain good financial controls on operations.

Accountants can work for a specific company, government agency, an accounting firm, or independently, providing financial assurance services and financial risk management. High demand and a variety of great job opportunities await those seeking a career in the field of accounting and auditing.  

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Accountants and Auditors are in High Demand in the Gulf Coast Region.

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Estimates show an annual job opening of 4,255 in the Gulf Coast region!

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This lucrative position pays around $50,000 upon entry, but can double faster than you expect

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And When We Say that Accountants and Auditors are in Every Industry, We Mean It.

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Would becoming an Accountant or Auditor suit you?

These skills, interests, and knowledge areas are recommended for a career as an I&E technician. The numbers below describe the relative importance of each knowledge/skill area to the occupation.

89.6%

Economics & Accounting

Practicing the principles of economics and accounting practices, trends in the financial markets, and reporting financial data in reference to practical costs.

82.4%

Mathematical Reasoning and Comprehension

Understanding mathematical systems and how mathematical theories bring a calculation from the beginning to the final conclusion.

81.4%

Mathematics

Knowing arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, and their theories to apply them to real world problems

80%

Number Facility

The ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, or perform other mathematical processes quickly

*Source: Texas Career Check

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Get on this career path!

High School Endorsement: Business & Industry | STEM

 

Where to Start?

Be smart and start in high school and get on an endorsement track. Students should aim for a high GPA with math focused courses to aim for an accounting degree, like advanced mathematics courses.

Most entry positions require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers prefer a master's degree, so keep a lookout for 5-year degree plans that earn both a bachelor's and master's. Accountants and auditors sometimes specialize their services depending what industry they are working in, and certifications can demonstrate these focused skills. 

 

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Certifications & Advancement

Certification can indicate to employers a specialized field of accounting and auditing as well as meeting the quality for professional standards, gaining you an advantage in the job market.

• Most accountants and Auditors become licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Some employers will pay the cost for their employees to complete the CPA exam. Getting a CPA license requires:
  • A bachelor's degree with 30 semester hours accounting and 20 hours of related business courses
  • 150 hours of college coursework
  • 1 year of accounting experience
  • Passing the 4-part national exam offered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) within 18 months

• The credential of Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is administered by the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). This certification supports management accounting and finance professionals who drive business performance from inside organizations.

• The Institute of Internal Auditors offer a Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) designation, or three different specialty industry certifications. These certifications support accountants specializing in the field of internal auditing.

• The Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation offers credentials in four different specialty areas of accounting
  • Accredited Business Accountant (ABA)
  • Accredited Tax Advisor (ATA)
  • Accredited Tax Preparer (ATP)
  • and Elder Care Specialist (EDS). 

 

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Helpful Tech to Know

• Accounting Software: Intuit QuickBooks or Sage 50 Accounting
• Financial Analysis Software: Delphi Technology or Oracle E-Business Suite Financials
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software: NetSuite ERP, Oracle Fusion Applications, Oracle PeopleSoft Financials, or SAP Business Objects
• Human Resources Software: ADP Workforce Now, CPSI EHR System, or Sage Abra HRMS
• Business Intelligence and Data Analysis Software: IBM Cognos Impromptu, Oracle Business Intelligence Enterprise Edition, or Qlik Tech QlikView 

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Gulf Coast Region Accounting Degree Programs

Universities

• Houston Baptist University
• Prairie View A&M University
• Sam Houston State University
• Texas Southern University
• University of Houston
• University of St. Thomas

Major Employers in the Gulf Coast Region

• Accretive Solutions
• Deloitte
• Ernst & Young
• Grant Tornton LLP
• KPMG
• MFR
• Pricewaterhouse Coopers

If you have questions about our Industry/Occupation Profiles or are an organization in the Gulf Coast Region, please contact webmaster@wrksolutions.com.

*Includes the following counties: Austin, Brazoria, Chambers, Colorado, Fort Bend, Galveston, Harris, Liberty, Matagorda, Montgomery, Walker, Waller, and Wharton.

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