An accounting and finance degree enables a person to seek a career as an accountant or auditor. They are important to companies for ensuring that organizations are run with financial efficiency. They prepare and examine records and make sure taxes are paid on time. They may attend meetings and suggest ways for management to make sound financial decisions. They may be expected to suggest ways to reduce costs and improve profits.They may serve large or small organizations or private individuals. Some people with accounting and finance backgrounds may choose to teach related courses in colleges and universities.

Prospective candidates for jobs in the field of accounting and finance will need a minimum of a Bachelor's degree in accounting or related field. Some companies require a Master's degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting. Becoming certified in one particular field of accounting can help an individual to find a job more easily. Work experience may be necessary for this specialized certification. Most states do require experience before the individual can apply to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Certification for specialized fields in accounting and finance can be applied for by the following organizations. The requirements vary for each field.

• The Institute of Management Accountants- Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
• The Institute of Internal Auditors- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA)
• ISAC- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• American Institute of CPAs (for CPAs)- Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), Certified Information Technician Professional (CITP), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS)

Career Opportunities & Compensation in California

Job candidates for careers in accounting and finance will find positions available in the California cities of San Francisco, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and more. Organizations constantly need to have tax returns prepared, accounting books and systems inspected, and financial records maintained. There will be jobs available in California for different types of accounting and finance jobs. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the job growth rate for the field is currently 16 percent,which is about average. The average pay is reported as $29.66 per hour or an annual salary of $61,690.

Types of Accounting and Finance Jobs in California

• Public Accountants- perform accounting, consulting, auditing and tax tasks
• External Auditors- review financial statements for informing authorities they have been prepared correctly
• Forensic accounting
• Investigating financial crimes
• Private accountants
• Government accountants
• Internal auditor