Continuing education is a fact of life for CPA's, but why doesn't this normally extend out to client acquisition for most accountants.

Accountants and auditors work in many different areas throughout private and government industries. Learn what sets these two areas apart.

The size and atmosphere of accounting firms varies greatly across the spectrum of jobs in the industry, from running your own business at home to working for one of the 'Big Four' firms. Some aspects of the job, however, remain the same across firms and regions.

If you are in accounting or studying accounting in school and are looking for a highly visible position in your company, take a look at management accounting.

Free software can often fulfill all the small business needs of expensive software packages. Here's how you can get good accounting software you might need for work or study without a costly investment.

With demand so high, today's accountants have an enormous number of opportunities to choose from when shifting their career gears. Once you've got some experience under your belt, you can pursue any number of specialties that match your strengths and interests. So how do you plot your direction? In part, the answer depends on where you started your career and where you sit now.

If you're just beginning your career in accounting and finance, the first few weeks on the job can be both baffling and intimidating. One of the best ways to put you at ease is to find a "career idol."

Accounting is an important part of every company. Businesses are required to keep books on their credits and debits. So which is best for your business idea - people or software?

Whatever's happening in the economy, healthcare companies continue to need accountants to keep business going and handle a maze of regulation.

After receiving his degree in accounting from University of British Columbia, Amir (who would prefer not to disclose his full name) took two months to travel through Europe before spending three years at a Big Four accounting firm working towards becoming a CA (Certified Accountant). But now, he's back working for the family business: even dentists' offices need accountants.

A co-op program at her school gave Heather the industry exposure she needed to figure out what kind of job was right for her. But after graduation she made sure to take the time to fulfill one of her dreams (backpacking through Europe) before she started work as an Internal Audit Consultant.

Hayley got interested in accounting during college and has fast-tracked her way up the first rungs on the ladder at a major accounting firm.

The Institute of Management Accountants' 2007 salary survey uncovered both good news and bad news for accountants. The good news: Average salary for IMA members now tops $100,000, having risen 6.9 percent last year. The bad news: The gap increased between men's and women's pay.

With so many empty seats to fill, public accounting firms may be willing to overlook a candidate's willingness to jump during the busy season. But that doesn't mean doing so is a good idea.

Sarbanes Oxley has changed the way businesses do their business, but how? And what do these changes mean for future business and up-and-coming accountants?

If you are interested in Accounting, here are some common career paths you could pursue.

Even in an increasingly uncertain economy, accounting and finance are core business functions vital to a company's ability to navigate difficult periods. As a result, demand remains steady for top accounting and finance expertise in key areas, according to the 2009 Salary Guide from Robert Half International.

If you're like other accounting and finance managers who oversee multiple people while trying to accomplish your own tasks, you may struggle to get it all done. While managing your time can be a challenge, there are a number of techniques that can help you. Here are a few of them:

There is a never-ending supply of information about accounting. Here we've listed some of the best publications.

There is something to be said for entering a profession where your services will be in demand by virtually every business, institution and government in existence.

The IRS offers a variety of opportunities in Accounting/Business/Finance.

Bribery involving a Fortune 500 and a foreign government. Untangling the next Enron. For an auditor with a few years of experience, forensic accounting and litigation support (F&L) can be an exciting career option.

Skilled accounting and finance professionals have myriad job opportunities available to them due to the current intense demand for their services. With this in mind, retaining your star performers should be a top priority. One way to reduce turnover is to be on the lookout for red flags that signify employee dissatisfaction. Identify them early enough, and you can take corrective measures that encourage key staff members to stay. Here are some common warning signs to watch for:

Mike is a self-employed accountant who takes off for a few months every year to make ski descents of some of the world's biggest mountain faces. He runs his own accounting firm in Aspen, which has enabled him to make impressive ski descents--and films--around the world.

An example of an Accounting resume.

The daily life of an accountant isn't exactly filled with unexpected surprises and thrills and accounting has gotten a reputation for being boring that it no longer deserves.

Whatever career path you want to take, or headline you want to make, a CPA certification can help you make your big break in just about any field...