You don’t need a CPA to start a career in accounting. Learn how accountants and accounting departments are hiring more than just CPAs
March 2, 2009
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Do you have a way with numbers? Thought about becoming an accountant but don't have time to enroll in a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) program? Perhaps a career as an accounting assistant is right for you. Becoming an accounting assistant has helped many graduates begin a career in accounting and bookkeeping. Accounting assistants work with accountants and accounting departments to help provide a wide range of support to a company and its financial operations.
What are the Job Opportunities for Accounting Assistants?
Many accounting assistants work with accounting firms. Accounting assistants are also employed by accounting departments of companies in virtually every field ranging from law to catering. Accounting assistants, and those with accounting diplomas, can fill positions such as:
- Payroll clerk, administrator or coordinator
- Accounting analyst
As a payroll clerk, administrator, or coordinator, accounting assistants help ensure that a company’s employees are paid on time and paid the appropriate amount for the time they have worked. Accounting administrators also help the company and its employees file tax forms appropriate for their business. Accounting analysts assist in the production of a company's annual financial report and financial statement. While a bookkeeper will help manage the company's money and ensure that all funds are accounted for. Much of an accounting assistant's work is typically done on a computer using money managing programs. Accounting courses and an accounting diploma can help you better understand the responsibilities of these jobs and how to excel in them.
Where Can You Work with an Accounting Diploma?
Accounting assistants work in a wide variety of companies in the private sector ranging from traditional accounting firms to companies. Corporate accounting jobs are found in businesses of all sizes and industries from large supermarket companies to law and architecture firms. Accounting assistants who work in the private sector are likely to have a variety of options when applying for positions as many large businesses and companies hire accounting assistants with accounting diplomas to help their business run smoothly.
There are also employment opportunities for individuals with accounting diplomas in the public sector by governmental agencies throughout the country. According to the Partnership for Public Service, the Defense Finance and Accounting Service, a part of the Federal Government, employs approximately 15,000 people, making it the world's largest finance and accounting organization. This includes accounting assistants helping the government run smoothly and serve communities across the nation.
Getting Your Accounting Diploma
Accounting courses and an accounting diploma can help you prepare for an interesting and fulfilling career in a wide range of companies. Sanford-Brown College-Collinsville (SBC) offers two programs for individuals interested in pursuing a career as an accounting assistant. Our Business Administration/ Accounting Diploma program offers students accounting classes in financial accounting, taxation, payroll accounting and business management. You can also get your Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Students in this program will complete accounting courses, as well as general education and professional development classes. Students also complete business core and concentration requirements. To take your first step towards working as an accounting assistant click here.
Sanford-Brown College - Collinsville is close to many locations:
Alton, IL - approximately 21.6 miles
Edwardsville, IL - approximately 12 miles
Granite City, IL - approximately 8.4 miles
Madison, IL - approximately 11.2 miles