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By: Uchenna Ani-okoye

Recession Proof Accounting Jobs

In these rather unfortunate economic times, so many students out there wonder what degree program or education track they should go down in order to ensure their employment prospects are stable with a good salary to boot. While sectors such as construction and real estate were hit rather hard by the economic situation we are now faced with, a select few sectors, such as accounting were able to experience positive growth.

Accounting was lists as one of the top recession proof jobs by San Francisco Chronicle and it was noted that during the height of the recession, accountants were able to hold onto their jobs remaining actively employed and gainfully sought after. In fact, based on statistics it’s predicted that the accounting sector is expected to grow by 22% between the years 2008 to 2018, which is much higher than the average growth rate for all other jobs, which is 8.2%.

Accounting is a profession, in which their responsibilities are to maintain of financial records, analyse, prepare and validate financial documents, and it is considered one of the most stable job types in terms of salary and job security. The salaries for accountants is known to be very good, in the year 2009 the starting salary for someone who has a bachelor’s degree was around $50k and those with the high level positions were able to command salaries within the $100k region.

A certified accountant would have the credentials to work in so many different areas. In most cases, after a student has graduated with a degree in accounting, they usually go on to become a public accountant, which is also known as Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Because it’s such as vast sector, those with the right qualifications may also choose to become forensic accountants in the criminal justice sector and management accountants in the business arena.