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Private law firms employed 7 out of 10 paralegals and legal assistants; most of the remainder worked for corporate legal departments and various levels of government.
   

About 60 percent of court reporters worked for State and local governments, a reflection of the large number of court reporters working in courts, legislatures, and various agencies.

   
In May 2004, full-time wage and salary paralegals and legal assistants had median annual earnings, including bonuses, of $39,130.
   
   
(Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2006-07 Edition, Legal Assistants and Court Reporters)
 
Take Action as an Accountant
Do you find yourself daydreaming about entering a business career in which your skills are in high demand? Opportunities in  

Accounting

  careers are expanding and competition is intensifying. In fact, an 18 to 26 percent increase in job openings for accountants is expected over the next five years -- a faster than average growth rate.

The responsibilities of an accountant vary based on the area of accounting in which you choose to specialize. Public accounting, management accounting, and government accounting are all fields you can excel in when you combine an accounting degree with proficiency in accounting computer software and on--the-job experience.

Public accounting careers involve performing several duties for a company or organization, ranging from basic accounting and auditing to tax and consulting advice. Forensic accounting, which involves investigating white-collar crimes such as fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering, is one particularly interesting area of public accounting.

Due to increased awareness of financial crimes, the demand for forensic accounting careers is on the rise. Organized crime rings and corporations utilize rapidly growing technology to carry out many of these crimes, so it is vital to develop excellent computer skills during your education and/or training to become an accountant.

Management accounting careers involve recording and analyzing the financial data for a company. Management accountants are also commonly referred to as cost, managerial, industrial, and private accountants. They help companies with budgeting, cost management, and strategic planning and development of new products. Ultimately, they provide a great deal of the financial and statistical framework from which company executives can make well-informed and beneficial business decisions.

Government accountants are primarily involved in maintaining and examining government records, as well as performing audits of private businesses and individuals whose financial activities are subject to government regulations and taxes. The most well-known government accounting agency is the IRS (Internal Revenue Services), employed by the Federal Government.

Although salaries vary based on field, experience, and status, typical earnings for the average accountant fall between $39,890 and $66,900. However, in 2004, the top 10 percent of accountants earned well over $88,610. A degree in accounting, especially a master's degree, will improve your chances of finding financially rewarding employment.

While most employers require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, there are exceptions. Some employers will take relevant field experience into account along with a degree, and others will not consider anyone without a master's degree in accounting or Business Administration with a concentration in accounting for employment.

Professional recognition or certification is also a must in many areas, so it's important to know what your state requires. Most accounting degree programs offer internship and part-time opportunities, and it is in your best interests to take advantage of those offerings and get plenty of hands-on experience before entering the workforce.

The Katharine Gibbs School, a leader in business education since 1911, offers a specialized bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in accounting at their Vienna, VA campus. They also have an associate's degree in business administration program at five other locations, ranging from New York, NY to Boston, MA.


Find out more about Katharine Gibbs School today!







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About the author:
http://www.collegebound.net/content
Elise B. Zito is a frequent contributor to The CollegeBound Network. Learn more about finding a school that's right for you.



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