A career in finance and accounting involves work concerned with examining, analyzing, and interpreting financial, budgetary, tax, and investment information. The three major types of employers in this industry are public accounting firms, private businesses, and government agencies. Accountants and auditors held over 1,080,000 jobs in 1996 with 1 out of 4 working in public accounting and auditing firms, and 1 out of 10 self-employed.

Overall, the Bureau of Labor and Statistics says the increase in jobs in this industry will follow the national average of 10 percent annually, or about 95,000 jobs each year. One exception is the field of bookkeeping, which is starting to decline due to new software products that reduce the number of people necessary to handle day-to-day bookkeeping.

People who choose this career should have strong attention to detail and be very organized. Additionally, a career in private business will require strong written and verbal skills.

There are several courses of study that would help make someone successful in this career field. Some suggested courses are: accounting, business & consumer law, keyboarding, word processing, personal finance/business economics, and business systems & procedures.

The finance and accounting industry is described as conservative. Most employers still require formal attire, although a few have moved toward corporate casual. Most individuals in this industry work in a typical office setting with a standard 40-hour workweek, but many work longer hours--particularly if they are involved with tax work during the tax season. Accountants and auditors who perform audits usually travel a great deal.