Entering
       A New Era

How is the accounting industry changing? And how are career opportunities changing along with it?

There are several answers based on a number of developments affecting the industry. They include:

 1. A thriving economy.

 2. Complexities in the ever-changing tax code.

 3. Heightened scrutiny of company finances following a series of high-profile corporate scandals and the passage of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.

 4. Technological advances.

 5. An increase in global business opportunities.

While there is no shortage of accounting jobs, competition for the best positions can be keen. The most sought-after job candidates are those who not only have a specialization but are proficient in using technology.

To meet rising demands, many accounting firms are morphing into full-service providers.

According to the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), specialized knowledge continues to be important in fields such as banking, insurance, entertainment, telecommunications, health care, construction, and real estate. And of course, tax specialists and auditors remain in high demand, given the complex nature of the tax code and Sarbanes-Oxley.

A number of "niches" have also become important for many firms, including business valuation services, litigation support, mergers & acquisitions, forensic accounting, technology consulting, and risk management.

Other growth areas revolve around the aging of the Baby Boom generation - retirement planning, business succession, estate planning and elder care.