Accounting Jobs: Recession Proof

  In tough economic times, many students wonder what education track or degree program to pursue in order to ensure stable employment and a good salary. While fields like real estate and construction were hit hard by the nation's recent economic slump, a select few, like accounting, continued to thrive. The San Francisco Chronicle recently listed accounting as one of the top most recession proof jobs and noted that during the recession accountants remained "gainfully employed and actively sought out." In fact, accounting is projected to grow by a staggering 22% from 2008 to 2018, significantly higher than the 8.2% average growth rate for all civilian jobs. Accounting, a profession in which employees maintain financial records and prepare, analyze and validate financial documents, is considered to be one of the most stable fields "in terms of job security and salary." Accounting salaries are known to be enviable- in 2009 starting salaries for bachelor's degree holders averaged close to $50,000 and top-level accountants commanded salaries far above the $100,000 mark. Qualified accountants have the credentials to work in a number of different fields. Often, students who have earned an accounting degree choose to become public accountants- also known as CPA's or certified public accountants. Because the field is so versatile, degree holders also embark on careers as management accountants in the business sector and forensic accountants in the criminal justice field. Some even choose to work in a branch of the local, state or federal government as government accountants. With so many different areas of employment available to accountants, qualified accountants will continue to be in high demand. If you're a student interested in math or finance now is the time to earn a degree at an online university or ground school in accounting and secure a job in one of the nation's most recession-proof fields.