Sarita's Blog

Where Do I Go from Here?

2006-06-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Spending the last 14 years in public and private accounting have made me realize that I do not intend to make either my life long career. The accounting experience has been very beneficial as it has given me much practical application, that I would not have had otherwise.

For me personally, I would like to use my experience and knowledge to assist others in the accounting profession. I beleive that I can achieve this through teaching. Thus it is my ultimate desire to become an accounting instructor.

Obtaining my Master's Degree in accounting is the first step towards this goal.

Accounting Today

2006-06-16T15:07:00.000-07:00

Accounting is much more focused on current real-time information, and future information (forecasts,projections). This requires more sophisticated use of accounting information systems than when I began the profession some 14 years ago.

The auditing profession has become entirely focused on auditing through the computer rather than around the computer. This requires the auditor to have an extensive knowledge of accounting information sytems.

Whereas historical information was and still is the basis form providing information for GAAP based financial statements, many other users of information require more current information.

In my accounting career I have been asked to provide projections, what-if scenarios, forecasts, and real-time information. Familiarity with these concepts will be key for those entering the accounting field currently.

Opportunity is great for accountants today. With the additonal accounting expertise required by Sarbanes-Oxley, the sky is the limit for those pursuing a career in accounting. In addition, the field is has more high level female accountants than was true some years ago.

Accounting as a Career

2006-06-15T21:25:00.000-07:00

After graduating as an undergraduate in accounting, I accepted a job with one of the Big Six(now Big Four) accounting firms. The path that I chose for myself was auditing. I must say that this was an excellent means of gaining experience and real hands-on application of all of the concepts that I had learned as a student. Of course the next progression was to sit for the CPA exam.

The exam is everything that most hear about it - extremely difficult! However, with much perserverance(I used a self study method, although an accounting review course is an alternative method that some may choose) I was successful in completing the exam within two years of employment with the accounting firm. Successful completion requires much time and effort!

For the years following I have served in various aspects of accounting - mostly governmental accounting in both internal and external auditor positions. I have also had the opportunity to serve in private accounting positions as well.

Accounting as a Career

2006-06-15T20:40:00.000-07:00

I have worked as an accountant for 14 years and as a certified public accountant for 12 years. Most of my career has been spent in public accounting as an auditor.

New Blog User

2006-06-15T20:25:00.000-07:00

This is great! I am a new blogger as a requirement for my Accounting Information Systems class at Alabama State University. I am in the very learning phases of "blogging" so I am sure that I will learn much more as I continue.