GCIS
The Georgia Career Information System (GCIS) has become a favorite among students wanting to find out about Career Paths, Job Outlooks, and Salary Information. 

Accounting is growing fast and is one of the 50 hottest jobs of the decade. About 300,000 new accounting jobs are expected by 2006. There will be more accounting jobs available in the next ten years because of increased business activity. You may want to consider international accounting--as foreign business grows so will the need for this specialty. Also, there is more opportunity for women and minorities in the accounting field; over half of the new recruits in 1997 were women. For an article regarding job outlook for accounting major, click here.

America's Career Infonet (ACI)  helps people make better, more informed career decisions. Searchable by location and occupation name, the site provides information such as occupational, demographic and labor market information at the local, state, and national levels. In addition to accessing detailed wage and trend data, students may learn about the skills, knowledge and abilities commonly associated with occupations, as well as typical education and training required. America's career InfoNet also provides State Profiles- information and links about economic, educational and cultural resources. The Career Resource Library connects users to over 4,000 career- related sites.

The listed links provide excellent job descriptions/job opportunities in the accounting field.

• Where Will You Go?

• What Skills Do You Need?

• What Salary Can You Expect?

Other Related Sites

• State by State Occupational Projections, 1998 - 2008

• Employment Projection Sources

Professional Certifications

The CPA
Certified Public Accountant. If you want to practice as a CPA, you must complete 150 hours of study at an accredited college or university and pass a four-part exam prepared by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The exam is offered twice each year, in May and November, in every state. Certificates are issued by a state Board of Accountancy, and each state has formulated education and experience requirements that you must fulfill. More information: AICPA

ATTENTION: 

It appears that the requirements to sit for the CPA exam in Georgia have changed. Under the new requirements, a person can sit for the CPA exam with a 4-year degree and 20 hours of upper level accounting courses. However, to receive the CPA certificate, the candidate must complete 150 hours of college education with 30 hours of upper level accounting along with the work experience (2 years of public accounting or 5 years of private accounting). There is no time limit for completion.

The CMA
Certified Management Accountant. You can become a CMA by achieving specific educational standards, passing all parts of a four-part exam, and having two years of professional experience in management accounting or financial management. The two-day exam is offered twice each year in June and December. More information: IMA

The CIA
Certified Internal Auditor. The Institute of Internal Auditors Inc., offers the CIA designation to graduates of accredited colleges and universities who complete two years of experience in internal auditing and pass a four-part exam. More information: IIA