If you are looking for a career that is in high demand and applicable to many industries in Miami, Florida, then you want to look into accounting. The role of an accountant is typically known as a professional crunching the numbers. However, the responsibilities are far more detailed than that.
While accountants examine and prepare financial records, they also make sure that companies are complying with laws and that personal and corporate taxes are paid correctly and on time. They also monitor financial operators to help ensure that a company or organization is running efficiently. Additionally, they suggest ways for organizations to reduce costs while improving profits and enhancing revenues.
The career of an accountant is also promising when it comes to career growth. The Bureau of Labor Statistic’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, states that accountant jobs are expected to grow 10% by the year 2026. This percentage projection is faster than the average any other occupation!
If you are interested in an entry-level career as an accountant in Miami, then Florida National University (FNU) is a university you should seriously consider. Founded in 1982, FNU currently has two campus locations in Miami and Hialeah.
We are a regionally accredited university that awards associate, bachelors and master’s degrees. Our accounting degree programs are designed to prepare you to apply for the best entry-level accountant positions available in the Sunshine State.
What Entry-Level Accounting Jobs Can I Get with a Degree from FNU?
There are four primary accounting jobs in the accounting sector. Each position has specific tasks according to the industry and position. Most accountants work full-time, with 1 in 5 working more than 40 hours per week. It is common for accountants to work overtime hours, especially during tax season or at the end of a quarter and budget year.
Most accountants have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Entry-level accounts can also find jobs with an associate’s degree. Being certified in a specific field of accounting helps job seekers improve their chances of employment, such as becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
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General Accountants
General accountants are experts in analyzing and preparing financial documents and reports, such as tax returns, income statements, and balance sheets. Accountants keep track of the money coming in and the money going out.
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Government Accountants
Government accountants are employed at all levels of government — federal, state and local. At the federal level, Government Accountants manage public funds, investigate white-collar crime, perform financial statement audits for government agencies and conduct research on emerging accounting issues
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Management Accountants
Management accountants look after a company’s accounts. They advise managers about the financial implications of business decisions to aid growth and profit. They also complete tasks such as preparing reports, budgets, commentaries, and financial statements. undertaking financial administration and internal audits.
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Internal Auditors
Internal Auditors are accounting professionals who provide organizations with guidance on financial accuracy, internal controls, and regulatory compliance. They examine and improve operating practices, and financial and risk management processes of the organization.
Jobs You Can Get with a Degree in Accounting
A bachelor’s degree in accounting can open doors for a multitude of diverse career options. Graduates with an accounting degree can also look forward to higher than average field growth rates and salaries, which makes this degree an excellent return on its investment.
Most companies, regardless of the size, industry or location, have an employee who manages its finances. Depending on how the company is set up, an accountant’s job responsibilities can vary and so can the job title. Here are some of the job titles you might want to look for when applying for an entry-level accounting job:
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Accounting Manager
Accounting Managers oversee the daily operations of the accounting department. They monitor and analyze accounting data and produce financial reports or statements. They also have the great responsibility of establishing and enforcing proper accounting methods, policies, and principles.
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Accounts Payable Clerk
The role of the Accounts Payable Clerk involves providing financial, administrative and clerical support to the organization. Their role is to complete payments and control expenses by receiving payments, plus processing, verifying and reconciling invoices.
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Accounts Receivable Clerk
An Account Receivable Clerk is an accounting professional who ensures organizations receive payment for services offered or goods sold to clients. This typically involves sending bill reminders and statements to clients, posting financial transactions to an accounting system and making bank deposits.
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Payroll Clerk
The payroll clerk position is accountable for collecting timekeeping information, incorporating a variety of deductions into a periodic payroll, and issuing pay and pay-related information to employees.
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Accounting Assistant
Accounting Assistants work closely with one or multiple accountants. Their responsibilities depend on the needs of their employer, but duties typically include maintaining ledgers, assisting customers, preparing and distributing checks, handling cash and invoices, making phone calls, and basic bookkeeping.
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Bookkeeping
Entry-level Bookkeepers are generally bookkeepers who perform basic tasks such as data entry of financial transactions and maintaining the chart of accounts. They may have a bit more responsibility than this though. Entering financial data can be done daily, weekly, monthly, or quarterly.
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Office Manager
Office Managers maintain office services by organizing office operations and procedures, preparing payroll, controlling correspondence, designing filing systems, reviewing and approving supply requisitions, and assigning and monitoring clerical functions.
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Staff Accountant
Staff Accountants work in the accounting department of a company or in accounting firms and perform a variety of duties such as maintaining the general ledger, reviewing financial statements, preparing financial reports, assisting with audits and budgeting processes, and reconciling accounts.
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CFO
The Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a company has primary responsibility for the planning, implementation, managing and running of all the finance activities of a company, including business planning, budgeting, forecasting, and negotiations. The CFO job description should also extend to obtaining and maintaining investor relations and partnership compliance.
FNU’s Accounting Degree Programs
At FNU, we offer three separate accounting programs: an Associate of Science in Accounting (AS), an Associate of Arts in Accounting (AA) and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting (BS). Our programs do not just focus on accounting courses. They also dive into tax, law, business, banking and finance, micro and macroeconomics, corporate finances, and more. Let’s take a closer look at the three accounting programs offered at FNU.
FNU’s AA in Accounting program is designed to prepare students for employment as an entry-level accountant. During the program, students will learn general accounting principles and automated procedures. The AA program requires a minimum of 60 credits for graduation. Thirty-nine credits of general education and liberal arts courses must be met.
The AS in Accounting program at FNU is more focused on the technical side of computing numbers. The AS in accounting degree program includes 23 credit hours of educational and liberal arts courses that include Principles of Accounting I, Business Law Income, Principles of Marketing, Tax Accounting, Principles of Business Management and Principles of Microeconomics. FNU awards the Associate of Science Degree when students meet the minimum requirement of 60 credit hours.
Once a student has graduated with either an AA or AS in accounting, he or she can continue his or her by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Though a BS is not necessary to obtain an entry-level accounting job, it will provide you with the educational foundation needed to pursue advanced-level employment. Courses include auditing, corporate finance, business communication and more. With this degree, a minimum of 120 credit hours needs to be completed.
Enroll in an FNU Accounting Program Today
At Florida National University, we are here to help our students succeed in their schooling and in the working world. That is why our three accounting degree programs can be completed in a shorter period. Unlike traditional institutions, our 16-week semesters are broken down into two, eight-week semesters. To help our students further, we offer most of our degree programs entirely online.
Therefore, you have the flexibility to set your own schedule. If you are interested in enrolling in one of FNU’s accounting programs, you can view our online curriculum. Schedule an appointment with an FNU advisor to discuss which accounting track is best for you. We can also help you find the right kind of financial assistance to pay for your education. Get started today!
