Accounting is a study of the concepts and techniques used in reporting on matters related to an entity's financial status and performance. Because entities compete for economic resources, accounting information is essential to managers for planning and controlling activities. Information generated by the accounting process is relevant for business decision-making. With a B.S. degree in accounting, you could become a corporate accountant and work in the controller’s office or that of the chief financial officer.
Position Title | Projected Growth (2014-2024) | Preparation Required | 2015 Median Wage |
---|---|---|---|
Credit Authorizers
Position Description:Authorize credit charges against customers' accounts.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$37,920 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 3 | $37,920 per year |
Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
Position Description:Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$38,990 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 3 | $38,990 per year |
Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
Position Description:Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$42,130 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 2
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 2 | $42,130 per year |
Tax Preparers
Position Description:Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$44,730 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 3 | $44,730 per year |
Fundraisers
Position Description:Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$57,170 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $57,170 per year |
Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
Position Description:Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$57,280 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 3 | $57,280 per year |
Appraisers, Real Estate
Position Description:Appraise real property to determine its value for purchase, sales, investment, mortgage, or loan purposes.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$58,400 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $58,400 per year |
Claims Adjusters, Examiners, and Investigators
Position Description:Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.
Projected Growth:
Little or no change (-1% to 1%)
Median Pay:
$64,300 per year
Preparation:
Position Duties:N/A Skills:
|
Little or no change (-1% to 1%) | $64,300 per year | |
Cost Estimators
Position Description:Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$64,810 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $64,810 per year |
Insurance Underwriters
Position Description:Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$72,650 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 4 | $72,650 per year |
Budget Analysts
Position Description:Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$75,150 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $75,150 per year |
Loan Officers
Position Description:Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, and loan underwriters.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$75,170 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $75,170 per year |
Accountants
Position Description:Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$75,280 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $75,280 per year |
Auditors
Position Description:Examine and analyze accounting records to determine financial status of establishment and prepare financial reports concerning operating procedures.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$75,280 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $75,280 per year |
Database Administrators
Position Description:Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$84,250 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $84,250 per year |
Computer Programmers
Position Description:Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Projected Growth:
Decline (-2% or lower)
Median Pay:
$84,360 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Decline (-2% or lower) | Job Zone 4 | $84,360 per year |
Management Analysts
Position Description:Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$91,770 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 4 | $91,770 per year |
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
Position Description:Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$92,220 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 5 | $92,220 per year |
Administrative Services Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, facilities planning and maintenance, custodial operations, and other office support services.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$94,840 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 3
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 3 | $94,840 per year |
Financial Analysts
Position Description:Conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions.
Projected Growth:
Slower than average (2% to 4%)
Median Pay:
$95,320 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Slower than average (2% to 4%) | Job Zone 4 | $95,320 per year |
Securities and Commodities Traders
Position Description:Buy and sell securities and commodities to transfer debt, capital, or risk. Establish and negotiate unit prices and terms of sale.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$102,860 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $102,860 per year |
Securities and Commodities Traders
Position Description:Buy and sell securities and commodities to transfer debt, capital, or risk. Establish and negotiate unit prices and terms of sale.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$102,860 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $102,860 per year |
Actuaries
Position Description:Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$110,560 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 4 | $110,560 per year |
Personal Financial Advisors
Position Description:Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives.
Projected Growth:
Much faster than average (14% or higher)
Median Pay:
$118,050 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Much faster than average (14% or higher) | Job Zone 4 | $118,050 per year |
Compensation and Benefits Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
Projected Growth:
Faster than average (9% to 13%)
Median Pay:
$121,630 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Faster than average (9% to 13%) | Job Zone 4 | $121,630 per year |
Sales Managers
Position Description:Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$130,400 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 4
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 4 | $130,400 per year |
Treasurers and Controllers
Position Description:Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$134,330 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $134,330 per year |
Treasurers and Controllers
Position Description:Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$134,330 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $134,330 per year |
Lawyers
Position Description:Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Projected Growth:
Average (5% to 8%)
Median Pay:
$136,260 per year
Preparation:
Job Zone 5
Position Duties:
Skills:
|
Average (5% to 8%) | Job Zone 5 | $136,260 per year |
Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.
Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain insurance rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.
Plan, direct, or coordinate one or more administrative services of an organization, such as records and information management, mail distribution, facilities planning and maintenance, custodial operations, and other office support services.
Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.
Examine and analyze accounting records to determine financial status of establishment and prepare financial reports concerning operating procedures.
Plan, direct, or coordinate compensation and benefits activities of an organization.
Compute, classify, and record numerical data to keep financial records complete. Perform any combination of routine calculating, posting, and verifying duties to obtain primary financial data for use in maintaining accounting records. May also check the accuracy of figures, calculations, and postings pertaining to business transactions recorded by other workers.
Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports.
Teach courses in business administration and management, such as accounting, finance, human resources, labor and industrial relations, marketing, and operations research. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.
Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.
Conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programs of public or private institutions.
Review settled claims to determine that payments and settlements are made in accordance with company practices and procedures. Confer with legal counsel on claims requiring litigation. May also settle insurance claims.
Buy and sell securities and commodities to transfer debt, capital, or risk. Establish and negotiate unit prices and terms of sale.
Create, modify, and test the code, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software developers or other individuals. May assist software developers by analyzing user needs and designing software solutions. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.
Authorize credit charges against customers' accounts.
Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.
Appraise real property to determine its value for purchase, sales, investment, mortgage, or loan purposes.
Advise clients on financial plans using knowledge of tax and investment strategies, securities, insurance, pension plans, and real estate. Duties include assessing clients' assets, liabilities, cash flow, insurance coverage, tax status, and financial objectives.
Organize activities to raise funds or otherwise solicit and gather monetary donations or other gifts for an organization. May design and produce promotional materials. May also raise awareness of the organization's work, goals, and financial needs.
Buy and sell securities and commodities to transfer debt, capital, or risk. Establish and negotiate unit prices and terms of sale.
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Conduct organizational studies and evaluations, design systems and procedures, conduct work simplification and measurement studies, and prepare operations and procedures manuals to assist management in operating more efficiently and effectively. Includes program analysts and management consultants.
Evaluate, authorize, or recommend approval of commercial, real estate, or credit loans. Advise borrowers on financial status and payment methods. Includes mortgage loan officers and agents, collection analysts, loan servicing officers, and loan underwriters.
Compile and record employee time and payroll data. May compute employees' time worked, production, and commission. May compute and post wages and deductions, or prepare paychecks.
Plan, direct, or coordinate the actual distribution or movement of a product or service to the customer. Coordinate sales distribution by establishing sales territories, quotas, and goals and establish training programs for sales representatives. Analyze sales statistics gathered by staff to determine sales potential and inventory requirements and monitor the preferences of customers.
Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.
Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses.
Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.
Review individual applications for insurance to evaluate degree of risk involved and determine acceptance of applications.
Explore career information and other resources specifically tailored to Accounting majors.
Career Development Center
A110 Kerr Admin Building, Corvallis, OR 97331
541-737-4085 • Contact Us
Hours: Mon-Fri, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.