This career is growing faster than most—at a rate of 22 percent through 2018.

Stricter accounting and auditing regulations and changes in financial laws and corporate regulations have opened up opportunities. Companies and corporations that are globalizing and expanding their services will be needing more accountants and auditors.

Those with college degrees in accounting, plus certification—particularly CPAs—can expect good-paying positions in this field.

In 2008, accountants earned a median salary of $59,430. The middle 50 percent earned $45,900 to $78,210. The highest 10 percent earned more than $102,380.

Corporate directors of accounting or auditing earned the highest salaries. Those in government accounting earned the least.

Accountants and auditors maintain public records, file tax returns, organize financial records, and complete financial documents for businesses, individuals, and government. Their services can include budget analysis, financial and investment planning, information technology consulting and legal advice.

Public accountants understand tax implications of business decisions. Some give advice on overall company spending, including employee salaries and benefits. Others audit financial statements and prepare reports for investors. These latter accountants are often known as external auditors and many have their own businesses or work for public accounting firms.

Internal auditors evaluate their firms' financial and information systems, maintain accurate records and check for mismanagement, waste and fraud. They also make sure that the company complies with government regulations, and ensure that accounting technology and computer systems are secure and reliable.

There are a growing number of specialty auditors, particularly in the field of information technology, environment, compliance and forensics.

Accountants generally have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. The very best opportunities exist for those who hold master’s degrees, certification and specialized experience with accounting or auditing software.

Licensing: An accountant must be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in order to file reports with the Security and Exchange Commission and perform supervisory audits. The best salaries and management positions will go to those who are CPAs.

In most states, Certified Public Accountants must complete 150 hours of college credit, which is 30 hours beyond the typical bachelor’s degree in business administration. CPAs must have significant on-the-job experience being supervised by a CPA.

To qualify for the CPA exam, your bachelor's degree must come from a regionally accredited college and it must include very specific courses in accounting and business. Make sure any education you undertake meets your state’s specific CPA educational requirements.

Entering the Field: Begin by earning a diploma or certificate in bookkeeping or accountancy. A good first job in accounting might be as a billing or payroll clerk. You can earn your associate (two-year) degree in business and accounting while you work.

You will need to complete a regionally accredited, four-year degree (bachelor’s) in accounting to qualify to sit for the CPA exam in most states. Most states also require a 150-credit bachelor's degree rather than a 130-credit bachelor's degree.

Career Changers: Accounting is an excellent career for anyone who enjoys managing data and general office systems. Many office managers learn bookkeeping on the job and decide to return to college to learn high-level accounting and auditing skills. Bookkeepers and accounting clerks can obtain junior accounting experience and move into full-charge accounting by demonstrating on-the-job skills. Moving up will require additional college coursework.