Accounting

Job Title and Overview

An accountant is someone who specializes in network and IT infrastructure security. They understand cyberattacks, malware, and the behavior of cybercriminals. The cybersecurity industry is expected to grow by 13.8 percent in the next ten years. 

Education, Experience, and Pathways

• A bachelor's degree in accounting, along with the completion of the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam, is expected for entry-level positions
• Individuals with a bachelor's degree in a subject other than accounting should seek out the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) certification
• At least seven hours of internal audit experience is required for individuals without a college degree to take the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) exam
• Individuals with a high school diploma should seek accounting adjacent roles such as bookkeeper, accounting clerk, or administrative assistant 

Essential Job Skills 

• Quantitative: Ability to use math to solve problems and deal with large amounts of data
• Critical thinking: Expected to identify potential problems, weigh the pros and cons of different solutions, and make spending decisions
• Organization and Time management: Managers are expected to manage their individual schedules and the time of others 

Workplace Environment and Salary

• Majority of the work is completed in offices with a fast-paced environment
• Work environments can be stressful, and much of the work is completed independently
• Accountants typically work more than 40 hours a week, and it's common for them to work longer hours during busy times of the year, such as tax season
• Accountant Median Salary in Durham: $100,780 ($48.45/hr)
• Entry-level individuals can expect a salary closer to $65,470 ($31.47/hr)

Additional Certificates and Credentials

• Certified Management Accountant (CMA) from the Institute of Management Accountants
• Includes topics of accounting and areas of management
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA) is the most traditional and accepted certification
• Four parts to the exam, each taken separately with a total test time equaling 16 hours
• Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) offered by the Institute of Management Accountants

Skills for Directorial and Executive Leadership

• Develop advanced technical skills that build on the fundamental concepts of accounting
• Clearly communicate with others through both written and verbal communication

Available Resources