The certificate or Associate degree in Accounting prepares students for a variety of positions in the accounting field. Students gain the skills needed for a professional job in Accounting or related fields such as a staff accountant. Many students find part-time employment in the accounting field after completing the first accounting courses in the program and continue to work while fulfilling program requirements. Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records. They ensure that financial records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time helping to ensure that organizations run efficiently and according to the law. <br><br>To succeed in accounting, students should possess strong analytical and communication skills. They should also be organized, detail oriented, and enjoy dealing with numbers to interpret facts and figures. Accountants must make sound judgments and be able to clearly communicate the results of their work, orally and in writing, to clients and management.