Young and restless - top 20 jobs

Research by Money Magazine and Salary.com: You've been in the job long enough to know what you want: more pay, more upside and more control over where you're going.

By Jennifer Merritt, Carolyn Bigda and Donna Rosato

4 of 20

A top 5 pick

Public Accountant

5 job tips for the young and restless
Full report at Salary.com

Public accountants do everything from auditing financial statements to advising companies on tax strategies andother business costs. You need a C.P.A. only to certify financial records, but "it's a credential a lot of employers like to see," says Frank Fusaro of the Forum Group, an industry recruiter.

	Salary	Total compensation (includes bonus)
Median Pay: $50,100
Most people make: 90% in this job make more than:	$38,400	$39,300
Top earners: 10% in this job make more than:	$59,100	$62,000

10-year Job Growth: 22%
Growth in Jobs	263,854
Total openings	485,893

Career Description

Prepares balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and other financial reports. Responsibilities also include analyzing trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations incurred to predict future revenues and expenses. Reports organization's finances to management, and offers suggestions about resource utilization, tax strategies, and assumptions underlying budget forecasts. Familiar with standard concepts, practices, and procedures within a particular field. Relies on judgment and limited experience to plan and accomplish goals. Performs a variety of tasks. Works under general supervision; typically reports to a supervisor or manager. A certain degree of creativity and latitude is required.

Education/Experience

May require a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance and 2-4 years of experience in the field or in a related area.

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