Accounting Schools in New Mexico

Accounting Schools in New Mexico

From calculating tax liabilities to performing cash flow analyses to entering transactions into bookkeeping software, having a strong academic background in accounting can help individuals provide a range of valuable services to companies and clients.

Those interested in pursuing a career as an accountant, auditor or related financial occupation in New Mexico can consider pursuing formal college education in the subject. Postsecondary certificate, undergraduate degree and graduate degree programs are all available options. Some schools offer part-time programs, while others allow students to complete accounting degrees in New Mexico online. The latter option can be especially appealing to students who do not live near a college campus. Students at accounting schools in New Mexico can explore the fundamental principles of accounting as well as the analytical, interpersonal and communication skills commonly used in this field.

New Mexico Schools: Accounting Programs

Data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows that over 25 schools in New Mexico offer at least one accounting or accounting-related program. These programs fall into one of the following categories: accounting, auditing, accounting and business/management, accounting technology and bookkeeping, accounting and finance, and accounting and other related services.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics, College Navigator, 2013, http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/

Certification and Licensing Requirements for New Mexico Accountants

Those who earn bachelor's or higher accounting degrees in New Mexico can pursue a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, accountants who file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission must be CPAs, and CPA licensing may also enhance one's job prospects.

In New Mexico, those applying for CPA licensure must submit all required information to the New Mexico Public Accountancy Board. Applicants need passing scores for all four sections of the Uniform CPA Examination, college transcripts documenting 150 semester hours of credit with at least 30 hours of accounting, and proof of a bachelor's degree. Requirements also include at least one year of experience under the supervision of a licensed CPA and completion of the AICPA Ethics Examination. New Mexico may offer reciprocity with other states, if certain requirements are met. Individuals interested in becoming a CPA in New Mexico should contact the New Mexico Public Accountancy board for more information.

Career Opportunities for Graduates of Accounting Schools in New Mexico

Those who graduate from accounting schools in New Mexico may find opportunities in a variety of industries, from finance and insurance to state and local government. Accounting professionals also have the option of becoming self-employed or joining a large or small accounting firm. New Mexico is home to KPMG, one of the "Big Four" accounting companies. There are numerous other employers in the state who could have job openings for accounting grads, some of which are listed below:

Employment Outlook for Accounting Careers in New Mexico

According to May 2012 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 17 percent of New Mexico's business and financial operations sector was comprised of accountants and auditors. Employment in these and similar financial occupations are expected to grow from 2010 to 2020, both on a state and national level. Growth rates and salary potential for some accounting-related fields are detailed in the following chart:

Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics: Employment Projections, 2012; Bureau of Labor Statistics: Occupational Employment and Wages, 2013; New Mexico Workforce Connection, Occupational Employment Projections, 2013

* Salaries and employment opportunities may vary based on experience, education, location and other factors.

Sources:

Accountancy: Requirements and Continuing Education, Boards and Commissions, New Mexico Public Accountancy Board

http://www.rld.state.nm.us/boards/Accountancy_Requirements_and_Continuing_Education.aspx

Accountants and Auditors, Career Solutions, New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions, 2013

http://www.dws.state.nm.us/careersolutions/occs/132011.html

Accountants and Auditors, May 2012 Occupational Employment and Wages, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes132011.htm

Accountants and Auditors, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2012-13 Edition), Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012

http://www.bls.gov/ooh/Business-and-Financial/Accountants-and-auditors.htm

College Navigator, National Center for Education Statistics, 2013

http://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/

Labor Analysis Statistics & Economic Research, New Mexico Workforce Connection, 2013

https://www.jobs.state.nm.us/analyzer/default.asp

National Employment by Occupation, Employment Projections, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012

http://bls.gov/emp/ep_table_102.htm

New Mexico, May 2012 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nm.htm

New Mexico Society of CPAs

http://www.nmscpa.org/

United States, May 2012 National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates, Occupational Employment Statistics, Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2013

http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_nat.htm