Finances are top of mind for many households and businesses as tax season ramps up. As a result, it's the perfect time of year for people considering a job as an accountant to get their feet wet in the industry. In fact, the federal government estimates more than 300,000 people are hired every year to work during the January to April tax season.

To help handle the burden of taxes for individuals and companies, many accountants are starting to work overtime, but the profession is flourishing year round. The U.S. Department of Labor expects employment for accountants and auditors to increase by 18 percent between 2006 and 2016. The demand for accountants is growing at a high rate due to an expanding economy and stricter regulations of corporate finances.

The job of an accountant is to help ensure that businesses run efficiently, keep records accurately, and ensure that taxes are paid properly and on time. They are also involved in the analysis and communication of financial information to investors and decision makers within the company, making their profession a high-demand job.

A career in accounting provides many appealing opportunities and benefits. For starters, it often offers very competitive pay. According to PayScale.com the average accountant makes around $44,000 a year, with some making more than $75,000 a year. Accountants also usually enjoy great job security, opportunity for growth, health and medical insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid annual vacation. As a result, it is essential that job applicants differentiate themselves through a college degree as well as CPA certification.

One way to get proper training is to study online. Learning online has become more popular than ever with more than 60 percent of colleges and universities now offering online degree programs. As a result, students can earn a highly reputable and accredited accounting degree from the comfort of home. This provides the flexibility many people need to juggle school and family life while pursuing a new career path.

Once students receive their accounting degree, they have a variety of paths in the profession to choose from, including:

Public Accountant

Public accountants perform many accounting services for corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations, and individuals. These services cover a wide range of specialties from basic accounting that analyzes revenues, costs, liabilities and assets, to forensic accounting that investigates white collar crimes. Another common public accountant role is as an advisor, discussing tax advantages/disadvantages of business decisions, as well as compensation and health care benefits.

Government Accountant/Auditor

A government accountant/auditor works in the public sector maintaining and reviewing government records and auditing private businesses and individuals subject to government regulation. Government accountants/auditors ensure that any debts are paid and revenues received.

Internal Auditors

Internal auditors reduce internal loss by identifying and minimizing mismanagement, waste, and fraud. An auditor evaluates a firm's financial/information systems, management procedures, and internal controls to verify that all data is accurate and that controls are sufficient. In many cases, the internal auditor will also aid in the design of an organization's computer system.

Management Accountants

Management accountants record and analyze financial information for companies. Their duties include budgeting, evaluating performance, cost management, and asset management. Management accountants also aid in the decision making process by analyzing company records.