NATION

NATION

Employment to increase quickly for accountants

NEW YORK — Employment of accountants is expected to grow by about 18 percent between 2006 and 2016, faster than the 10 percent growth projection for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Jeff Thomson, president of the Institute for Management Accountants, says changing financial regulations and increased accountability will drive growth for management accountants especially, as more than a quarter million new jobs are expected to be added over the next decade.

And for those wary of a career with a drab reputation, Thomson assures accounting often involves a lot more than punching numbers into a calculator.

“Not everyone realizes that accounting involves strategic planning for the company, being able to figure out what are the best products, the most profitable products, how to deliver to customers,” he said.

Author: Companies’ success is rooted in their purpose

NEW YORK — Southwest Airlines Co. is selling freedom, BMW AG is selling joy and Walt Disney Co. is selling imagination.

The success of these companies is rooted in their clearly articulated purpose, according to Roy M. Spence Jr., author of the recently published book “It’s Not What You Sell, It’s What You Stand For.”

“I think that when the dust settles on this economic Armageddon, the only companies and brands that will be left standing are the ones that stand for something,” said Spence. “The only organization in America that is in the business of making money is the federal government, at a plant that prints dollars. Businesses have to improve life and make a difference to make money.”

Associated Press