Most jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.

Job opportunities should be favorable; those who have earned professional recognition through certification or licensure, especially a CPA, should enjoy the best prospects.

Much faster than average employment growth will result from an increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations, and greater scrutiny of company finances.

About 59 percent of cost estimators work in the construction industry, and another 15 percent are employed by manufacturers.

Good job opportunities are expected; those with industry work experience and a bachelor's degree in a related field will have the best prospects.

Voluntary certification can be beneficial to cost estimators; some employers may require professional certification for employment.

Jobseekers are likely to face competition.

About 3 out of 10 work in finance and insurance industries.

Most financial managers need a bachelor's degree, and many have a master's degree or professional certification.

Experience may be more important than formal education for some financial manager positions—most notably, branch managers in banks.

Nearly 9 out of 10 loan officers work for commercial banks, savings institutions, credit unions, and related financial institutions.

Educational requirements range from a high school diploma for many loan officers to a bachelor’s degree for commercial loan officers; previous banking, lending, or sales experience is highly valued.

Good job opportunities are expected for mortgage and consumer loan officers and excellent opportunities are expected for commercial loan officers.

Earnings often fluctuate with the number of loans generated, rising substantially when the economy is strong and interest rates are low.

A Ph.D. in mathematics usually is the minimum educational requirement, except in the Federal Government.
Much faster than average employment growth is expected for mathematicians.

Keen competition for jobs is expected.

Ph.D. holders with a strong background in mathematics and a related field, such as computer science or engineering, should have better employment opportunities in related occupations.

Keen competition is expected because the prestige and high compensation of these jobs attract a substantial number of applicants.

Top executives are among the highest paid workers; however, long hours, considerable travel, and intense pressure to succeed are common.

The formal education and experience of top executives vary as extensively as the nature of their responsibilities, but many of these workers have at least a bachelor's degree and considerable experience.