I'll File a Grievance

I recently went to a retirement party with my husband for one of his co-workers. I worked at this same place six years ago (that's where I met my husband, but that's another story), so I knew most of the people at the party. 

One person I didn't know (I'll call her Jill but that's not her real name) was talking about how bored she is in her current job. She's been with the agency for about three months and is doing administrative work. 

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"I'm way overqualified for this position," she said. "I used to be an Office Manager. I only took this job because I heard this agency was a good place to work. I know I can get something better." 

Jill told me she planned to apply for a new opening at the same agency -- a slightly better-paying administrative position. That position became vacant recently when that secretary retired. It's been filled by a temp for about three weeks.

"I know I'm way more qualified than that temp!" Jill said. "If she gets hired instead of me, I'm going to file a grievance!"

If she hadn't quickly disappeared, I would've given her some advice. If you've ever had the same attitude as Jill, maybe you can use this advice.

First, an employer is not under any obligation to hire the most qualified candidate. They can hire the least qualified candidate, as long as that candidate meets the minimum qualifications stated in the position announcement. >vacancy  

Second, employers are people, and people hire those they like and want to work with. As long as there is no discrimination based on race, religion, color, national origin, marital status, age, gender, sexual orientation or physical/mental disability, employers can legally hire whomever they want.

The fact of the matter is, a candidate is never hired based solely on her qualifications. A candidate is hired because she convinces the hiring manager that she can do the job and be a positive, enthusiastic, pleasant-to-work-with member of the team.

Someone who is blabbing to co-workers (and strangers!) that she'll file a grievance if she doesn't get hired is unlikely to fit that bill.

If you're thinking of applying for a promotion within your current company, please realize that more than your experience, skills and qualifications will be judged.

What's your reputation? If you're a dedicated team player, great!

But if you're a complainer whom your current boss and co-workers would not miss, you've got some reputation repair work to do first! >employee

Insurance Underwriter Career, Job and Training Information.Parts 2

**Career job information for job seekers and find good   employment job

The work of underwriters has also been greatly affected by the Internet. The computer systems of many insurance carriers are now linked to various databases across the Internet allowing immediate access to information. Such information may include driving records which are necessary to determining a prospective client’s risk. Easy access to information reduces the amount of time and paperwork it would otherwise take for an underwriter to complete a risk assessment.
Most underwriters specialize in one of three major categories of insurance-life, health, or property and casualty. Insurance underwriters specializing in either life or heath may go on to further specialize in group or individual policies.

Underwriters specializing in Property and Casualty usually localize their specialization into either personal or commercial insurance, and then further by the type of risk insured; such as homeowners, automobile, fire, liability, workers’ compensation or marine. In some instances casualty companies provide insurance through a single “package” policy which covers a wide range of risk types. In situations such as this the underwriter must be familiar with different lines of insurance. For example, in business insurance cases the underwriter must often be able to evaluate the firm’s entire operation when appraising its application for insurance.

Group contacts are making up an increasing proportion of insurance sales, particularly in life and health insurance. A standard group policy insures everyone in a specified group through a single contract at a standard premium rate. It is the responsibility of the group underwriter to analyze the overall composition of the group assuring that the total risk is not excessive. Another type of group policy provides members of a group with individual policies reflecting their needs. Such policies are often given to labor unions. Often these are casualty policies, like those covering vehicles. In this case, the casualty underwriter evaluates the application of each group member and makes individual appraisals. Some group underwriters may also meet with union or employer representatives in order to discuss the types of policies that are available to their particular group.

Insurance Underwriter Training and Job Qualifications

Most large companies prefer to hire college graduates who have a degree in finance or business administration even for entry- level underwriting positions. However, a bachelor’s degree in almost any field along with courses in accounting and business law provides a good general background and may be sufficient to meet qualification requirements. Because computers are an essential part of most underwriters’ jobs, computer skills are crucial.

Once hired, new employees usually start out as underwriter trainees or assistant underwriters. Under the supervision of an experienced risk analyst they may help collect information on applicants and evaluate routine applications. Trainees working in property and casualty areas study claims files in order to become more familiar with various aspects associated with specific types of losses. New employees hired by many larger insurers may be offered a work-study program. Work-study programs can last anywhere from a few months to a whole year. As time goes on and more experience is gained, trainees are given more and more responsibilities and are assigned policy applications that are more complex and cover greater risks. Computers are used for more efficient analysis and processing of more complex applications.

For people who enjoy analyzing information and paying close attention to detail, underwriting can be a satisfying career. It is important for underwriters to demonstrate good judgment in order to make reliable and sound decisions. Because much of the underwriter’s work involves dealing with agents and other insurance professionals, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are also essential. Underwriters hoping for advancement must remember that continuing education is vital. Often insurance companies will pay tuition for underwriting courses successfully completed by their trainees. Some may even offer salary incentives.

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Accounting Auditing Careers, Jobs, Training and Employment Information.Parts 4

**Career job information for job seekers and find good   employment job

Careers in accounting or auditing require people who are good at mathematics and have strong skills in analyzing facts and numbers. They need to have good communications skills to their clients understand their findings. They have to be good not only with computers, but with people as well, as they will spend a lot of time collaborating with management officials and clients. Knowledge of computers is also becoming integral to accounting. Perhaps most importantly, accountants need to have high standards of honesty and a strong work ethic as major decisions are based on their advice.

Individuals who are capable and have the necessary background will not find promotion difficult, but those who lack education may have to struggle to advance. Many can gain junior accounting positions on the basis of their graduation from junior college, business school, or community college; or those who have experience in bookkeeping or clerks. With hard work and by learning quickly, they can gain better positions by virtue of their skills rather than their education.

When first beginning their career most public accountants assist other accountants with their work for many different clients. Within a year or two they may advance to more advanced positions. With a few more years of experience they might rise to very senior positions, such as mangers, partners, executives in private firms specializing in management accounting or internal auditing, or they might even start their own firm.

Entry-level positions for management accountants consist of cost accountants, trainees, or junior auditors. With experience, they might become accounting managers, budget directors, internal auditing managers, or chief cost accountants. From there, management accountants might work as treasurers, vice presidents in charge of finance, chief financial officers, or presidents. Experience in accounting is a good background for senior executive positions at corporations.

There is a lot of flexibility within the industry for management and public accountants and internal auditors. It is not unusual for public accountants to move to being management accountants or internal auditors, or for internal auditors to become management accountants. However, it is more unusual for management accountants for internal auditors to become public accountants.

Job Outlook for Accountants and Auditors

Job growth for accountants and auditors is projected to be in line with the average rate of growth. Most growth will derive from more businesses being started, new financial regulations, and more rigorous inspection of company finances. Also, new accountants will find jobs as people shift industries or retire.

The growth of the economy means that more businesses are being established, which increases the demands for auditors and accountants to develop programs for organizing finances, helping with tax preparation, and providing consultation to management. As the businesses expand, their financial records dealing with income, expenditures, and taxation will be larger more complex, increasing the responsibility of accountants. Also, new legislation and changes to regulations that alter taxation practices, standards of financial reports, investing, mergers and acquisitions, etc.

Recent business scandals that have involved problems in accounting have led to new federal legislation to help prevent further criminal activities. The legislation has led to higher fines, increased prison sentences, and places responsibility for faulty accounting on the corporate executives. These changes also mean that companies will be examined more closely for any evidence of criminal activities. The implications for accountants are that there will be an increased demand for their services, especially those of CPAs, and they will have to be more thorough and accurate. They will have to be able to recognize and eliminate fraud and be familiar with regulations and laws. Also, as government agencies try to increase efficiency and maintain proper records, government accountants will be in high demand as well.

As more people are on the alert for signs of financial crimes or corruption, forensic accountants will be in high demand. Forensic accountants will have to be familiar with computers as more crimes are being committed using them. Computers also help the crime-fighters, providing new and better ways of tracking and finding crimes.

As the industry of accounting changes, there will be more opportunities but also some limitations. In the past, accountants were diversifying their influence in companies as they provided advice, consultation, and management in many areas that weren’t traditional parts of accounting. The new federal legislation limited the services accountants can provide to the clients they audit makes that impossible for many accountants. However, accountants may still be called upon to provide diverse and associated services to pre-IPO companies and companies for whom they do not provide auditing services, but even with these factors growth in these areas won’t proceed at the rate of the pre-legislation period. Also, as more tax preparation is done by computer software or firms who specialize in tax preparation, the need for accountants in that area will decrease. Computers will also change the work of accountants as they will perform much less of the actual calculations and routine work as more of it can be handled by computers.

In general, the outlook for employment is accounting is encouraging. However, it is a competitive field. Enrollment in accounting programs is growing, and so competition might be stiff. CPAs have excellent job opportunities, and prospective accountant with professional recognition will have better chances. Competition for management accountants and internal auditors might face keen competition as more accountants seek CMA and CIA certificates. Post-graduate degrees such as an MBA or master’s degree in accounting will also give competitors an advantage. As more people associate accounting with scandals, it is especially important to have a reputation as an honest and competent accountant. Professional recognition can go a long way toward gaining that reputation.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics in the United States foresees a job growth of 34% in the next few years. Most of this is due to greater complexity in business dealing and governmental growth. There are an especially high number of job openings in health care and taxation.

Activity-based costing has been an increasing trend in accounting. Now, businesses are furthering that idea to the area of activity-based management, checking constraint, process-view analysis, and analyzing businesses processes as well. There are many new trends and big changes in managerial accounting, and those interested should research, interview, and read trade publications to be au courant.

For people who like change and new challenges, becoming an accounting temp can be a good option. As businesses cycle, workload increases and decreases and more companies and CPA firms are looking for good temps.

The fact that becoming a CPA now involves almost a full year of extra schooling demonstrates that the business environment is much more competitive. Accountants need skill depth and specialized skills to stay competitive as well.

Over 50% of corporations say that their CPAs and CMAs are integral to the company. Prospective accountants should look into earning these credentials. Information can be found on the web or by phone.

To learn about the CPA call (212) 575-5505To learn about the CMA call (201) 573-9000

Earnings Information

The range of income for all accountants was $30,000-83,000. Most earned between $37,000 and $61,000 with a median of $47,000. Those with bachelor’s degrees had a starting salary of $40,600, and those with master’s degrees had a starting salary of $42,200. Salaries were slightly higher for those working for the federal government, accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, payroll, and those in management. Salaries were slightly lover for those working at state or local governments.

Robert Half International conducted a survey in 2003 that found that accountants with less than one year of experience earned $30,000-40,000, and those with up to three years of experience earned $34,000-50,000. Those with more experience and responsibility earned as follows, depending on size of firm, location, education, and credentials:

Senior accountants/auditors: $40,000-62,000

Managers: $48,000-79,000

Directors: $67,0000-200,000Salaries for those working for the federal government were as follows:

• Entry-level junior accountants/clerks: $23,400
• Those with strong academic records: $29,000
• Those with graduate degrees or experience: $36,000
• Supervisors and managers: $70,000
• Auditors: $73,000

*All statistics are according to data taken in 2002.

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Insurance Underwriter Career, Job and Training Information.Parts 1

**Career job information for job seekers and find good   employment job

The following are a few Insurance Underwriter career and job highlights:

• The need for underwriters will always exist as long as insurance is considered a necessity for people and businesses.
• College graduates who have a degree in finance or business administration with courses in accounting are more likely to find opportunities for employment with large insurance companies. However, a bachelor’s degree in any field along with courses in accounting and business law may be adequate in order to meet qualification requirements.

Insurance Underwriter Career and Job Description

By assuming billions of dollars in risks each year, insurance companies protect individuals and organizations from significant financial loss. Underwriters are needed to identify and calculate a policyholder’s risk of loss. They also work to establish appropriate premium rates, and to write policies that cover these risks. Great trust is placed in underwriters as an insurance company may have to pay excessive claims if the underwriter is too liberal, or may loose customers to competitors if the underwriter is too stingy.

Aided by computers, underwriters analyze information in insurance applications in order to determine if a risk will not result in a loss and is therefore acceptable. Applications are often supplemented with reports from, medical reports, loss-control consultants, actuarial studies, and data vendors. After an adequate amount of information has been reviewed the underwriter must then decide whether to issue the policy and what appropriate premium to charge. Underwriters serve as the main link between the insurance carrier and the insurance agent in making this determination. On occasion, they may also accompany sales agents to make presentations to prospective clients.

Technology is very important to an underwriter’s job. Computer applications called “smart systems” are used by underwriters to efficiently and accurately manage risks. These systems automatically analyze and rate insurance applications, recommend acceptance or denial of the risk, and adjust the premium rate in accordance with the risk. With the help of these systems, underwriters are better equipped to make sound decisions and avoid excessive losses.

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