Accounting still going strong in weak economy

For those who follow accounting news (and who doesn't?) there were two apparently conflicting reports released this week.

The bad news is really not so bad and the good news is very good.

First, the Washington Business Journal trumpeted that "Big accounting firms trim their local payrolls." That's the headline.  But the article goes on to say that smaller firms are still hiring and that there remains a huge demand in corporate accounting.

Forbes Magazine highlighted a number of professions that are faring well during the recession and accounting was one of them, because "Businesses everywhere need someone to keep the books."  The article singles out Baltimore and D.C. as two places where accounting is thriving.

You are still a few years away from your CPA, so you may think this doesn't concern you.  But isn't it reassuring to know that, even in the worst of times, accounting is a pretty secure career?