ACCOUNTANT BEST JOB IN 2012

Accounting is expected to be one of the fastest-growing professions over the next decade, according to the Labor Department. That's why U.S. News and World Report named "accountant" to the No. 21 spot on its Best Jobs of 2012 list. Certification is key to standing out in the profession. "It's really the gold star on the resume," says Rebecca Mahler, AICPA's manager of career research and student organizational partnerships