Q. How much per hour should a per diem CPA make in the Jackson, Mississippi, metropolitan area? I'm considered self-employed, and I have 16 years of public accounting experience. My area of specialty is income tax.A. Per diem is a Latin term that literally means 'per day.' A per-diem CPA is one whose rate of pay is based on a day of work, rather than on a full-time salary. The term per diem is also used sometimes to indicate a flat fee for daily reimbursable expenses, such as a per diem for full-time employees who travel.People who work on a per diem basis are often called contractors. Contrac... view article details

People say college is the best time of your life. For some, it's the thrill of being in a basketball arena or football stadium surrounded by tens of thousands of rabid comrades ready to scream their way through a rivalry game. And for a few others still, it's that meal plan that lets them gobble down 5 slices of pizza, 7 cookies, and 2 fruit cups, all with a swipe of their student ID. But everyone has one common memory: classes, where they could join their peers in learning from great professors. Perhaps you are considering returning to college as your own career progresses. People may think c... view article details

What is the answer to the question – “How Much Am I Worth?” Find out the salary you deserve. Salary is a Sticky Issue "So, what are you looking to be paid?" It's always a sticking point during an interview. When a hiring manager asks you what your salary requirements are, it can be difficult to answer. Ask for too much, and you could end up pricing yourself right out of the job. Venture too little and you might be seen as less than confident in your capabilities (and also not get the salary you deserve). To get this right, you need to be proactive and take intelligent steps toward making sure ... view article details

Careers in Demand for the Future What will help wanted ads look like in two, five, ten years from now? And why should you care? As the world evolves, so do job trends and job descriptions. It’s important to structure your career so that your job will still be in demand in several years. This article explores seven professions, both emerging and long-standing, that offer the best careers for the future. Career #1: Healthcare According to recent Labor Department data, an aging population will put healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, physical therapists, home health aids, and pharmacists... view article details

At some point in the job application process, you might find yourself in a tight spot. What do you do when asked for a salary history? You may be gunning for a job with greater responsibilities than in your last one, or making a transition to an industry that pays better than the one you're in now. You may even be willing to take a paycut if you believe you've truly found your dream job. Either way, submitting salary history could compromise your position of advantage when it comes time to negotiate your pay. The relevant measure of worth is the fair market value of the open position, not what... view article details

Creatures of the Deep Two hundred miles out to sea, Tonie Chute checks that she is tethered securely to her research vessel and then goes to the deck's edge to help guide an 800-pound sampling net into the water. The net's fine mesh traps the tiny plankton, samples of which Chute and other marine biologists will analyze in the National Marine Fisheries Service laboratory back on shore as they investigate the effects of global warming on fish populations. . . "I chose this work because I wanted to be outside and get really dirty, something I try to remember when I'm cold and frightened," said C... view article details

Job description Engineers research and develop solutions to technical needs in society. They design products, materials, machinery, factories, systems, structures, and much more. Their main work lies in ensuring efficiency, and working to constantly improve the quality of all aspects of life. They also analyze the impact their projects have had on the environment and society. Most engineers specialize in a certain area, there are more than 25 specialties recognized by professional engineering societies and each area has many divisions. Engineers will also sometimes choose to specialize in a s... view article details

Career Coach & Author Jack Chapman Tackles All of Your Salary and Negotiation Questions You know them, you hate them, but how do you beat them? All the experts---Jack Chapman included---agree it's best for job-hunters to hold off on any and all salary talk until the interview process is complete and a firm job offer is in hand. But as hundreds of our readers have pointed out, the "salary boxes" found on online job applications often require a numeric answer. You want to play your cards close to the vest, but sometimes that feels impossible when a potential employer is barely letting you sit... view article details

Job description Lawyers act as both advisors and advocates to their clients. They represent either the defense or prosecution side in criminal and civil trials. They are responsible for presenting evidence and arguments that best support their client. Lawyers advise their clients regarding a multitude of issues in both business and personal matters. Lawyers will usually specialize in a certain area of law, such as healthcare, probate, international, and environmental law, among others. Most lawyers work in private practices dealing with either criminal or civil law cases. The National Associa... view article details

Looking to negotiate your salary? Maybe you’ve received a job offer, or maybe you are simply looking to get a raise at your current company. Either way, salary negotiation can be a gut-wrenching process. Of course you want more money or more benefits, but will it affect the way your manager views you? Could the new company withdraw their offer in favor of a candidate looking for less? Many people are afraid of asking for more – particularly women, with a shocking 7% of women attempting to negotiate their first salary. And, for those that are unemployed, working in a toxic environment, or switc... view article details