Accountant

Nature of work:

Who is an Accountant and what does he do?

Accountants are professionals who manage different issues relating to finance, profits, payrolls, money and sales. An accountant actually provides financial and accounts related information to the management team by preparing, evaluating and researching accounting reports. An accountant usually records, evaluates and reports an organizations financial status. An accountant actually plays a role of an advisor. An accountant prepares, implements, records and updates financial and accounting information.

An accountant is actually responsible for managing fundamental functions of business. Accountant job description includes audits to make sure that the tax documents are properly managed. An accountant actually handles payrolls, analyzes business ledgers and financial records. Accountant accumulates and evaluates financial data in order to prepare financial records, loss and profit statements and tax related documents. The key task of an accountant is to maintain financial records. They need to maintain and update all accounts related files.

Accountants are usually hired by a small or large accounting company. Accountants usually prepare tax forms and give assistance for financial and tax related issues. Most of the organizations especially big corporations hire accountants usually to prepare tax forms and to provide advice on tax related issues.

Job duties and responsibilities:

Preparing monthly accounting reports
Preparing loss and profit statements.
Assembling and evaluating financial data.
Preparing financial records and ledgers for business transactions.
Reviewing and evaluating business expenses and budgets.
Preparing and analyzing payroll entries, billing invoices and accounting reports.
Maintaining financial records of the company.
Securing financial data by maintaining backups.
Accumulating, evaluating and reviewing financial records and account reports.
Communicating with internal and external auditors in carrying out the audits.
Maintaining and updating financial databases.
Preparing and maintaining tax reports and budget reports.
Maintaining the government agencies records.
Planning, organizing and implementing particular financial goals to achieve business goals.

Qualifications and Expertise Required:

Education / Training:

Minimum four years bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or any related field is required to become an accountant.
Master’s degree would be an added advantage.
To become an accountant the person should have knowledge in finance, budgeting, accounting and accounting principles.
He should possess knowledge of financial and accounting software applications.
An accountant also requires knowledge on federal and state financial rules and policies.
Most of the employers choose candidates with a degree in accounting or any related field.
A candidate can also do certification course from American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and become certified public accountant.
An accountant should acquire Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license if they are supposed to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) provides training opportunities, career assistance and support for accountants.

Skills required for becoming an accountant:

An accountant should possess strong mathematical skills.
Good analytical and accounting skills are required.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
To become a successful accountant you should have knowledge of computer applications and possess computer skills.
An accountant should be detail and result oriented.
Should possess good time management and reporting skills.
Should be proficient with different accounting software applications.

Career Growth:

Future of aspiring Accountants:

Accountants are usually hired by government, public or private sectors.
The career growth is good for accountant with appropriate training, experience and qualifications.
Initially accountants are hired as a junior accountant.
With experience and skills you can progress to management positions and requires you to interact directly with the Chief Executive Officer.
An accountant can excel in his career with the completion of degree in accounting, 3 to 5 years of experience in accounting and completion of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license exam.
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) provides its members research resources and helps in continuing education.
Professional Accounting Society of America is an organization that mainly focuses on those accountants who wish to enter the field.
An accountant can become a supervisor or manager with advanced training and experience.
An experienced accountant can also establish his own accounting business.