Good accounting is essential to the financial health of any business or organization. Working in the public and private sectors as well as for individual clients, accountants verify, analyze and present financial data to make sure that budgets are being followed and taxes are paid properly. This line of work requires mathematical acumen, integrity, and meticulous attention to detail.
Accountants usually fall into one of four main ... categories. Public accountants specialize in assurance services, also known as financial audit services, for clients across all industries. They have often earned the designation of Certified Public Accountant (CPA) by passing an examination and meeting their state's education and experience requirements
Other kinds of accountants include: managerial accountants, who are employed by businesses to record and analyze all financial information; government accountants and auditors, who perform these services for public entities or audit individuals on the government's behalf; and internal auditors, who work within organizations to ensure that money is not being wasted or misused.
A bachelor's degree is required for most accounting jobs. A 4-year program in Accounting will usually include coursework in mathematics, information technology, economics, and tax law. It is also important that accountants understand how a business is operated internally, how the government collects revenue, and how the worldwide economy is changing.
As technology is automating much of the calculations that accountants of yesteryear had to do manually, the accountant's duties have shifted. Those who are familiar with the latest financial software and other business information systems will be at an advantage in the job market.
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