• Accountant Job Description

    An accountant is someone who is employed by a person or an organization to manage their financial documentations. Their job involves monitoring and recording financial transactions, analyzing financial reports and performance, creating a cash flow forecast, and computing taxes owed and preparing tax returns.

    An accountant should be sharp-witted, accurate, reliable and trustworthy, and have the ability to think analytically and approach problems in a methodical and organized manner. They should be able to communicate effectively to express themselves clearly and explain information to others in the simplest of ways. They should also be confidential and understand their clients and the type of business they operate.

    Pursue a career as in accounting if you are a detail-oriented and accountable person who is good with numbers and interested in bookkeeping.
  • What does a Accountant do?

    Accountants may do some or all of the following:

    • work with clients and colleagues to manage financial documentations
    • prepare and review the client’s financial statements and other financial information
    • report and explain financial information to the client
    • create a cash flow forecast for the client’s business
    • help the client understand and meet their tax obligations
    • develop, interpret and apply accounting policies
    • advice clients on ways to reduce costs, enhance revenues and improve profits
    • keep clients business records confidential
    • coach, supervise and mentor junior accountants
  • Where does a Accountant work?
  • Working Conditions

    Accountants usually work normal business hours, but may be required to work evenings and weekends to meet deadlines. Their work is usually office based, but they may travel to their clients’ places of business to offer their accounting services.

  • What is Required to Become a Accountant ?

    To become an accountant, you will need to have a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a closely related discipline.

    Secondary school students interested in studying accounting should take preparatory subjects such as math, business, economics, statistics and computer science.

  • Modules
  • Specializations
  • Knowledge, Skills and Attributes

    Accountants need to have:

    • patience
    • humility
    • adaptability
    • accuracy
    • creativity and innovation
    • persistence and diligence
    • integrity and dependability
    • good attention to detail
    • good interpersonal skills
    • good listening and communication skills
    • good judgment and decision making skills
    • good analytical and problem solving skills
    • time management and organizational skills
    • math and computer skills
    • record keeping skills
    • the ability to work well under pressure
    • the ability to keep information confidential
    • knowledge of quantitative methods
    • knowledge of accounting software packages
    • knowledge of accounting rules and theories
    • knowledge of business management practices
    • knowledge of finance, economics and management

References

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Alternative Careers
  • Financial Manager
  • Bank Worker
  • Financial Analyst
  • Economist
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