Occupation Profile for Accountants

opportunity | video

Accountants analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.

Signficant Points

  • Most jobs require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.
  • Opportunities will be best for jobseekers who have a master’s degree, obtain certification or licensure or who are proficient in the use of accounting and auditing computer software.
  • Faster-than-average growth of accountant and auditor jobs will result from an increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations, and greater scrutiny of company finances.
 

Tasks

  • Core — Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
  • Core — Establish tables of accounts and assign entries to proper accounts.
  • Core — Develop, implement, modify, and document recordkeeping and accounting systems, making use of current computer technology.
  • Core — Compute taxes owed and prepare tax returns, ensuring compliance with payment, reporting or other tax requirements.
  • Core — Report to management regarding the finances of establishment.

Activities

  • Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
  • Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.