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Accounting as a Career
The work of the accountant is firmly established as an indispensable
service in the
world of business, government, and nonprofit
organizations. Professionally trained
accountants no longer merely "keep the books" of a business.
Today's accountant more often serves as a strategic business partner whose job is to
develop key business intelligence that allows clients to analyze their processes, business
issues, and business risks. Public accountants provide their clients with auditing as well
as other "assurance" services; "forensic" accounting to help uncover fraud; information
technology design, implementation, and auditing; business consulting; and tax advisory
services. Accountants in private industry provide financial management and reporting
services, internal auditing, management accounting and analysis, and tax planning. Many
accountants serve as a company's controller, treasurer, chief financial officer, or other
executive officer. Accountants in government often are involved in performance auditing,
financial reporting or auditing, compliance audits and/or investigative audits. Accountants
in the nonprofit sector provide similar advisory services including financial budgeting
and reporting, development of internal control systems, and tax services.
The growing globalization and complexity of modern business firms have increased the
demand for accountants. At the same time, the supply of accounting graduates has declined.
Today's accountant must have a high level of technical competence, but must also have good
communication and analytical skills, as well as the ability to work with people. Employers
are looking for individuals who have the ability to analyze and evaluate complex business
problems and the interpersonal skills and maturity to make decisions in an increasingly
client-focused environment. Success as an accountant requires motivation, a commitment to
service, and skills in communication and analysis. Also important are abilities to work
well with others, to think abstractly, and to solve problems systematically. The expanding
use of computers in business requires that the accountant be trained to use computer-based
accounting and management information systems, to design and implement new systems, and
to provide the expertise in internal control and auditing to review and audit both new and
existing systems.
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