Accountants and auditors are here to help us ensure that various types of firms around the nation run fairly and efficiently on the financial side of their business. They make sure that accurate public records are kept and that taxes are paid on time. It is also the responsibility of the accountant and/or auditor to communicate financial information to the government, other companies, and to individual clients. Furthermore, accountants may prepare, analyze, budget analysis, investment and financial planning, information technology consulting, limited legal services, and verify financial documents in order to provide accurate information to clients.

When becoming an accountant, there are certain points about the job you should know. They include:

  A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field
may be required
  Those with a master’s degree will have the best
opportunities, which is also true for those seeking
certification, licensure, or are proficient in using
accounting and auditing software
  An increase in the number of businesses is what will
result in a faster-than-average growth of accounting
and auditing jobs. Other contributing factors
include changes in financial regulations and laws, as
well as better scrutiny of company finances.
Types of Accountants
The job duties of an accountant or auditor are going to vary widely across four different fields of auditing and accounting. Those fields include: management, public, government, and internal auditing.
   Management Accountants
   Public Accountants
   Government Accountants
   Internal Auditors
   Personal Advisors
Training & Qualifications
At least a bachelor’s degree will be needed for most accountants and auditors. Most choose certification, such as becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

The education and training that is required depends on what area of accounting one wishes to pursue.

   Licensure & Certification
   Other Qualifications
Certification & Advancement
It is through certification that an individual receives professional recognition. This is also true when a person has a designation other than a CPA. As long as some kind of designation is present and accepted, an individual has an advantage in the job market. Certification shows.

   CCSA- Certified in Control Self-Assessment
   CGAO- Certified Government Auditing Professional
   CFSA- Certified Financial Services Advisor
   ABA- Accredited Business Accountant
   ATA- Accredited Tax Advisor
Facts and Figures
What is interesting is that many internal auditors, management accountants, and government auditors and accountants are not CPAs.

   Job Outlook
   Job Prospects
   Related Occupations
Introduction