4 answers
Julianna
Student
Livonia, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
1662 views
What does a job in accounting entail?
I may be interested in accounting, but I'm not really sure what to expect. #accounting
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4 answers
Kevin Vesely
Senior Manager at PwC NQO
9
Answers
Florham Park, New Jersey
Updated
Kevin’s Answer
That's a great question and it's a good idea to try to understand what any career would be like before going into it. I recently answered a similar question over what does the day of any accountant look like which I will include below. Accounting mainly focuses on the proper way to record business transactions. It is the language of business. That being said, accountants will specialize in tax, audit, forensics, law, professional services, the list goes on and on. See the answer I had for someone else that I am coping below:
Let me start by saying that it is also a very difficult question to answer because accounting is a very broad field with lots of different career opportunities. Depending on the path you choose, your day to day life will look very different. I will start with my path as it is the one that I am most qualified to answer. I picked public accounting when starting my career and have never left it. I serve clients from different sizes and industries and for that reason, no day is like the one before. I work across all areas of their financial statements and get exposure to upper management to understand how their business operates and make sure that they are accounting for things appropriately. I also work closely with a team. Depending on the size of the client, accountants work on teams to fulfill their client's needs. For that reason, there is a lot of collaboration and working together with others that I really enjoy. That is the path that I have gone down for the past 10 years and have really enjoyed it. That being said, there are lots of different paths. For example, there are public accountants who go to business for themselves and serve smaller clients for tax purposes. There are accountants who go work for companies (called private accounting) and depending on the industry/company their day to day jobs are very different. Then there are the specialists, accountants who specialize in things like forensics, IT systems, big data, tax, mergers and acquisitions, the list goes on and on. What I would recommend if you are considering accounting is to try to shadow some individuals who have chosen different paths and see what fits your personality best. Accounting teachers and professors are also normally assets in this regard as well. Good luck!
Let me start by saying that it is also a very difficult question to answer because accounting is a very broad field with lots of different career opportunities. Depending on the path you choose, your day to day life will look very different. I will start with my path as it is the one that I am most qualified to answer. I picked public accounting when starting my career and have never left it. I serve clients from different sizes and industries and for that reason, no day is like the one before. I work across all areas of their financial statements and get exposure to upper management to understand how their business operates and make sure that they are accounting for things appropriately. I also work closely with a team. Depending on the size of the client, accountants work on teams to fulfill their client's needs. For that reason, there is a lot of collaboration and working together with others that I really enjoy. That is the path that I have gone down for the past 10 years and have really enjoyed it. That being said, there are lots of different paths. For example, there are public accountants who go to business for themselves and serve smaller clients for tax purposes. There are accountants who go work for companies (called private accounting) and depending on the industry/company their day to day jobs are very different. Then there are the specialists, accountants who specialize in things like forensics, IT systems, big data, tax, mergers and acquisitions, the list goes on and on. What I would recommend if you are considering accounting is to try to shadow some individuals who have chosen different paths and see what fits your personality best. Accounting teachers and professors are also normally assets in this regard as well. Good luck!
Erica Torres
Assurance Manager at PwC, CPA
4
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Erica’s Answer
Hi Julianna,
As mentioned by Kevin, you can take many paths within accounting (i.e. tax, audit). I, similar to Kevin, have worked in public accounting my entire career, specifically in the audit field. I specifically audit financial statements of companies that range from size and industry. Not only do I audit financial statements of these companies, but it's a great way to learn about the company objectives and the products/services they offer. In a way I feel as if I am contributing in their accomplishments and growth.
Although, I have been working in public accounting for my entire career, you should know that public accounting (specifically PwC) allows individuals to grow and take many paths throughout their career. For example, if you start with PwC in auditing and you realize it is not something you enjoy, you can be given an opportunity to work in tax, forensic accounting, etc. Essentially we provide you with many opportunities to grow.
Hope this helps. Good luck
As mentioned by Kevin, you can take many paths within accounting (i.e. tax, audit). I, similar to Kevin, have worked in public accounting my entire career, specifically in the audit field. I specifically audit financial statements of companies that range from size and industry. Not only do I audit financial statements of these companies, but it's a great way to learn about the company objectives and the products/services they offer. In a way I feel as if I am contributing in their accomplishments and growth.
Although, I have been working in public accounting for my entire career, you should know that public accounting (specifically PwC) allows individuals to grow and take many paths throughout their career. For example, if you start with PwC in auditing and you realize it is not something you enjoy, you can be given an opportunity to work in tax, forensic accounting, etc. Essentially we provide you with many opportunities to grow.
Hope this helps. Good luck
Amr F
Audit Senior Manager
3
Answers
Kuwait City, Al Asimah Governate, Kuwait
Updated
Amr’s Answer
Data Analysis
Today, accountants and CPAs are performing tasks that require analytical skills at increasing rates, largely due to the proliferation of data across industries.
There are many applications of data analytics in the world of accounting. For example, auditors are using analytics to enable processes like continuous monitoring and auditing. Similarly, accountants who take an advisory role within their organizations can use big data to identify patterns in the behavior of consumers and markets, which can lead to investment opportunities and higher profits.
Modern accountants should develop an analytical mindset in order to keep up with trends in the industry and remain competitive in the workforce.
Becoming an Accountant
It’s clear that accounting involves more than just crunching numbers—it is an in-demand field with countless opportunities to offer.
If becoming an accountant is the next step in your career, there are many resources available to help you prepare for this role. One important step is to ensure you are pursuing the best education possible, such as a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management, which can help you meet the expectations of potential employers and reach your professional goals.
Today, accountants and CPAs are performing tasks that require analytical skills at increasing rates, largely due to the proliferation of data across industries.
There are many applications of data analytics in the world of accounting. For example, auditors are using analytics to enable processes like continuous monitoring and auditing. Similarly, accountants who take an advisory role within their organizations can use big data to identify patterns in the behavior of consumers and markets, which can lead to investment opportunities and higher profits.
Modern accountants should develop an analytical mindset in order to keep up with trends in the industry and remain competitive in the workforce.
Becoming an Accountant
It’s clear that accounting involves more than just crunching numbers—it is an in-demand field with countless opportunities to offer.
If becoming an accountant is the next step in your career, there are many resources available to help you prepare for this role. One important step is to ensure you are pursuing the best education possible, such as a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management, which can help you meet the expectations of potential employers and reach your professional goals.
Tasneem Nabil
Assurance Associate
7
Answers
Cairo, Cairo Governorate, Egypt
Updated
Tasneem’s Answer
Below is some information can help you :
What is an Accountant?
An accountant is a professional who is responsible for keeping and interpreting financial records. Most accountants are responsible for a wide range of finance-related tasks, either for individual clients or for larger businesses and organizations employing them.
Several other terms are often discussed in conjunction with the phrase “accountant,” which can lead to confusion on what this career actually entails. For example, “accountant” and “bookkeeper” are phrases that are sometimes used interchangeably, yet there are several key differences between these job titles.
Typically, bookkeepers will have earned at least an associate degree and focus on recording financial transactions. Accountants, on the other hand, will have typically earned at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and are tasked with interpreting financial information rather than simply gathering it.
In short, accountants can be bookkeepers but not all bookkeepers are accountants.
Additionally, a certified public accountant (CPA) is an accountant who has passed the CPA exam and has met state licensing requirements. So, all CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs.
Accounting is a broad term that encompasses multiple different job titles and roles within organizations. There are three main types of accountants—public accountants, management accountants, and government accountants—all of which focus on different aspects of the profession. Internal and external auditors are also closely related.
Download Our Value of a Bachelor’s Degree Infographic
Discover the difference a college degree could have on your career.
Roles and Responsibilities
Although the daily duties of an accountant will vary by position and organization, some of the most common tasks and responsibilities of accountants include:
Ensuring the accuracy of financial documents, as well as their compliance with relevant laws and regulations
Preparing and maintaining important financial reports
Preparing tax returns and ensuring that taxes are paid properly and on time
Evaluating financial operations to recommend best-practices, identify issues and strategize solutions, and help organizations run efficiently
Offering guidance on cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and profit maximization
Conducting forecasting and risk analysis assessments
Additionally, accountants have a legal obligation to act honestly and avoid negligence in their practices. As such, they are also responsible for ensuring that their clients’ financial records are compliant with the relevant laws and regulations.
Important Skills
There are several skills that all accountants need in order to be successful in their roles. Some of the most important skills for accountants are:
Attention to detail: Accounting professionals must pay strong attention to detail in order to be able to keep information accurate and organized. With the amount of financial data that must be analyzed, it can be easy to make mistakes; however, simple errors can translate into much larger problems if they are not caught.
Business acumen: To be effective in this role, an accountant must understand the basic functions of a business in order to accurately analyze and interpret financial data. Having a solid foundation in business provides context to the financial information that accountants work with on a daily basis.
Computer literacy: Professionals in this field need to be able to use advanced accounting software and other computer-based tools to work effectively.
Analytical skills: Collecting and analyzing financial data is a large part of accounting and is an important aspect of identifying patterns and potential issues. In fact, applying data analytics to the accounting field is an emerging trend in the industry that is expected to have a growing impact in the future.
Communication skills: Accountants must be able to listen carefully in order to accurately gather facts and figures from clients, managers, or other stakeholders. They must also be able to clearly articulate the results of their work and present their findings in written reports.
Mathematical skills: A common misconception is that you have to be good at math to be an accountant. It is true that math skills are important in order to analyze, compare, and interpret data and figures; however, complex mathematical skills are not typically necessary to become an accountant.
Career Outlook
Accounting is an in-demand career with impressive salaries and job growth to match.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of accountants and auditors will grow faster than the average for all occupations, at a rate of about 10 percent from 2016 to 2026.
According to the 2019 Accounting and Finance Salary Guide compiled by Robert Half, accountants with one to three years of experience can earn between $51,500 and $96,500 annually. Those with five or more years of experience can earn as much as $129,250 per year.
Location also plays an important role in determining an accountant’s earning potential. Factors such as cost of living and scarcity of talent influence the salary you can expect to earn in a given city or region. For example, data from Robert Half shows that individuals in all industries and professions who live in areas like Boston, New York City, and San Francisco earn an average of 34 percent, 40.5 percent, and 41 percent more than the national average, respectively.
Most employers require that candidates hold at least a bachelor’s in accounting or another related field, such as Finance and Accounting Management. Additional certifications are also preferred in many cases; holding these credentials can help improve a job seeker’s prospects. As such, many professionals in the accounting field choose to become Certified Public Accountants, or CPAs, by completing the licensing process administered by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.
Top Accounting Trends in 2019
Here are three trends influencing the field of accounting in 2019. Aspiring and current accounting professionals should stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
1. Accounting Automation
Automated accounting software, such as QuickBooks and other popular applications, are becoming increasingly influential in the industry. In fact, a recent survey found that bookkeepers and accountants spend roughly 86 percent of their time on tasks that have the potential to be automated.
This doesn’t mean that accountants will be replaced by machines, though. Rather, the increased use of automation means that accountants will spend less time on manual tasks like data entry and more time on meaningful analysis.
Implementing accounting automation can allow accountants to streamline their workflows and become more effective. With these emerging technologies, labor-intensive tasks like tax preparation, payroll, and audits can be automated to reduce the amount of time and resources needed to move forward.
2. Transparency and Security
Among the most important trends in the accounting field are the increasingly high standards surrounding transparency in accounting and a greater focus on data security.
In the wake of accounting scandals and increased scrutiny following the 2008 financial crisis, it has been important to restore trust and credibility to the profession. As such, an industry-wide push for transparent reporting has influenced the financial reporting process.
This effort has expanded upon the public’s expectations of accurate reporting to go beyond basic honesty. As a result, companies are now expected to report their financial statements to the public in order to paint a complete picture of their current standing and reduce uncertainty in the market.
Furthermore, since accountants are responsible for sensitive data, it is increasingly important to maintain strong security practices to ensure the safety of the organization or client’s private information. Several infamous data breaches over recent years have illustrated the need for advanced protection practices, and accountants will need to stay up-to-date with current security measures in order to protect sensitive information.
3. Data Analysis
Today, accountants and CPAs are performing tasks that require analytical skills at increasing rates, largely due to the proliferation of data across industries.
There are many applications of data analytics in the world of accounting. For example, auditors are using analytics to enable processes like continuous monitoring and auditing. Similarly, accountants who take an advisory role within their organizations can use big data to identify patterns in the behavior of consumers and markets, which can lead to investment opportunities and higher profits.
Modern accountants should develop an analytical mindset in order to keep up with trends in the industry and remain competitive in the workforce.
Becoming an Accountant
It’s clear that accounting involves more than just crunching numbers—it is an in-demand field with countless opportunities to offer.
If becoming an accountant is the next step in your career, there are many resources available to help you prepare for this role. One important step is to ensure you are pursuing the best education possible, such as a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management, which can help you meet the expectations of potential employers and reach your professional goals.
What is an Accountant?
An accountant is a professional who is responsible for keeping and interpreting financial records. Most accountants are responsible for a wide range of finance-related tasks, either for individual clients or for larger businesses and organizations employing them.
Several other terms are often discussed in conjunction with the phrase “accountant,” which can lead to confusion on what this career actually entails. For example, “accountant” and “bookkeeper” are phrases that are sometimes used interchangeably, yet there are several key differences between these job titles.
Typically, bookkeepers will have earned at least an associate degree and focus on recording financial transactions. Accountants, on the other hand, will have typically earned at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and are tasked with interpreting financial information rather than simply gathering it.
In short, accountants can be bookkeepers but not all bookkeepers are accountants.
Additionally, a certified public accountant (CPA) is an accountant who has passed the CPA exam and has met state licensing requirements. So, all CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs.
Accounting is a broad term that encompasses multiple different job titles and roles within organizations. There are three main types of accountants—public accountants, management accountants, and government accountants—all of which focus on different aspects of the profession. Internal and external auditors are also closely related.
Download Our Value of a Bachelor’s Degree Infographic
Discover the difference a college degree could have on your career.
Roles and Responsibilities
Although the daily duties of an accountant will vary by position and organization, some of the most common tasks and responsibilities of accountants include:
Ensuring the accuracy of financial documents, as well as their compliance with relevant laws and regulations
Preparing and maintaining important financial reports
Preparing tax returns and ensuring that taxes are paid properly and on time
Evaluating financial operations to recommend best-practices, identify issues and strategize solutions, and help organizations run efficiently
Offering guidance on cost reduction, revenue enhancement, and profit maximization
Conducting forecasting and risk analysis assessments
Additionally, accountants have a legal obligation to act honestly and avoid negligence in their practices. As such, they are also responsible for ensuring that their clients’ financial records are compliant with the relevant laws and regulations.
Important Skills
There are several skills that all accountants need in order to be successful in their roles. Some of the most important skills for accountants are:
Attention to detail: Accounting professionals must pay strong attention to detail in order to be able to keep information accurate and organized. With the amount of financial data that must be analyzed, it can be easy to make mistakes; however, simple errors can translate into much larger problems if they are not caught.
Business acumen: To be effective in this role, an accountant must understand the basic functions of a business in order to accurately analyze and interpret financial data. Having a solid foundation in business provides context to the financial information that accountants work with on a daily basis.
Computer literacy: Professionals in this field need to be able to use advanced accounting software and other computer-based tools to work effectively.
Analytical skills: Collecting and analyzing financial data is a large part of accounting and is an important aspect of identifying patterns and potential issues. In fact, applying data analytics to the accounting field is an emerging trend in the industry that is expected to have a growing impact in the future.
Communication skills: Accountants must be able to listen carefully in order to accurately gather facts and figures from clients, managers, or other stakeholders. They must also be able to clearly articulate the results of their work and present their findings in written reports.
Mathematical skills: A common misconception is that you have to be good at math to be an accountant. It is true that math skills are important in order to analyze, compare, and interpret data and figures; however, complex mathematical skills are not typically necessary to become an accountant.
Career Outlook
Accounting is an in-demand career with impressive salaries and job growth to match.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that employment of accountants and auditors will grow faster than the average for all occupations, at a rate of about 10 percent from 2016 to 2026.
According to the 2019 Accounting and Finance Salary Guide compiled by Robert Half, accountants with one to three years of experience can earn between $51,500 and $96,500 annually. Those with five or more years of experience can earn as much as $129,250 per year.
Location also plays an important role in determining an accountant’s earning potential. Factors such as cost of living and scarcity of talent influence the salary you can expect to earn in a given city or region. For example, data from Robert Half shows that individuals in all industries and professions who live in areas like Boston, New York City, and San Francisco earn an average of 34 percent, 40.5 percent, and 41 percent more than the national average, respectively.
Most employers require that candidates hold at least a bachelor’s in accounting or another related field, such as Finance and Accounting Management. Additional certifications are also preferred in many cases; holding these credentials can help improve a job seeker’s prospects. As such, many professionals in the accounting field choose to become Certified Public Accountants, or CPAs, by completing the licensing process administered by the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants.
Top Accounting Trends in 2019
Here are three trends influencing the field of accounting in 2019. Aspiring and current accounting professionals should stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.
1. Accounting Automation
Automated accounting software, such as QuickBooks and other popular applications, are becoming increasingly influential in the industry. In fact, a recent survey found that bookkeepers and accountants spend roughly 86 percent of their time on tasks that have the potential to be automated.
This doesn’t mean that accountants will be replaced by machines, though. Rather, the increased use of automation means that accountants will spend less time on manual tasks like data entry and more time on meaningful analysis.
Implementing accounting automation can allow accountants to streamline their workflows and become more effective. With these emerging technologies, labor-intensive tasks like tax preparation, payroll, and audits can be automated to reduce the amount of time and resources needed to move forward.
2. Transparency and Security
Among the most important trends in the accounting field are the increasingly high standards surrounding transparency in accounting and a greater focus on data security.
In the wake of accounting scandals and increased scrutiny following the 2008 financial crisis, it has been important to restore trust and credibility to the profession. As such, an industry-wide push for transparent reporting has influenced the financial reporting process.
This effort has expanded upon the public’s expectations of accurate reporting to go beyond basic honesty. As a result, companies are now expected to report their financial statements to the public in order to paint a complete picture of their current standing and reduce uncertainty in the market.
Furthermore, since accountants are responsible for sensitive data, it is increasingly important to maintain strong security practices to ensure the safety of the organization or client’s private information. Several infamous data breaches over recent years have illustrated the need for advanced protection practices, and accountants will need to stay up-to-date with current security measures in order to protect sensitive information.
3. Data Analysis
Today, accountants and CPAs are performing tasks that require analytical skills at increasing rates, largely due to the proliferation of data across industries.
There are many applications of data analytics in the world of accounting. For example, auditors are using analytics to enable processes like continuous monitoring and auditing. Similarly, accountants who take an advisory role within their organizations can use big data to identify patterns in the behavior of consumers and markets, which can lead to investment opportunities and higher profits.
Modern accountants should develop an analytical mindset in order to keep up with trends in the industry and remain competitive in the workforce.
Becoming an Accountant
It’s clear that accounting involves more than just crunching numbers—it is an in-demand field with countless opportunities to offer.
If becoming an accountant is the next step in your career, there are many resources available to help you prepare for this role. One important step is to ensure you are pursuing the best education possible, such as a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting Management, which can help you meet the expectations of potential employers and reach your professional goals.