Accountant

FACTS:

• The abbreviations for the words debit (dr) and credit (cr) come from the Latin words (to be indebted) and (to loan).
• While Enron paid its accountants $52 million in 2000, it did not pay Uncle Sam any taxes for four of the five years from 1997 to 2001.
• Before abstract numbers, ancient accountants used clay tokens to keep track of animals and grain.

THE JOB:

Accountants track companies’ expenses, as well as prepare, analyze and verify financial documents. They look for ways to run businesses more efficiently keep public records and make sure taxes are paid properly. Public accountants perform audits and prepare taxes for corporations, government agencies, nonprofits and individuals. Management accountants are members of the executive team who record and analyze information about budgets, costs and assets. Their work may support strategic planning or product development. They may also write financial reports for stockholders, creditors or government agencies. Government accountants and auditors maintain and examine government records, or they audit private businesses or individuals on the government's behalf. Internal auditors are fiscal police officers. They verify the accuracy of an organization's financial records and look for waste, mismanagement and fraud.

SKILLS:

Accountants must have a knack for math and analyzing facts and figures. They should also possess a working knowledge of information technology used by businesses. Because they share their findings with others, accountants must have good written and verbal communication skills. Honesty is paramount, since shareholders, corporate officers and government officials rely upon accountants' findings.

EDUCATION:

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement, and to advance, you'll need additional certification or graduate-level education. Those in the accounting field can earn the Certified Public Accountant designation by meeting experience and educational requirements and passing an exam.

OUTLOOK:

CPA accountants will continue to be in high demand, especially as states increase the education and experience requirements for the certification. Certified Management Accountants and those with MBAs will also fare well. Having a specialty, such as information systems, government regulation or international business, will help you land a job. Those without a degree or certification and those vying for the upper-most echelons of accounting will find keen competition for jobs.

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