Accountants

Description

Accountants prepare and review financial reports and tax documents. Some accountants work for accounting firms and some own their own businesses. Others work for large companies or the government. Accountants work with numbers a lot. Tax accountants must also be able to interpret tax laws in order to help the people and companies for which they work. Some accountants become auditors. Auditors check the accuracy of a company's or an individual's financial records.

Working Conditions

Accountants work forty-hour weeks. Tax accountants work overtime during tax season.

Salary -- More Accountant Salary

The middle range of salaries for accountants is between $30,000 and $50,000. Managers and directors earned between $56,000 and $91,000 per year.

Helpful Skills and Subjects to Study

An ability to analyze, compare and interpret facts and figures quickly is a plus for those going into accounting. Good communication skills and an aptitude for mathematics is also important. Classes in English, mathematics, business and speech communications are helpful for this career.

Related Jobs

Appraisers, budget officers, loan officers, financial analysts and managers, bank officers, actuaries, underwriters, tax collectors and revenue agents, FBI special agents, securities sales representatives, and purchasing agents.

Education & Training

Most jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), a master's degree or expertise in a specialized field will provide better job opportunities.

Job Outlook

This is a large occupation and is expected to grow about the same as the average for all occupations. Competition will remain tough for jobs with the major accounting and business firms.

Sources for Additional Information

American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Harborside Financial Center
201 Plaza III
Jersey City, NJ 07311-3881
www.aicpa.org

Institute of Management Accountants
10 Paragon Dr.
Montvale, NJ 07645-1760
www.imanet.org