Careers

Accountant

An accountant is responsible for monitoring and keeping up-to-date the public records of businesses and other organizations. They are an important asset to a professional business because they plan, analyze and document all financial records for legal transactions, including tax returns.
Accountants must be extremely organized, accurate and detail-oriented, and they should be prepared to work for long hours, especially during tax season. They should also be well-versed in communicating with others, operating a computer and using math to solve problems.
The different types of accountants are: bookkeeper, comptroller, chief financial officer, enrolled agent, certified public accountant, forensic accountant, certified management accountant and certified internal auditor.
Career Details
Degree:Bachelor's or Associate’s Degree in Business, Accounting, Economics, Finance or a related field
Job Activities:Analyze and compare financial documents
Balance accounts and track expenses on a daily basis
Provide budget and other financial planning advice
Prepare local, state or federal tax returns
Use computer technology to track financial crimes
Job Outlook:Expected to grow 18% by 2016
Lists:ranked by CNNMoney.com as one of the best top 20 jobs for young professionals, one of the hottest jobs, hottest salaries
Skills:Math
Listening
Critical Thinking
Starting Salary:$39,000-$47,000
Top Cities:New York, NY, Dallas, TX, Chicago, IL, Washington, DC
Top Employers:Deloitte & Touche, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young, KPMG, Grant Thornton, McGladrey & Pullen
Travel Required:Very little
Working Conditions:Office