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Things That You Need to Know to Be an Accountant

16 November,2021  |  By Brainwonders

ACCOUNTANTS Image

About Accountants

Accounting may appear to be a simple job at a quick peek—after all, it's just numbers bashing, right? While working with financial data is an important part of the job, accounting is a crucial business function that requires far more problem solving than you may think.

An accountant, whether in a major corporation or a small firm, plays one of the most vital responsibilities in any company. They prepare and check financial records, guarantee that all money transactions are accurate and that taxes are paid on time as the financial backbone of a company.

You may work with accountants regularly or only once a year during tax season. Accountants are most visible during the holidays, yet they serve behind the scenes all year. They assist people in conceiving goals, planning how to accomplish them, and then taking the necessary measures as the financial backbone of a corporation.

What does an Accountant do?

An accountant is a professional who is responsible for keeping and evaluating financial records. Most accountants are in charge of a wide range of financial tasks for their clients, whether they are individuals or larger businesses and organizations.

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Several other terms are frequently used in conjunction with the term "accountant," which can lead to misunderstandings about what this profession comprises. For example, while the terms "accountant" and "bookkeeper" are frequently used interchangeably, there are some fundamental distinctions between these occupational titles. Bookkeepers usually have at least an associate's degree and specialize in tracking financial transactions. Accountants, on the other hand, typically have a bachelor's degree in accounting and are responsible for more than just collecting financial data. To summarize, accountants can also be bookkeepers, but not all bookkeepers can also be accountants.

Accounting is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of professional titles and roles inside organisations. The three main types of accountants are public accountants, management accountants, and government accountants, each focusing on a different aspect of the profession. There are a lot of similarities between internal and external auditors.

Roles and Responsibilities of an Accountant

The regular tasks of an accountant depend on the position they hold and the kind of firm they work for, however, some of the most common roles and responsibilities are as follows:

  • Ensure that financial documentation is accurate and compliant with applicable laws and regulations.
  • Important financial reports must be prepared and kept up to date.
  • Creating tax forms and ensuring that taxes are paid appropriately and on time
  • Evaluating financial processes to promote best practices, identify problems and develop solutions, and help businesses function more efficiently
  • Providing cost-cutting, revenue-boosting, and profit-maximizing advice
  • Performing forecasting and risk analysis evaluations
  • Accountants are also required by law to do their duties honestly and without negligence. As a result, they must ensure that their clients' financial records are compliant with all applicable laws and regulations.

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Skills of a successful Accountant

  • Communication Skills:

It is a common misperception that an accountant's job consists solely of number crunching. An accountant, however, should have excellent interpersonal skills, such as empathy, client management, and negotiation abilities, in addition to good quantitative skills. To effectively obtain facts and numbers from clients, management, or other stakeholders, accountants must be able to listen intently. They must also be able to adequately define the findings of their research and convey them in written reports.

  • Mathematical Skills:

It's a prevalent misperception that being an accountant necessitates a strong mathematical background. True, arithmetic skills are vital for analyzing, comparing, and interpreting data and numbers; but, advanced math skills are not normally required to become an accountant.

  • Computer Literacy:

To perform effectively, professionals in this industry must be able to use complex accounting software and other computer-based tools.

  • Detail Orientation:

Accounting experts must have a keen eye for detail in order to maintain data correct and well-organized. It's easy to make mistakes when there's a lot of financial data to examine; nevertheless, tiny errors can lead to much bigger problems if they're not recognised.

  • Analytical Skills:

Financial data collection and analysis is a crucial feature of recognising patterns and potential concerns, and it is a big portion of accounting. Using data analytics in the accounting area is a developing trend in the industry that will continue to grow in the future.

  • Business Acumen:

In order to effectively evaluate and comprehend financial data, an accountant must first grasp the core functions of a firm. A sound business foundation provides perspective to the financial data that accountants deal with on a daily basis.

Types of Accounting:

Public Accounting:

This would be a public accounting service that is considered to be more professional than private accounting. Public accounting services can be provided by both certified and non-certified public accountants.

Private Accounting:

This is accounting that is restricted to a single firm and in which an accountant is paid on an employer-employee basis. Even if the employer is a public corporation, this phrase is utilised.

Nation income Accounting:

National income accounting employs an economic or social notion rather than the traditional business idea. Estimates of a country's annual purchasing power are provided by this method of accounting.

Fiduciary Accounting:

A trustee, executor, or administrator is responsible for this form of accounting. The work entails keeping records and preparing reports that may be permitted by a court of law or fall within its authority.

Fund or Governmental Accounting:

This accountant works for non-profit organisations or government agencies. Accounting is done using the double-entry approach, which is the same as in traditional accounting. Accounting for special funds is also used.

Forensic Accounting:

Forensic accounting examines difficulties that arise as a result of past, present, or future disputes or litigation. During a trial, forensic accountants are frequently called upon to provide expert testimony. There are specialist forensic accounting departments in all of the larger accounting firms, and within these groups, there may be even more sub-specializations. Insurance claims, personal injury claims, fraud, construction, and royalty audits are just some of the sectors where forensic accountants specialize.

Investment Accounting:

Investment accounting, portfolio accounting, and securities accounting are all synonyms for the process of accounting for a portfolio of investments held in an investment fund such as a mutual fund or hedge fund, such as securities, commodities, and/or real estate.

Certifications and Education of an Accountant

To begin a career as an accountant, you must have a bachelor's degree in accounting.  Accounting courses are available at the diploma, bachelor's, master's, and PhD levels.

1.  Diploma courses in accounting are typically for a year. 

2.  Bachelor’s courses include the following

  • BBA in Accounting & Finance – 3 years
  • Bachelors of Commerce in Accountancy – 3 years
  • B.Com in Accounting & Finance – 3 years
  • B.Com Accounting & Taxation – 3 years

3.  Master’s courses include the following

  • M.Com in Accounting & Finance – 2 years
  • Master of Commerce in Accounting and Auditing – 2 years
  • MBA in Finance & Accounting – 2 years

The workplace of an Accountant

Accountants operate in several settings, based on their function and responsibilities. Large professional firms or corporations located in commercial districts; smaller firms headquartered in the suburbs; home offices, client's offices, or anywhere in the world where there is decent internet are some of the most prevalent places.

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