Accounting Career Report
...d cash journals. Auditing clerks update and maintain one or more accounting records, including those that tabulate expenditures, receipts, accounts payable and receivable, and profit and loss. They have a wide range of skills and knowledge, from full-charge bookkeepers, who can maintain an entire company's books, to accounting clerks who handle specific accounts. When looking at the work activities of each occupation it is obvious that accountants and auditors have very similar jobs, and the same is true with bookkeepers and auditing clerks. Every career has its own aptitudes, physical demands, specific work setting, training and a certain amount of education that is usually required. The aptitudes of accounting include having good numerical and verbal abilities. They should be able to evaluate, analyze, and interpret records, concentrating for long periods. They should be able to work with people. These accountants should be able to make decisions and accept responsibility for directing and planning work. The physical demands of an accountant include occasionally use arms and hands to reach and handle objects, frequently use fingers to manipulate objects, frequently need to carefully listen to and talk with clients, and frequently need to see printed material up close. Most accountants work indoors in an office setting. Overtime is common, especially during tax season and year-end closing. Nationally, about 6% of all accountants and auditors work part-time. Accountants sit for long periods. Eyestrain may result from close work. Travel may be required. Accountants are needed in all industries and businesses. Auditors need good numerical and communication skills. They should be responsible and able to direct the activities of others. They should be able to make decisions based on facts and follow standards. Auditors should be able to move often from one task to another using a variety of skills. The physical demands of an auditor includes occasionally use arms and hands to reach and handle objects, frequently use fingers to manipulate objects, and frequently need to see printed material up close. Most auditors work at a desk in an office setting. Frequent travel is common. Some work nights and weekends. Nationally, about 6% of all accountants and auditors work part-time. Auditors work for banks and other financial institutions, large corporations, government agencies, utilities, and insurance companies. About 11% of all accountants and auditors are self-employed. All these occupations require working with numbers. It is essential for bookkeepers to be able to work with numbers. They should be able to do detailed work with data and to be precise while working within set standards. Good eye-hand coordination and finger dexterity are important. They should be able to perform the same tasks continuously. The physical demands of all these occupations includes the frequent use arms, hands, or fingers to reach and hold and the frequent need to see clearly up close. Most work a 40-hour week in various types of office settings. Nationally, about 26% work part-time. This work requires long periods of concentration, with little room for error. Computers are often used. Most work for manufacturers, businesses, insurance firms, government agencies, and financial institutions. About 7% are self-employed. The amount of education for each of the careers is different. Accountants employers require a high school diploma and a four-year college degree in accounting. Additional education is necessary for advancement. Internships and experience are helpful. Accountants need knowledge of accounting principles and methods and the ability to apply them. The ability to operate business machines and a familiarity with computers are important. These accountants should be able to prepare reports. For Auditors Employers require a high school diploma and a four-year bachelor's degree in accounting. Additional education is important for advancement. Accounting and bookkeeping experience is helpful. Internships are also helpful. Auditors should have knowledge of the principles and procedures of accounting and auditing. Knowledge of the laws and regulations governing accounting and tax record keeping is important. Auditors should be able to prepare reports. Knowledge of the principles and techniques of personnel management and supervision is helpful. For bookkeepers and auditing clerks most employers require a high school diploma. Some employers provide informal on-the-job training for advancement from general office clerk positions. Post-high school training available at two-year colleges and technical schools offers the necessary background required for most positions. Bookkeepers and auditing clerks should be able to use a variety of office machines. They need knowledge of accounting methods or statistical procedures. Clerical skills are helpful. Computer skills are important. The education necessary to become an accountant or auditor is more demanding than that required ...