Having a cinematic visual in their minds of what an accountant is images of Ebenezer Scrooge though fictional paints a picture of a money miser accountant and that can be true in the real world; however a true accountant is so much more. Accounting can be a noble profession wearing integrity as its banner.
This profession is a thermometer and barometer of sorts for the health and well-being of any organization. He or she must be detailed, investigatory, and astute at their task each and every time determining what might be wrong or bolster and capitalize on what is right financially.
It does not matter what part of the country your company is you will need New York, Tennessee, Georgia or Baltimore accountants. They are an important part of the team that very few employees interact with.
Part of the organizational toolbox an accountant holds are form and function tracking reports, portfolios, transactions, and deadlines. A savvy system can be pen, paper, sticky notes, computer, spreadsheet based or any combination thereof.
The expertise and success of an accountant’s system keeps everything in order. Day planners, calendars, highlighters, making sure the organization witnesses the competency and abilities you hold should be an accountant’s unofficial benefit. So work on organizational skills getting them to the most proficient level possible.
How does one become this Financial Figure?
There is a top tier in this field, CPA (Certified Public Accountant)however you are not limited to just this path to the top with a pay scale beyond the norm. CPA’s hold specialized allowable duties provided to a company. So if you want to start and build to CPA level or work within other logistical areas in the industry set your sights on at least a four year degree.
That will encompass bookkeeping, business management, computer software and much more. Take education, blend it with your talents and specific to you and bolster in your career path.
Support
Develop skills that are supporters such as organization and communication. After all accounting is more than an adding machine, crunching numbers flat and impersonal duties but ones that promote generation of profits. An accountant translates and communicates data and a way that is beneficial and meaningful for good decision making.
All of those numbers, facts and figures have to mean something beyond that tells the company’s story. Also being able to speak with those who are responsible for the numbers to get a more thorough and complete picture helps the accountant as well as the company work together.
Top Secret
Confidentiality is a top priority where knowledge of companies ins, outs, ups, downs, rights and wrongs include employees and management; an accountant is bound by the definition of confidentiality. It is a principle they are governed by that puts on the table every detail truthfully because no matter the level of integrity knowing what is actually the reality of the company can be discussed openly and frankly without pressure of negative repercussions or judgement. With that said the best interests of the client can be addressed quickly and you have formed a relationship built on confidentiality and deeper yet is trust.
Keeping together the financial information in a clear and legal manner handling taxes, audits, projections and recommendations are very important and hopefully he/she makes your business easier and cost effective.
Knowledge about changes in business law can be difficult to decipher without understanding of changes and stipulations that an accountant would know their advisement can avoid the traps and problems.
It is difficult to ascertain all an accountant does because actually they are unlimited when it comes to the company they work for.
They can be the Clark Kent mild mannered behind the scenes or Superman up front when the company is in danger or struggling. A good accountant wears many hats and takes each one seriously.
