What does a Professional Accountant do?
Published 3 min read
A professional accountant is someone who provides financial services to clients. This can include preparing and auditing financial statements, providing tax advice, and managing finances.
Professional Accountant job duties include:
- Maintaining and preparing financial records
- Examining financial statements
- Identifying trends, advising management, and making recommendations
- Overseeing accounting operations
- Coordinating audits with external auditors
- Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
- Managing budgets
- Developing financial plans
- Forecasting future financial needs
Professional Accountant Job Requirements
A professional accountant typically has a college degree in accounting, although some jobs may only require a high school diploma. Many employers prefer to hire accountants who have earned their Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. CPAs must pass a rigorous exam and meet experience requirements. Some states also require CPAs to take continuing education courses to maintain their license. Professional accountants typically have several years of experience working in accounting or a related field before being promoted to a management position.
Professional Accountant Skills
- Analytical skills
- Profit and loss analysis
- Auditing
- Budgeting
- Cost accounting
- Financial analysis
- Forecasting
- Internal controls
- Management accounting
- Taxation
- Financial reporting
- Accounts receivable/payable
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How to become a Professional Accountant
There are many steps to becoming a professional accountant. The first step is to get a degree in accounting from an accredited college or university. Many professional accountants also have a master's degree in accounting or a related field. The next step is to pass the Uniform CPA Examination, which is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Once you have passed the exam, you will need to meet all other requirements set forth by your state's Board of Accountancy. These requirements vary by state but typically include passing an ethics exam and completing a certain number of hours of continuing education each year.
Once you have met all of the requirements set forth by your state's Board of Accountancy, you will be able to apply for and receive your CPA license. Once you have your CPA license, you can begin practicing as a professional accountant. There are many different types of accounting jobs available, so you should be able to find one that suits your skills and interests.
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