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What does an Accounting & Finance do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

An accountant and finance professional is responsible for maintaining financial records, preparing financial reports, and ensuring that taxes are paid in a timely manner. They may also be responsible for investment planning and management, as well as risk management.

Accounting & Finance job duties include:

  • Maintaining financial records
  • Preparing financial reports
  • Analyzing financial data
  • Forecasting future financial trends
  • Developing budgets
  • Managing investments
  • Overseeing auditing processes
  • Ensuring compliance with financial regulations
  • Advising on financial planning

Accounting & Finance Job Requirements

Most accounting and finance jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Many employers also prefer candidates who have earned professional certification, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation. In addition, most accounting and finance positions require several years of experience.

Accounting & Finance Skills

  • Analytical skills
  • Profit and loss
  • Auditing
  • Budgeting
  • Business strategy
  • Cost management
  • Financial analysis
  • Financial forecasting
  • Financial reporting
  • Investment analysis
  • Risk management

Related: Top Accounting & Finance Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become an Accounting & Finance

There are many reasons why someone might want to become an accountant or financial analyst. Perhaps they have always been good with numbers, or maybe they enjoy working with people and helping them to manage their finances. Whatever the reason, if you are interested in a career in accounting or finance, there are a few things you will need to do.

First, you will need to get a degree in accounting or finance from a college or university. Many employers prefer candidates who have at least a bachelor's degree, although some positions may only require an associate's degree. You can also get certification from professional organizations such as the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) or the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA).

Once you have your degree or certification, you will need to find a job. There are many accounting and finance jobs available, so you should not have any trouble finding one that suits your skills and interests. You can search for jobs online, in newspapers, or through professional organizations.

Once you have found a job, it is important to keep up with your education and training. Accounting and finance are constantly changing fields, so it is important to stay up-to-date on new regulations and best practices. You can do this by taking courses offered by your employer, attending conferences and seminars, or reading trade publications.

With hard work and dedication, you can have a successful career in accounting or finance. Helping people to manage their money is a rewarding experience, and there is always demand for skilled professionals in these fields.

Related: Accounting & Finance Resume Example

Related: Accounting & Finance Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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