What Do Accountants Do?

Accounting assistants help maintain accounts, enter data, and interact with customers. They can enter the field and gain experience with little education. Still, some employers prefer an associate degree.

An entry-level role, accounting clerks conduct data entry tasks and verify calculations. They usually need some education in accounting, but they also receive on-the-job training.

Accounting managers oversee departments or teams of accountants. They ensure that their organization adheres to regulations. They also plan budgets and make suggestions for improved efficiency.

Typically working for finance and insurance companies, actuaries calculate financial risk using probability models. They usually hold a degree in math or statistics, plus industry-accepted credentials.

Auditing is an accounting specialization focused on reviewing and verifying the accuracy of recorded financial transactions. Audit managers supervise both internal and external auditing processes.

Responsible for managing their companies' general ledger, bookkeepers perform transaction data entry. They may also compile reports, administer payroll, and handle invoicing.

Employers need budget analysts to assess future projects' financial viability, report on overall financial health, and reallocate spending where necessary.

A certified public accountant, or CPA, deals with public financial documents such as tax filings. They deal with official company reports to investors, clients, and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Chief financial officers lead corporate finance and accounting departments. This high-profile C-suite role involves executive oversight of a company's financial practices, strategies, policies, and planning.

These top executives manage corporate investment portfolios. They apply deep market knowledge and risk management insights to optimize returns on invested funds.

Compliance officers ensure their companies follow the law when it comes to financial records. These professionals monitor issues like safety standards. They may also assess potential risk.

An executive position, a comptroller supervises all financial operations for public organizations. This can include government offices, nonprofit groups, and businesses.

While responsibilities vary depending on the company, cost accountants typically prepare budgets and purchasing documents. They plan for and handle tasks related to operational spending.

External auditors perform comprehensive analytical reviews of individual or corporate financial records to ensure they conform to all applicable laws and guidelines. They may examine records in cases of suspected wrongdoing, or perform audits by request to ensure organizational financial records meet all regulations.

Financial analysts research and report on investment opportunities for organizations. They forecast potential earnings by considering a company's financial health and the state of the overall market.

A type of financial manager, financial controllers use historical data to forecast their companies' future success. They may manage accounting departments and budget-related staff.

Financial managers track and optimize their employers' financial health. Their duties cover a combination of investment strategy and management, record-keeping, and financial analytics. Some work for wealthy people rather than businesses.

Working for individual clients, financial planners help people to manage long-term financial goals. They deal with estate planning, investments, and retirement funding.

Forensic accountants analyze financial records for evidence of fraud. They consult in legal matters and may testify in court.

Working closely with investment professionals, hedge fund accountants deal with mutual funds and hedge funds. They analyze statements and develop strategies for portfolio management.

Internal auditors review their companies' accounting procedures and adherence to laws and regulations. They also assess financial records for potential areas of growth and increased efficiency.

Investment accountants handle accounting procedures for brokerages. They monitor company and client investments. They also advise company management on financial issues and taxes.

Operational accountants keep a close eye on organizational spending, including labor costs and purchasing. They help to plan ahead and work to cut operational costs.

Experts in labor policies, payroll accountants ensure that employee compensation adheres to government laws and regulations. They process payments and may administer benefits.

Real estate appraisers evaluate homes and commercial buildings to determine their market value. They visit properties and provide their assessment in writing to the owner.

Typically working as part of a team, staff accountants handle day-to-day accounting tasks for their organizations. Duties can include record keeping, tax-related work, compliance, and budgeting.

Employed by individuals or corporate clients, tax accountants prepare and submit tax documents. They make sure clients follow all relevant tax laws and maximize their deductions.

Tax attorneys specialize in tax law. They work for organizations and individuals. They make sure clients follow laws and regulations, and they provide expert counsel when tax law issues arise.

Like other tax professionals, tax consultants work with clients to make sure they follow regulations. They help companies and individuals maximize their deductions and properly file their taxes.

Usually employed by a single organization, tax managers oversee tax preparation processes. They direct teams of employees and ensure their companies follow relevant legal requirements.

Tax preparers assess financial documents for companies and individuals. They calculate tax obligations or refund amounts and file the necessary paperwork.