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Different Careers

Accountants

Administrators

Advertising Executives

Air Cabin Crew

Architects

Auditors

More Careers ...

Accountancy as a Career

The job role

Accountants can be employed in private practice or in the public sector, in industry or commerce, and their job roles can vary accordingly.

In industry, management accountants are responsible for:

• Advising on financial performance
• Providing financial projections and forecasts
• Preparing financial and management accounts
• Monitoring costs and budgets

Private practice accountants provide a range of services to fee-paying clients including:

• Preparing financial statements
• Calculating tax liabilities
• Advising on investments
• Performing audits
• Making recommendations on the risks and benefits of financial practices

In the public sector, accountants help to ensure that public services are managed efficiently through:

• Analysing expenditure and cash flow
• Preparing financial statements
• Reviewing budgets
• Producing management information

Relevant qualifications

A basic standard of secondary education is required for acceptance onto one of the many professional routes into accountancy while some organisations will accept Association of Accounting Technician (AAT) qualifications.  The specific qualifications taken will depend on which field you wish to enter.  Private practice accountants generally qualify with the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICA) or the Association of International Accountants (AIA).  The Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) provides qualifications for public sector accountants and those in industry or commerce will study through the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA).

Skills requirements

All accountants, regardless of their specialist field, must be highly numerate with strong problem-solving skills and proficiency in the use of computers.  Attention to detail is an essential trait to ensure the preparation and presentation of accurate information.

Career development

The potential to diversify into such a range of roles or sectors makes accountancy a good industry for potential progression.  With UK qualifications recognised overseas, there is also the opportunity for international employment.  Accountants in private practice, particularly in London, command the best salaries and it is possible to progress into management consultancy or to head up a private firm.