Accountants have a big job that encompasses a range of different tasks. They are responsible for recording and analysing financial transactions and reporting on the health of a company’s finances. Their role is important for businesses of all sizes and can be broken down into several subfields including tax accounting, management accounting, cost accounting and budgeting. There are also specialist Accountants in fields like fraud investigation, external auditing and international accounting.
Accounting is a broad field and it’s possible that some of the work that goes on in this profession can seem confusing. But, as a whole, it is essential for keeping businesses on track with their financial health.
Almost all of the work that accountants do is related to money. It is the job of an accountant to keep track of all the inflows and outflows of cash and ensure that the business follows all legal and ethical guidelines when dealing with its funds. This may include ensuring that taxes are paid, calculating payroll, tracking inventory and preparing and filing reports.
Because accountants work with numbers, they must have excellent math skills. However, the good news is that you don’t need to be a genius to become an accountant. In fact, you can get into most accounting jobs with a high school diploma and some training in the basics of maths and computers. You will need to have a keen attention to detail, though, as even the smallest mistakes can be very costly for a business or individual.
In addition to working with numbers, it’s also essential for an accountant to have a strong work ethic. It is not uncommon for this job to require long hours, especially during tax season. Having a dedication to completing all aspects of the job is necessary for an accountant and will help them rise through the ranks.
One of the most important functions that an accountant can perform is helping a business with its taxes. Every business is required to pay taxes, but it’s in a company’s best interests to do so while paying as little as possible. Accountants can help with this by ensuring that all tax procedures are followed and that all data is accurate.
Another key function that accountants can play is advising companies on their business structure. They can help decide whether the business should be set up as a sole proprietorship, an LLC or a corporation and they can handle all the paperwork involved in this process. They can also advise on tax rates and provide support for decision making relating to the use of company assets and cash.
Lastly, accountants can also be useful in creating budgets for businesses and they can help with financial planning and forecasting. This helps the business plan for future expenses and make sure that it is on track to achieve its goals. Having an accountant on hand can be extremely valuable for a small business as it helps to minimise losses and maximise profits.