SKILLS NEEDED FOR A CAREER IN ACCOUNTING

CONTENTS:

• Skills needed for accounting. • Overview of the different areas in

accounting– Public, Managerial, Government and Internal Auditing

SKILLS NEEDED FOR ACCOUNTING

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Analytical Skills • According to Merriam-Websters dictionary Analytical means

“relating to or using analysis or logical reasoning to solve a problem.” (merriam-websters, 2009)

• Analytical skills ability to visualize, and solve complicated problems and make a accurate and informed decision. (wikipedia.com, 2009)

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Communication Skills • Defined as the skills that allow

people to communicate with each other– Can be verbal, written or non

verbal – The effectiveness of a persons

communication skills also depends on how knowledgeable they are about choosing the best type of communication channel

– Communication skills in accounting is the ability to communicate findings about financial statements with subordinates, superiors and colleagues through the use of business writing formats such as letters, memos and reports (Business dictionary, 2009)

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Computer Skills • The ability to use basic computer functions such as word

processing, spread sheet and database software to produce and record information

• In accounting computer skills is important because the use of software programs to produce and record accounting information is increasing (computer skills, 2004)

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Leadership Skills • Ability to motivate and

lead people to accomplish certain goals and objectives

• In accounting its important because a lot of work is done in teams and in order to meet deadlines you have to have the ability to lead the team members into achieving their goals. (Leadership, 2009)

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Teamwork Skills • People with different abilities and skills work together in

groups in order to accomplish a similar goal. • Teamwork is used a lot in the field of accounting in order to

complete tasks, evaluate clients, and report/analyze financial statements. ( Teamwork, 2009)

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Areas of accounting - Public Accounting

- Clients corporations, governments, nonprofit organizations, or individuals

- Work responsibilities accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting activities

- Most are CPA authorized- Employment their own firms, or public accounting

firms

- Managerial Accountants- Known as cost, private or industrial accountants- Work responsibilities Have to report and analyze the

financial records of the organizations they work for. In addition they have to budget, performance evaluation, cost management, and asset management.

- Ability to work and be productive in teams is very important.

Areas of accounting con’t

• Government Accountants and Auditors– Work responsibilities audit private organizations, analyze

the financial records of government agencies, and analyze and audit individual financial records that are accountable to government rules and taxes.

– Employers Federal, State and local government

• Internal Auditors – Work responsibilities – ensure the effectiveness an

efficiency of internal control processes, monitor for fraud and mismanagement of accounts.

– Maintain and review the controls for their computer systems to ensure the accuracy of the information

References• Accountants and Auditors. (2007, December 18). United States Department of Labor:

Occupational outlook handbook, 2008-09 edition. Retrieved from http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos001.htm

• Analytic. (2009). In Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary. Retrieved May 4, 2009, from http

://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/analytic • Business definition for: Communication skills. (2009). BNET Business Dictionary.

Retrieved from http://dictionary.bnet.com/definition/communication+skills.html • Computer skills. (2004, July 20). University of Washington. Retrieved from

http://www.washington.edu/students/ugrad/advising/advcomp.html• Leadership. (2009). About.com: Management . Retrieved from

http://management.about.com/od/leadership/Leadership.htm

• Team Work. (2009). BBS Global: Diamond Elite . Retrieved from https

://www.bbsglobal-diamond-elite.com/products-teamwork.php