Accountants assist companies with their accounting process in various ways. They may work in the capacity of adviser, consultant or even auditor. These professionals utilize their knowledge and capabilities to assess company accounts, review ledgers, cash-books and invoices, file tax returns and make accounting recommendations.

Accountants may have several areas of specialisation.
• Environmental auditing
• Management consultancy
• Corporate finance
• Forensic accounting
• Business recovery and insolvency
• Audit
• Risk management
• Tax planning
• Accounts

Accountants work in various industries. These businesses may include banking, agencies, co-operations, telecommunication companies, hospitals, government offices, federal and security agencies, and educational institutions. In larger companies, they may work in teams or oversee departments and in smaller companies, they may do more hands on accounting duties.

An Accountant usually performs any of the following tasks:
• Analysing financial statements
• Preparing budgets and reports
• Assisting auditors and analyst
• Coordinating with executives and managers
• Performing payroll duties
• Minimizing company expenditure
• Bookkeeping
• Supporting clients
• Meeting with stakeholders
• Working on ledgers, cash books, and accounts

Expertise in the following areas is an asset:

• Working with accounting and computer applications
• Analytical thinking
• Using business acumen
• Written and verbal communication
• Being conscious of economic changes
• Networking with clients
• Understanding technical accounting data
• Handling confidential information
• Stress management
• Being persistent
• Analysing accounting information
• Problem solving
• Being meticulous
• Time management
• Managing projects

There are various certifications or qualifications that will help graduates become successful Accountants. Having traditional Associate's, Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Finance, Economics, Accounting or Mathematics are always valuable. Employers prefer several other certifications as well, including certifications granted from these institutions:
• Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA)
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
• Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in Ireland (ICAI)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales (ICAEW)
• Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland (ICAS)