Accounting qualifications vary based on the size of the organization, with larger companies requiring more rigorous qualifications. Basic qualifications include math skills, honesty, and computer skills. Duties range from tracking receipts to preparing financial statements. Certification may be required, and accountants may be promoted to supervisory positions or start their own businesses. The job carries the risk of repetitive strain injuries.
Accounting qualifications usually depend on the size of the business or organization that needs financial record keeping services. Small companies can hire an accountant with little experience and a high school education with sufficient math courses. Larger companies often set more rigorous accounting qualifications, including some post-secondary education or certification. The extent of duties also varies according to the size of the organization and can range from keeping track of receipts and invoices to preparing profit and loss statements using spreadsheets.
Basic accounting qualifications often include an aptitude for numbers and good math skills. These employees must also be honest and trustworthy because they handle money and have access to confidential financial information. Some employers require a criminal background check to identify any theft-related offenses. Accounting qualifications often include computer skills because most companies keep electronic financial records.
Accounting duties generally include preparing and making bank deposits after reconciling income and expenses. These professionals tend to pay bills in a timely manner and keep track of client bills. In some cases, they take responsibility for payroll and purchase orders. They generally have good written and oral communication skills to deal with customers courteously and professionally.
Professional accounting organizations can offer certification if needed. Courses typically cover acceptable accounting practices in the industry. In some regions, an accountant needs two or more years of experience before qualifying for certification. Ongoing refresher classes may be required to maintain certified status.
Financial accounting can include monthly or annual reports to business owners or to a board of directors that oversees an organization. Preparing documents for internal or external auditors is required for some jobs. Some agencies use specific codes to record income and expenses; these codes can be taught internally. Small businesses often provide training for book accountants to familiarize them with certain software and company policies related to finance.
A fairly common practice, especially in smaller operations, involves promoting inside accountants as they gain experience. An employee may move into a supervisory position as a business manager or oversee finance within a given department. Some bookkeepers start their own businesses after gaining experience, while others may become auditors.
Accountants generally work in an office environment and maintain regular hours unless the business needs financial assistance outside of business hours. The job may require long periods of concentration to avoid mistakes. One of the risks of this profession is related to repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, due to working on computers. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs from frequent pressure on the nerves in the wrist.
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