Accountants

What the job involves

• Assisting in formulating budgetary and accounting policies
• Preparing financial statements for presentation to boards of directors, management, shareholders, and governing and statutory bodies
• Conducting financial investigations, preparing reports, undertaking audits and advising on matters such as the purchase and sale of businesses, mergers, capital financing, suspected fraud, insolvency and taxation
• Examining operating costs and organisations' income and expenditure
• Providing assurance about the accuracy of information contained in financial reports and their compliance with statutory requirements
• Providing financial and taxation advice on business structures, plans and operations
• Preparing taxation returns for individuals and organisations
• Liaising with financial institutions and brokers to establish funds management arrangements
• Introducing and maintaining accounting systems, and advising on the selection and application of computer-based accounting systems
• Maintaining internal control systems
• May appraise cash flow and financial risk of capital investment projects

Key values of workers in Accountants

• Independence

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.

• Recognition

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.

• Relationships

  Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.

• Support

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.

• Working Conditions

  Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.

Top skills required for workers in Accountants

• Active Listening

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Critical Thinking

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Speaking

  Talking to others to convey information effectively.

• Writing

  Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

• Mathematics

  Using mathematics to solve problems.