Is Accounting Right for Me? How Can I Tell?

If you are considering a degree in accounting, you will need certain skills, as being an accountant is a crucial job. They are responsible for producing financial statements, recording transactions, and making sure all that information is accurate. Accountants oversee cash flows, ensure the organization is financially solvent, and make sure financial responsibilities are being met. 

Do You Have What it Takes to Become an Accountant?

Many who become accountants have some specific qualities that position them for success.

According to Talentegg.ca, successful accountants possess these six top skills:

• Organization: Accountants have a lot of responsibility, and need to have systems to track everything they’re responsible for, including financial portfolios and tax filings.
• Time management: Time management is extremely important in this field. Accountants often juggle numerous tasks and must be able to prioritize their importance. Successful accountants schedule blocks of time for specific tasks, ensuring that everything is completed on time. 
• Adaptability: As the one responsible for the finances of an organization, the accountant needs to be able to adapt quickly to best serve their clients and meet the demands of the job. Priorities can quickly change, so a skilled accountant may have to drop what they’re doing to run financial reports or other analysis based on the needs of key executives.
• Ability to communicate well: Good communication skills are key in just about every job, but it is especially important for an accountant. You will need to analyze financial data and develop reports based on that data. These reports may be complex, so the accountant is responsible for deciphering this information for top executives, colleagues, and clients.
• Honesty and Integrity: Being honest and having integrity are incredibly important when it comes to business finances. Accountants have access to a lot of information and are held to very strict ethical standards—and organizations need to know that their accountant will keep financial information private while providing the right advice during the different stages of the business.
• Leadership: Accountants often are responsible for mentoring and teaching lower-level team members, so they need to be approachable and available to other colleagues. Accountants make complex yet logical decisions with short-term and long-term goals. 

Accountants Are Needed All Year Long, Not Just during Tax Season!

Every successful organization seeks to build a strong financial base—that's where accountants come in. Every day they look for ways to save the organization money and verify that the organization is not overextending its finances. Accountants ensure that bills are paid, and employees too. Accountants are responsible for managing business growth from a financial perspective. 

Thinking that accountants are only relevant during tax season is like saying money only has value in the bank vault! Accountants are critical in the day-to-day operations of every business and organization, not simply when it's time for reporting.

Accountants' Responsibilities

After obtaining your degree as an accountant, you can expect to do some or all of the following duties, as outlined by Monster.com.

• Analyze financial information to create reports on assets and liabilities
• Document financial transactions
• Report on current financial business health by collecting data and preparing balance sheets, profit and loss statements and other reports
• Audit financial records to substantiate reports
• Develop and Implement internal policies and procedures
• Mentor less experienced colleagues
• Reconcile financial discrepancies
• Secure data and financial information with data back-ups
• Maintain financial security by adhering to internal controls
• Prepare payments by verifying documents and requesting disbursements
• Comply with federal, state and local legal financial guidelines; stay on top of new legislation and being aware of new tax rules
• Keep all financial information confidential

Are Your Ready to Start Your Career by Earning an Accounting Degree?

Are you interested in accounting? If you want to earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a Concentration in Accounting, ECPI University offers this program at an accelerated rate. For more information, connect with a friendly admissions advisor today.

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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