Accountants provide financial advice to clients that range from multinational organisations and governmental bodies to small independent businesses and individuals. Accountants often specialise in particular areas of practice, including audit, management consultancy, recovery, forensic accountancy, taxation, assurance and corporate finance (see the accountancy areas of work for more details).
Typical duties include:
Preparing accounts and tax returns
Administering payrolls and controlling income and expenditure
Auditing financial information
Compiling and presenting reports, budgets, business plans, commentaries and financial statements
Analysing accounts and business plans
Providing tax planning services with reference to current legislation
Financial forecasting and risk analysis
Dealing with insolvency cases
Negotiating the terms of business deals and moves with clients and associated organisations
Meeting and interviewing clients
Managing colleagues, workloads and deadlines.
Employers look for graduates with the following skills:
Self-motivation
Integrity
Ability to reflect on one's own work as well as the wider consequences of financial decisions
Business acumen and interest
Organisational skills and ability to manage deadlines
Teamworking ability
Communication and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in IT
Analytical ability
A methodical approach and problem-solving skills
High level of numeracy