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Accountants are responsible for looking over financial records and making sure that they are accurate and in line with regulations and laws. Aside from examining financial statements, accountants also prepare reports to explain their findings. Depending on which area they work in, accountants can be public accountants, management accountants, internal auditors or government accountants.
Skillset: It helps if an accountant has good analytical skills so that they may recognize issues and develop solutions. While they don't need complex math skills, being able to understand figures is vital to an accountant’s job. They should also be meticulous and detail oriented.
Education: A bachelor's degree in accounting is the minimum education requirement for becoming an accountant. There are some employers who prefer to hire individuals with a master's degree in accounting or business administration with a specialization in accounting. It's also possible to qualify for a junior accountant position by graduating from a community college as long as the candidate can demonstrate their skills on the job.
Career Path: Accountants who file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must obtain their Certified Public Accountant (CAP) license. The designation is voluntary, and quite common, for all other accountants. In order to qualify for licensure, accountants must have the right combination of work experience and education.