2. 4.01 Accounting Careers

3. What do Accountants do? Track companies’ expenses Prepare, analyze and verify financial documents Look for ways to run businesses more efficiently Keep public records Make sure taxes are paid properly

4. Public Accountants Perform audits Prepare taxes for corporations, government agencies, nonprofits and individuals

5. Management Accountants Management accountants are members of the executive team who Record and analyze information about budgets, costs and assets Support strategic planning or product development Write financial reports for stockholders, creditors or government agencies.

6. Government Accountants Maintain and examine government records Audit private businesses or individuals on the government's behalf

7. Internal Auditors Are fiscal “police officers” Verify the accuracy of an organization's financial records Look for waste, mismanagement and fraud.

8. Job Outlook in Accounting CPA accountants will continue to be in high demand, especially as states increase the education and experience requirements for the certification. Certified Management Accountants and those with MBAs will also fare well.

9. Job Outlook in Accounting Having a specialty, such as information systems, government regulation or international business, will help you land a job. Those without a degree or certification and those vying for the upper-most echelons of accounting will find keen competition for jobs.

10. Education Requirements A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement, and to advance, you'll need additional certification or graduate-level education. Those in the accounting field can earn the Certified Public Accountant designation by meeting experience and educational requirements and passing an exam.