Accountant
Accountants track money, prepare taxes, and help people and businesses stay financially healthy.
What they do
Accountants keep track of money for people and businesses. They record income and spending, prepare tax returns, create financial reports, and give advice on how to save and budget. Their work helps organizations make smart decisions.
Work environment
Accountants usually work in offices or from home, often at firms, companies, or government agencies. The busiest time is tax season in early spring.
How to become one
Earn a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Many accountants become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) by passing the CPA exam, which opens up more job opportunities.
Skills you’ll need
- Math
- Attention to detail
- Organization
- Honesty
- Computer skills
A day in the life
An accountant might review a company’s expenses in the morning, enter transactions into accounting software, prepare a report for a manager, and answer questions about a client’s taxes in the afternoon.