Accountants

Accountants provide accounting systems and services relating to taxation and the financial dealings of organisations and individuals.

Job opportunities: Chances of getting a job as an accountant are good due to demand for experienced workers.

Length of training: 3-6 years of training required.

About the job

What you will do:

• prepare financial statements and reports for clients or company management
• record the amount of money spent and received daily by clients or company management
• develop, forecast and check budgets
• prepare goods and services tax (GST) and other returns, such as surveys, pay as you earn (PAYE) and tax forms
• advise on financial aspects of businesses such as budgets, tax and cashflows
• review accounting procedures and analyse the financial performance of businesses
• assist management with strategic planning and human

Skills and knowledge needed:

• knowledge of finance, economics and marketing
• knowledge of business management practices, including business ethics
• accounting and maths skills.

How to enter the job

To become an accountant you need to have a commerce, business or accounting degree majoring in accounting. Most people working in accountancy are members of Chartered Accountants (CA), and employers prefer this.

Secondary education:  Useful subjects include accounting, economics, English and Maths .

Personal qualities needed:

• methodical and accurate, with a good eye for detail
• able to work well under pressure
• honest and responsible
• skilled in analysing and interpreting information
• skilled in organising and planning
• good problem-solvers
• good communicators and able to deal well with

Useful experience:

• accounts and auditing work
• accounting software experience
• work in offices and

Related jobs:  Auditor, Accounts Officer, Finance Manager, Quantity Surveyor.

Vocational pathways: Services industries.