Accountant
Performs core professional/technical/service tasks characteristic of accountant, within the relevant organizational and regulatory context.
06 · Qualifications & training you need
Applicants can join accountancy firms as assistants and learn on the job, or as trainees after completing a degree in any discipline.
Where people train for this
03 · Education pathway
Business, finance, economics, accounting or related tertiary education; professional certification may apply.
04 · Lifestyle
Regular office hours are the norm, although some overtime may be required to complete reports or financial audits to tight schedules.
04 · Location
Hybrid working is becoming commonplace. Travel to meet clients and conduct audits – an official examination of accounts – is a vital part of the job.
21 · The realities
Although the financial rewards can be high, evening and weekend work is often required to meet deadlines during busy periods.
12 · How the pathway typically runs
There are two main types of accountancy: public practice, in which accounting services are provided to clients; and management accountancy, in which accountants work in-house for a public- or private- sector organization or business. Career progression may follow a structured path, from accreditation, to gaining experience in different sectors – such as tax or corporate finance – leading to promotion to management, and eventually, partnership in a firm. SCHOOL- OR COLLEGE-LEAVER You may be taken on as a trainee after leaving school or college. Once qualified, you can enter a programme to become an accredited accountant. Accounting apprenticeships are also highly sought after.
07 · Graduate route
With a degree in any discipline, you can apply for graduate accountancy training programmes, which are offered by many large accountancy firms, public-sector organizations, and commercial businesses in all sectors of industry. Accountants play a vital role in the operation of virtually every business and organization, ensuring that financial systems run smoothly and that tax laws and other regulations are followed. They calculate annual accounts and produce financial reports, and may specialize in other areas, such as fraud detection. Increasing automation of accounting processes requires accountants today to have excellent IT skills. ACCOUNTANT