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Quick Guide to Accounting Training
Are you considering an accounting education but confused by all
the jargon? This is a quick guide to understanding the different
specialties associated with accounting careers and the training
you will need to be successful.
Business cannot function without people who monitor, evaluate,
and synthesize productivity, financial, and resource data.
Accounting, or accountancy, is the practice of collecting and
measuring data in order to allocate resources. Most often
accounting is specific to a business's finances. Auditing is a
related field whereby records are reviewed and a conclusion
reached; resulting in a recommendation for action; geared to
ensure efficiency and to improve performance and ensure
adherence to standards and principles. A simple example of the
workplace relationship follows: An accountant would enter and
keep track of payroll and company expenses. An auditor would
review the records kept by the accountant to determine if money
and time are being well spent.
When people think of auditors, the first thought is probably one
of an IRS man in a suit with a stern expression coming to make
sure you paid your taxes. While this type of auditor exists (not
to be feared if you have been a good record keeper) auditors are
usually individuals who are hired to evaluate the accuracy of
accounts kept by a company. Their analyses help management
determine effectiveness and efficiency.
Accounting professionals often deal with time to money ratios.
In order to keep track of all these numbers, professionals must
be well able to use computers; specifically spreadsheet
applications (such as Microsoft Excel).
Accountants often specialize in one field. Jobs include
bookkeeping, tax accounting, cost accounting, accounts payable,
accounts receivable, time keeping and payroll.
* Accounts receivable refers to incoming payments.
* Accounts payable refers to debits and outgoing payments.
* Bookkeeping refers to recording transactions and calculations.
* Tax accounting in its simplest form refers to the specialty of
preparing tax returns.
* Cost accounting refers to the specialty of accounting that
deals with analyzing, tracking,
and recording business costs.
Cost may be measured not only in money, but in time.
* Time keeping and payroll clerks do just what it sounds like;
they keep track of workers' time sheets and payroll.
Training for accounting careers varies. For many jobs a
bachelor's degree in accounting is not necessary, though some
education or experience is generally required. Accounting
training programs often involve computer classes to familiarize
students with the applications used in the workplace. Those in
the accounting field must be comfortable using spreadsheets and
other financial and accounting software (QuickBooks, Microsoft
Excel) as well as word processing software such as Microsoft
Word. Close attention to detail is essential, as is an aptitude
for numbers and order. A high level of trustworthiness and
discretion is also essential as much of the information
processed is confidential. Office experience and communication
skills are also essential in the workplace. Certified Public
Accountants (CPAs) must undergo a four-part, two-day exam
administered by the American Institute of Certified Public
Accountants (AICPA) and are required to complete a minimum of
150 college credit hours (this is 30 hours more than the usual
needed to graduate with a bachelor's degree.) The exam is
considered to be quite difficult, and many do not pass all four
sections at one time. Partial credit is usually awarded as long
as the candidate passes at least two sections.
As with any career, an interest in the subject matter is
helpful. Someone who hates math should probably not consider an
accounting career just as someone who hates English should steer
clear of copywriting.
Remember, it never hurts to do a little research and ask
questions about programs. School representatives are always
happy to help prospective students find out more about their
offerings. Accounting careers are diverse and abundant; why not
change your future with an accounting education?
About the author:
Kate Leas is a freelance writer from Kansas City, Missouri. Her
current topics include education and the Internet.
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