As in every business, everyone deals with numbers. From balancing a checkbook, as used in everyday life, to making financial reports, to marketing strategies, everyone uses some form of accounting. A common stereotype of the accounting world is that of a person who crunches numbers all day. However, there is much more to accounting than that. There are many types of accountants, covering a wide range of the business world. Thus, becoming an accountant opens a wide range of career and job opportunities.

As in most jobs, a wide range of job options is present in the field of accounting. From the bookkeepers and accounting clerks, to the CPA and CMA's, there is an accounting job for everyone. One of the more commonly known accounting professions is the field of public accounting. A public accountant or CPA, does independent work based on fees or as a member of a large accounting firm. Some of the basic tasks of a public accountant include auditing reports and records, certifying financial statements, traveling, and/or formulating budget policies (Cosgrove 5). A private accountant performs similar tasks, only exclusively for one business. This business may be a sole proprietor

The money aspect of the job is a good one. Accounting is an occupation that is in high demand and thus gets paid well. Bookkeepers may earn somewhere around 19,500 dollars per year, while partners of accounting firms may earn more than 100,000 dollars per year. The work environment would consist of indoor work, along with some travel depending on the variety of the job (Cosgrove 3).

Becoming an accountant may be the hard part, but in order to become an accountant, one must possess important skills. One of the most important skills is communication skill. By far this is the most important solely because you must be able to communicate with clients. Accountants must be able to listen to gain information and understand opposing points of view. They need the ability to locate, obtain, and organize from both human and electronic sources, as well as to be able to present and defend their view through formal and informal, written and oral presentations. Although communication skills are important, time management skills are also very important. Accountants must be able to deal with conflicting demands and unexpected requirements and coinciding deadlines. Interpersonal skills are important as well. It is important to be able to work with others as well as to organize and delegate tasks and motivate others. Computer skills are necessary for accountants. They need to create professional reports and do business planning as well as conduct research and work with spreadsheets (Accounting...The One Degree 3). They also need reading comprehension and critical thinking skills (Choices 2000). Major accounting firms also look for leadership and management skills as well (Carney). Problem solving sills are needed for money shortages and buying and selling of corporations and businesses.

The use of technology is present in all aspects of the accounting profession. From the secretary who may answer phone calls, fax forms and reports and file documents to the accountant who may fly on a airplane to a meeting in Hong Kong, technology is used daily. A basic day for an accountant may include the use of a car to drive to work, a light to see what he or she is doing, a computer on which to type reports and memos, a

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