Accountant
The role of an accountant is to help prepare and examine financial records. Accountants also play a major role in ensuring taxes are paid and accurate financial records are kept. They will complete various tasks for a company or customer by reconciling, analyzing and reviewing general ledger accounts. Additionally, they make recommendations to leadership or clients on spending and saving.
Future Job Market
-
Fair
-
Good
-
Excellent
Typical Employers:
Accountants can be self-employed or may work for a company or an accounting firm. Government agencies will also hire accountants to examine their records and to audit businesses and individuals.
Suggested Professional Organizations and Associations:
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- National Society of Accountants
- The American Accounting Association
- American Agricultural Economics Association
- International Food and Agribusiness Management Association
- Local Chamber of Commerce
Salary:
$66,000?
SAE Connections:
FFA Connections:
What Responsibilities Will I Have?
- Examine financial records and statements to ensure accounts are correct and in balance
- Keep records to ensure laws and regulations are met
- Prepare tax returns and recompense taxes for clients
- Look for ways to improve efficiency in spending and present a summary of recommendations to clients
- Make recommendations on spending and saving
- Provide auditing services
- Organize financial records and maintain proper documentation
- Input information into database systems
- Prepare budgets and keep track of spending throughout the year
- Create and adjust processes to make financial tracking easier
- Analyze profits and losses in order to determine greater profitability
- Compile cash and receipts from the business day (in a retail setting)
- Assist with the month-end and quarter-end close process by reconciling, analyzing and reviewing general ledger accounts
- Analyze payroll transactions for appropriate classification and compliance with generally accepted accounting standards
- Maintain and process payroll
- Respond to information requests related to property or sales and use tax audits
Recommended High School Courses:
- agricultural education
- personal finance
- business
- economics
- government
- computer skills
Education/Training Required:
To obtain a role as an accountant, an associate or bachelor’s degree in accounting is required. Additionally, most employers also request that their hires hold the title of Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which is licensed by each state. An understanding of commodity markets and trading would also be valuable in an agricultural setting.
