Analyses financial information and prepares financial reports to determine or maintain a record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organisation.

Accountants can be found at every stage of the financial information chain.

Preparing accounts for analysis, auditing accounts at the end of year are part of the usual work of an Accountant. They may also have to keep an eye on the day-to-day cash flow of a company or business. An accountant will assess, calculate and advise on taxation. They will prepare and submit tax returns for a company or individual.

Accountants can also be expected to provide financial advice and prepare budgets for projects and new business. The success of many such projects can hinge on the assessment and advice that they give.

Accountants can be found working in all forms of business from large corporations to public sector, in industry and commerce alike. They can work long hours, often alone, calculating and re-calculating figures. They need to be organised and good with figures.

Leaving Certificate plus professional award.

The Leaving Certificate is required to register with one of the professional bodies who provide full training. Students with third level qualifications may qualify for exemptions from some exams.

Entry routes to the various types of Accountants are described within the Accountancy and Taxation sector profile - select the Accountancy & Taxation Sector link below for details.