Find out everything you need to know about becoming an Accountant.

Job Title - Accountant

Description

In a company, the Accountant is at the focus of all business activities. The main responsibility of an accountant is to analyse and evaluate financial information and to effectively communicate the results to senior management to enable them to make good business decisions.

Typical Job Activities

Part of the senior management team
Makes decisions about the company based on financial reports done by you
Convinces your senior management colleagues of a certain course of action
Provides the knowledge and skills that enable businesses to run effectively

Accountants can specialise in: Auditing, pure accounting, taxation, legal accounting, financial accounting, management accounting, computer accounting, cost and management accounting

Does this sound like a career for you? Browse jobs in the finance industry here.

Related Occupations

Actuary
Bookkeeper

Educational Requirements

4-7 years University Studies in Accounting

Senior Certificate with matric exemption for a degree course
Senior Certificate for a diploma course

Compulsory subjects: Mathematics
Recommended subjects: Accounting, Economics and Business Economics

What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?

Have integrity
A strong aptitude for Mathematics
Be intelligent and able to make sound judgement
Be able to analyse, compare and interpret facts and figures quickly
Be able to work accurately and convey recommendations clearly

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Employment Opportunities

High

Market Competitiveness

Moderate

Income Potential

High

Self-Employment Options

High

International Employment Market

High

Possible Employers

Government - national, provincial, local councils and related organisations like universities
Big private companies
Own small business: Entrepreneurial opportunities in this field
Self-employed: Consultant or own practice

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Relevant Contact Details

IBTC Professional Business Education
www.ibtc.co.za

The South African Institute of Chartered Accountants
www.saica.co.za

Career Progress and Path

Experience in specific field
Work performance
Experience in related fields

Possible Career Paths

Specialist career in the specific field

Employment Stability

Not very stable

Reasons to consider this career

A job in government
A job in private companies
To start my own business
To become a manager
To learn new things
To make money
To not have to study theories
To face intellectual challenges
To work internationally
To focus on a specific field
To apply my special skills
To work on my own
To work fixed hours