Job Definition

Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.

Interests

Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Tasks

Represent clients before taxing authorities and provide support during litigation involving financial issues.

Investigate bankruptcies and other complex financial transactions and prepare reports summarizing the findings.

Advise clients in areas such as compensation, employee health care benefits, the design of accounting or data processing systems, or long-range tax or estate plans.

Provide internal and external auditing services for businesses or individuals.

Advise management about issues such as resource utilization, tax strategies, and the assumptions underlying budget forecasts.

Work as Internal Revenue Service (IRS) agents.

Survey operations to ascertain accounting needs and to recommend, develop, or maintain solutions to business and financial problems.

Prepare forms and manuals for accounting and bookkeeping personnel, and direct their work activities.

Develop, implement, modify, and document recordkeeping and accounting systems, making use of current computer technology.

Develop, maintain, and analyze budgets, preparing periodic reports that compare budgeted costs to actual costs.

Establish tables of accounts and assign entries to proper accounts.

Report to management regarding the finances of establishment.

Analyze business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations, to project future revenues and expenses or to provide advice.

Compute taxes owed and prepare tax returns, ensuring compliance with payment, reporting or other tax requirements.

Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.

Serve as bankruptcy trustees or business valuators.

Maintain or examine the records of government agencies.

Appraise, evaluate, and inventory real property and equipment, recording information such as the description, value and location of property.

Skills

Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.

Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Active Learning - Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Knowledge

Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

Economics and Accounting - Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.

English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Education

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

School Classes

Accounting. - A program that prepares individuals to practice the profession of accounting and to perform related business functions. Includes instruction in accounting principles and theory, financial accounting, managerial accounting, cost accounting, budget control, tax accounting, legal aspects of accounting, auditing, reporting procedures, statement analysis, planning and consulting, business information systems, accounting research methods, professional standards and ethics, and applications to specific for-profit, public, and non-profit organizations.

Wages

In 2007, the California average annual wage was:

$41,942 for entry level workers, and $77,972 for experienced workers.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 142,300 people employed in this field in CA.

We estimate that in 2016 there will be 175,500 employed in CA. This represents an increase of 3,320 new positions each year (2.10%). Additionally, 2,500 jobs per year will become available due to employee turnover.

Similar Occupations

Economists - Conduct research, prepare reports, or formulate plans to aid in solution of economic problems arising from production and distribution of goods and services. May collect and process economic and statistical data using econometric and sampling techniques.

Actuaries - Analyze statistical data, such as mortality, accident, sickness, disability, and retirement rates and construct probability tables to forecast risk and liability for payment of future benefits. May ascertain premium rates required and cash reserves necessary to ensure payment of future benefits.

Tax Examiners, Collectors, and Revenue Agents - Determine tax liability or collect taxes from individuals or business firms according to prescribed laws and regulations.

Credit Analysts - Analyze current credit data and financial statements of individuals or firms to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money. Prepare reports with this credit information for use in decision-making.

Budget Analysts - Examine budget estimates for completeness, accuracy, and conformance with procedures and regulations. Analyze budgeting and accounting reports for the purpose of maintaining expenditure controls.

Auditors - Examine and analyze accounting records to determine financial status of establishment and prepare financial reports concerning operating procedures.

Cost Estimators - Prepare cost estimates for product manufacturing, construction projects, or services to aid management in bidding on or determining price of product or service. May specialize according to particular service performed or type of product manufactured.

Treasurers and Controllers - Direct financial activities, such as planning, procurement, and investments for all or part of an organization.

Job Openings

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