Accountant: She Wears Many Hats

Introduction
Knowledge is your biggest asset. You won’t learn everything in school that you need to know for this career, but the job directs you to what you need to learn and where to find it. The important thing is to actively seek out the information you need. Then you can be a resource to everyone you work with.

And that means employers will value you.

Job Function
The best aspects of the job are security and the variety of things I get to do. Everybody needs someone to crunch numbers. So that’s good. But if you can do that, and you are flexible and willing to help out with other business affairs, you’re really set.

I’m an organizational olympian, so I enjoy putting together data for management. It can be about anything from payroll, to work orders, to utility usage. But besides that, I also fix computers, monitor security systems, research technology and accounting procedures, write procedures, train employees, and work alongside with other employees.
The worst part is that everyone needs you at the same time. This can be stimulating, especially if you can change hats quickly. Some accountants nowadays do more than keep the books. Advertisement
Lifestyle
It is definitely not “all work and no play.” I generally work 8 or 9 hours a day, and always at the same location. I work for a company that owns real estate. One can work in a public accounting firm or in a specific business. One can also freelance, so there are a lot of possibilities, depending on what atmosphere you like best.

Considering the hours that most people put in nowadays, I am pretty pleased with my schedule. The hours are regular, unless there is something out of the ordinary. What I do during those hours varies, as I mentioned. But when the day is over, it’s over. The rest of my time is my own. I walk my dog in the park or read. I also like to cook.

Additional Information
Employers are looking for people with specialties first and foremost in general accounting, next in internal auditing. They also want people who communicate well and have good problem-solving abilities. Know your general accounting and be able to find solutions on your own. And then, be able to explain your work simply and clearly to your employers.

Helpful links and sources:
http://199.236.122.106/forum/printer_friendly_posts.asp?TID=1499
http://www.nextgenaccountant.com/research_summary.html"