Chapter 1 Section 2Accountants handle a broad range of responsibilities, makes business decisions, and prepares and interprets financial reports. These are skills that successful businesses cannot do without.

Career Opportunities

1. For-profit businesses operate to earn money for their owners. The majority of businesses in the United States are for-profit businesses. Accounting Clerk – an entry-level job that can vary

from specializing in one part of the system to doing a wide range of tasks.

Computers handle much of the basic accounting work, freeing accountants to do more planning for future operations.

Not tied to a desk a laptop

Career Opportunities

2. Non-profit businesses – operate for purposes other than making a profit.

• Most have the goal of balancing their income with expenses rather than earning a profit for owners or investors.

• Some get income from donations.

Career Opportunities3. Public Accounting Firms – provide clients a

variety of accounting services including the independent audit.

• Audit – the review of a company’s accounting systems and financial statements to confirm that they follow generally accepted accounting principles.

• Independent audit are not done by audits.• CPA – certified public accountant is an accountant who has met certain

education and experience requirements and passes a national test.• When companies try to sell stock on a US stock exchange, potential buyers

depend on audited financial statements to make decisions. • Forensic Accountants – take cases that involve issues like fraud or employee

theft.• Since 9/11 forensic accountants have played a major role in tracking down

suspect terrorists.

Career Opportunities3. Public Accounting Firms (The Big Four)KPMG www.kpmg.comPricewaterhouseCoopers www.pwc.comDeloitte & Touche www.deloitte.comErnst & Young www.ey.com