Business Definition for: accountant
accountant
one who performs accounting services. Accountants prepare financial statements and tax returns, audit financial records, and develop financial plans. They work in private accounting (e.g., for a corporation), public accounting (e.g., for a CPA firm), not-for-profit accounting (e.g., for a governmental agency). Accountants often specialize in a particular area such as taxes, cost accounting, auditing, and management advisory services. A
bookkeeper
is distinguished from an accountant as one who employs lesser professional skills. The bookkeeping function is primarily one of recording transactions in the journal and posting to the ledger.
See also
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
accountant
person who works in the field of accounting; may be an independent accountant, auditor, or one who provides internal accounting services for the employer.
See also
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
,
auditor
Related Terms:
title awarded in the United States to accountants who meet stringent professional qualifications. State authorities confer the title on those who pass the Uniform CPA Examination, administered by the american institute of certified public accountants (AICPA) (www.aicpa.org) and who satisfy the experience requirement of the particular state (e.g., New York requires two years of public accounting experience). The CPA is licensed to render an audit opinion on the fairness of a company's financial statements. A CPA in one state (e.g., New York) may be allowed to practice in another state (e.g., California) if reciprocal agreements exist. The two-year experience requirement frequently must be satisfied in the second state before the accountant is granted a license to practice.
title awarded in the United States to accountants who meet stringent professional qualifications. State authorities confer the title on those who pass the Uniform CPA Examination, administered by the american institute of certified public accountants (AICPA) (www.aicpa.org) and who satisfy the experience requirement of the particular state (e.g., New York requires two years of public accounting experience). The CPA is licensed to render an audit opinion on the fairness of a company's financial statements. A CPA in one state (e.g., New York) may be allowed to practice in another state (e.g., California) if reciprocal agreements exist. The two-year experience requirement frequently must be satisfied in the second state before the accountant is granted a license to practice.
- public officer charged by law with the duty of examining and verifying the expenditure of public funds.
- accountant who performs a similar function for private parties.
Copyright © 2005, 2000, 1995, 1987 by Barron's Educational Series, Inc., Reprinted by arrangement with Publisher.
Copyright © 2007, 2000, 1997, 1987, by Barron's Educational Series, Inc. Reprinted by arrangement with Publisher.
