Accountants – A Basic Overview
Maintaining accounts is serious task and for this purpose you need to have a lot of information and analytical skills. Apart from that there are number of accountancy courses being run by the different institutions which can provide you the basic information about the field of accountancy. To become an accountant you need to complete these courses or may require training.
Going by the definition, an accountant is an accountancy practitioner. This includes the disclosure measurement or provision of assurance about financial information which assists investors, managers, tax authorities.
The word “accountant” has been originated from the French word Compter which came into the existence from a Latin word Computare. In Middle English the word was written as Accomptant, but with the change of the time it has become accountant.
Every country has their own teaching standard in which they give training of accountancy and their certification both.
While speaking about the United States, legal accountants are known as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and certified management accountants. While non-statutory accountants are known as Certified Internal Auditors (CIAs) and Accredited Business Accountants (ABAs). However, a large number of accounting work is being done by the uncertified individuals who work under a seasoned accountant.
A CPA is a license given by the state to facilitate individual auditing services to masses. Most CPA firms offer litigation, accounting, tax, support, and other financial services. The criteria for getting the CPA license vary from one state to another state. The clearance of Uniform Certified Public Accountant examination is being sought by states. This examination is being conducted and approved by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
A CIA is a certificate from the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA). To get this certificate, the candidate has to pass through an examination of four parts. A CIA mostly provides their services directly to their employer rather than the public.
A CMA is granted a certificate from the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA). The candidate has to pass an examination in two parts and fulfill the practical experience requirement sought by the IMA.
Apart from these, there are other coveted certifications in the field of accountancy are being given. Once you get the certification then you can simply start your work. You can undertake different works being offered by it. So, if you really want to make a career in the accountancy then you can search through the different websites which showcase the courses. All the leading institutes have their own websites and interested candidates can get their details from it.
