Job Description of a Chartered Accountant
Chartered accountants first established an international professional body in 1854. Chartered accountants are very similar to certified public accountants in the United States. A chartered accountant can operate on an international basis, but would need to pass a CPA exam to provide public attestation opinions on financial statements in the United States.
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Diverse Industries
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Chartered accountants work across diverse industries. They can be found in public accounting, government agencies, private companies and publicly traded companies. Chartered accountants mainly work outside of the United States including in England, Australia, New Zealand and Canada.
Professional Development
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To continue as a chartered accountant you need ongoing training and education. You must obtain a minimum level of continuing professional-development credits to keep your license active.
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Advisory Services
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You also will provide advisory services for your employer or clients. You will need to stay up to date on the latest policies and procedures for your industry. You will be expected to provide sound counsel in any decision-making processes.
Accounting Procedures
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It is critical that you are extremely good with numbers. Basic accounting knowledge is a must, and advanced accounting expertise is highly recommended for this role. You will need to have a handle on areas such as financial statement preparation, month-end close, budgeting and forecasting.
Technical Expertise
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Many times chartered accountants are leaned upon to provide technical expertise. Most companies operate their monthly financial statements on a software-based platform, so a solid understanding of computer information systems is viewed highly in the eyes of a potential employer.
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