A financial accountant’s job is to keep track of and record the income and expenses of his or her client or employer. He may also counsel his clients on financial matters such as taxes and payroll. The requirements for becoming a financial accountant may differ depending on the jurisdiction in which the person intends to work. However, in many places, a person seeking to work as a financial accountant must have at least an associate’s degree, though some employers may prefer accountants with bachelor’s degrees.
A person who chooses to work as a financial accountant may have a job description that differs from one employer to the next. A person in this field is frequently responsible for tasks such as bookkeeping, financial statement preparation, and expense and profit calculation. When his clients need to make financial decisions, the person who fills this position may also advise them. A person in this position, for example, might assist his clients or employers in making employee benefit decisions.
A person with certain skills and qualities may be a good candidate for a career as a financial accountant. To begin with, a person in this field is expected to be good with numbers and enjoy doing so. He should also be able to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally. In this field, trustworthiness, an analytical mind, and the ability to work well under pressure are highly valued. In addition, a person in this field typically requires strong computer and organizational skills.
A person who wants to work as a financial accountant usually has a high school diploma or a diploma equivalent. A high math aptitude is required for someone in this career, so the prospective account will do well to hone his math skills in high school. Classes that assist an aspiring financial accountant in developing communication and critical-thinking skills may also be beneficial.
In terms of higher education, someone who wants to work as a financial accountant can get an associate’s degree in accounting to prepare for an entry-level position in this field. A person with a bachelor’s degree or higher may, however, have more job opportunities and responsibilities. In addition, some people pursue certification as accountants, which usually entails completing a set of educational hours and passing an exam. Earning certification may make a person a much more appealing job candidate and help him secure higher wages in some places.