A chartered accountant is a title given to accounting professionals who work in countries other than the United States. An accounting professional with this title is qualified to provide auditing and tax services, as well as financial transaction and investment consulting. Accounting industry trade groups in Europe, Australia, Asia, and North America, including Canada, support chartered financial accountants and may be able to assist students and others in obtaining chartered accountant positions.
The truth is that the types of industries where chartered accountant jobs can be found are virtually endless. Most organizations require these professionals to provide financial services and support across internal capacities while remaining compliant with financial reporting standards. A chartered financial analyst designation is likely to be held a top executive, such as a chief financial officer, who is responsible for establishing a company’s financial direction.
Recent graduates who want to work in accounting should seriously consider joining one of the participating countries’ professional organizations for chartered accountants. Members are exposed to training and seminars where trends and regulations are discussed and influenced industry groups. These organizations also allow industry professionals to network, and these connections can lead to job opportunities.
Professionals looking for accountant jobs may be able to find work as business analysts in financial services firms. A chartered accountant designation could boost a person’s earning potential in this position. This position may entail working on a variety of projects within a company, communicating with other departments and shareholders, and adhering to budgeting guidelines.
Jobs for chartered accountants can be found in the most unlikely of places, such as forensics. Financial professionals can contribute to auditing teams in back offices or serve as hands-on forensic accountants who are called upon for various tasks in this fast-paced environment where dealing with crime scenes is common. Finance professionals may be required to testify in court or in arbitration situations as part of their forensics and law enforcement chartered accountant jobs.
Chartered accountant jobs can also be found in other areas of the financial services industry. A chartered accountant, for example, could pursue career opportunities in money management. Without a college education, it is possible to obtain a chartered financial title. Professionals can use the skills they learned in accounting preparation to manage client investment portfolios and even pursue management opportunities.