Chartered accountant
Manage the finances of customers, which range from individuals to large multinational countries. A chartered accountant is so called as they have completed at least three years of relevant work experience and completed a chartered accountancy qualification such as the ACA. They keep up to date financial records and make recommendations for strategy and business needs.
See Inside Careers guide to chartered accountancy.
Management accountant
A management accountant analyses, researches and reports on financial aspects of a company to present to senior members of the management team to make decisions affecting strategy and business. They will also advise on financial spending and distribution and devise plans for how the company could improve their financial position.
See Inside Careers guide to management accountancy.
Tax accountant
A similar role to that of a chartered accountant or management accountant, a tax accountant would maintain financial records, produce reports and make recommendations, but would specialise in the area of tax.
See Inside Careers guide to tax.
Audit accountant
An independent review of a company's finances, their past performance and their future generation are assessed to see if they are 'fair and true' by an audit accountant. This information gives confidence to board members and shareholders. They may also conduct an audit of a company's CSR, IT, health and safety and other business areas.
See Investopedia's article explaining audit.
Forensic accountant
Liaising with the solicitor of a client, a forensic accountant will investigate the orders given to them and any other circumstance, look at and prepare papers related to financial and contract matters and present them to court. They would then answer any questions or scrutiny about the work presented. These positions are available in large accountancy firms, mid-sized companies and boutiques, and tend to be taken by experienced accountants.
Read Investopedia's article explaining forensic accountancy.
Useful links
Descriptions of some of the main careers in Accountancy can be found by following the links:
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See Directions for an overview of the roles available in accountancy
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The Prospects website provides a description of roles available in the Accountancy industry, including: