Business and Industry

CPAs and accountants in business and industry work for companies ranging from family-owned businesses to Fortune 500 companies. They often are considered strategic business partners of their organizations and work in a variety of different areas as noted below: 

Financial Management

Under this broad category, accountants are responsible for analyzing a company's future financing needs, making presentations to and negotiating with banks and other investors, and managing an organization's cash and investments.

Management Accounting

Accountants working in management accounting are responsible for the accumulation, analysis and reporting of financial and non-financial data in a format and level of detail required by management for making business decisions. Management accountants may make recommendations on business policy, resource allocation, and business operations to improve financial performance.

Internal Auditing

The accountant as internal auditor is responsible for providing an objective review of the company's financial and operating systems. He/she may also assist outside CPAs in their examination and evaluation of the company's financial statements. The internal auditor also functions as an in-house management consultant to senior management.

Financial Reporting

The accountant is responsible for accumulating, verifying, and recording the data required for the preparation of financial statements. Accountants often may be in charge of the design, implementation, and maintenance of the computer system used in the preparation of financial statements.

Non-Financial Positions

CPAs and accountants are broad-based experts whose knowledge and skills are sought and valued by management in various non-financial positions. CPAs and accountants can succeed in business as top level managers, chief executive officers, and company presidents.

Tax Planning

CPAs and accountants are responsible for determining the company's liability to various taxing authorities for income tax, licenses, sales tax, property tax, and payroll tax. They analyze the effects of tax accounting alternatives and study laws and regulations to ensure correct application of new tax measures.