1. What is an accountant?
An individual who makes business decisions and interprets financial statements. All companies need accountants

2. Types of businesses For profit Not for profit (nonprofit)
Public accounting firms

3. Public Accounting Firms
Provide broad range of accounting services to their clients
Perform independent audits of companies.
Employs certified public accountants (CPA)
The largest public accounting firms are known as the “Big Four” – Ernst and Young, Deloitte and Touche, KPMG, and PriceWaterhouse Coopers

4. Certified Public Accountant
Has met certain educational and experience requirements
Has passed a national exam
Is licensed by the state

5. What can an accountant do?
Prepare financial statements
Prepare tax returns
Financial planning
Forensic accounting
Audit

6. The possibilities are endless:
The Changing Horizon
There is more to accounting than crunching numbers! Many careers in accounting are dynamic and exciting. As an accountant, you could work for
big-name businesses like Nike or Hard Rock Cafe.
well-known celebrities like Christian Bale or Scarlett Johansson
movie producers.
publishers for magazines such as PC World or Sports Illustrated.