1. Accountants handle a broad range of responsibilities, makes business decisions, and prepares and interprets financial reports. These are skills that successful businesses cannot do without.

2. Career Opportunities 1. For-profit businesses operate to earn money for their owners. The majority of businesses in the United States are for-profit businesses. Accounting Clerk – an entry-level job that can vary from specializing in one part of the system to doing a wide range of tasks. Computers handle much of the basic accounting work, freeing accountants to do more planning for future operations. Not tied to a desk a laptop

3. Career Opportunities 2. Non-profit businesses – operate for purposes other than making a profit. Most have the goal of balancing their income with expenses rather than earning a profit for owners or investors. Some get income from donations.

4. Career Opportunities 3. Public Accounting Firms – provide clients a variety of accounting services including the independent audit. Audit – the review of a company’s accounting systems and financial statements to confirm that they follow generally accepted accounting principles. Independent audit are not done by audits. CPA – certified public accountant is an accountant who has met certain education and experience requirements and passes a national test. When companies try to sell stock on a US stock exchange, potential buyers depend on audited financial statements to make decisions. Forensic Accountants – take cases that involve issues like fraud or employee theft. Since 9/11 forensic accountants have played a major role in tracking down suspect terrorists.

5. Career Opportunities 3. Public Accounting Firms (The Big Four) KPMG www.kpmg.comwww.kpmg.com PricewaterhouseCooperswww.pwc.comwww.pwc.com Deloitte & Touchewww.deloitte.comwww.deloitte.com Ernst & Young www.ey.comwww.ey.com