Accounting is often said to be the “language of business.” Instant communication facilities, rapid commercial transactions, and expanding international trade have enlarged the importance of the role the accountant plays in the global business environment. Accountants perform vital functions by offering an increasingly wide array of business and accounting services to clients. Many accountants begin their careers performing these services, and later move on to leadership positions in their organizations, or become entrepreneurs.
Persons planning a career in accounting should have an aptitude to analyze, compare, and interpret facts and figures. They must be able to clearly communicate the results of their work to clients and managers. Accountants must be good at working with people, as well as with business systems and computers. Because of the services accountants perform, they must have a high standard of integrity and ethics.