Would I Be a Good Accounting? - Career Aptitude Quiz

What does an accounting job involve?

Accounting is all about accurately recording and managing a company’s financial activity. This includes tracking revenue, expenses, purchases, and compiling that information into ledgers, financial statements, and tax filings.

The main role of accounting is to give a clear picture of a company’s financial health and to provide reliable information to both internal decision-makers and external stakeholders.While accountants may not always be in the spotlight, they play a crucial behind-the-scenes role in keeping the business running smoothly.

Accounting tasks often include processing invoices, reviewing bills, handling payments, and other detailed administrative work.

Accuracy is key—small mistakes can lead to bigger issues down the line, so being careful and precise is essential. A solid understanding of accounting and tax rules is also necessary.

These days, many companies use accounting software and cloud-based tools, so being comfortable with tech is a big plus. And even though the job centers on numbers, communication skills still matter—you’ll often need to work with other departments or outside vendors.

In short, accounting is a steady, detail-focused profession. It may not be flashy, but it’s absolutely essential to a company’s stability and success.

The scope of accounting work can vary widely, but it generally falls into three main categories: daily tasks, monthly tasks, and annual tasks.

Daily tasks include things like managing cash flow, recording transactions, issuing and processing invoices, and handling payments. These are routine responsibilities that help keep track of the company’s day-to-day financial activities—and they’re essential for maintaining accurate financial records.

Monthly tasks involve compiling data on expenses, sales, and purchases to create a monthly financial report, often referred to as a monthly closing. This gives the company an up-to-date snapshot of its financial health. Accountants also use this time to input journal entries into accounting software, organize financial records, and reconcile bank statements.

Annual tasks are focused on year-end closing and financial reporting. This includes preparing financial statements and filing tax returns, such as corporate income tax forms, with government authorities. Because these tasks require a deep understanding of accounting principles and tax laws, they are often handled by senior accountants or in collaboration with certified tax professionals._In some companies, the accounting department may also cover related roles such as financial management and management accounting.Financial management involves planning cash flow and securing funding, while management accounting focuses on providing internal financial insights to support business decisions.

While specific responsibilities can vary depending on the size and structure of the company, all of these roles play a critical part in managing the company’s financial health.

Do you need a specific qualification to land an accounting job?Not always. While a certification isn’t strictly required for entry-level positions, having a strong foundation in accounting and bookkeeping definitely helps.Majoring in accounting, finance, business, or economics in college gives you a head start by covering the basic principles you'll use on the job.

In the U.S., earning a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is a common goal for those pursuing advanced accounting careers, but it’s not necessary for all entry-level roles.For beginners, having coursework in accounting or certifications like QuickBooks Certified User, Microsoft Excel Specialist, or even starting the CPA track can make your resume stand out.

Starting your career in accounting.Most entry-level accounting hires begin with tasks like data entry, invoice processing, and reconciling bank statements. As you gain experience, you'll gradually take on more complex responsibilities like preparing financial reports or assisting with tax filings.

Technical skills matter

Familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks, Xero, Sage, or enterprise platforms like NetSuite is a big plus. Strong Excel skills are also highly valued, especially for handling large data sets or creating financial models.With the rise of cloud-based tools and automation, having good digital literacy is more important than ever.

A career path with room to grow

Accounting offers long-term growth and flexibility. With experience, you can move into roles like financial analyst, controller, auditor, or even strategic positions in corporate finance and planning.The best way to get started is by learning the basics, building your skills, and finding the type of accounting work that fits your strengths and goals.