You Can Be Anything › All careers › Business, Finance & Economics
Accountant
Manages financial records, tax filings, audits, and budgets for individuals and businesses.
Did you know?
The word 'accountant' comes from the Old French 'aconter', meaning to count, and was in English use by the 1400s.
How subjects help
- Mathematics: Balance a company's accounts so every sum coming in and going out adds up exactly.
- Economics: Explain how rising prices or interest rates will affect a business's profits.
- Business Studies: Prepare profit and loss reports that show owners how their business is really doing.
- Law: Follow tax rules when preparing returns so a business pays the right amount.
A famous name
Luca Pacioli: Italian mathematician who first published the double-entry bookkeeping method in 1494; the father of accounting.
Try it yourself: Plan a party on a budget
- Pretend you have a set amount of money for a party for ten friends. Pick the amount yourself.
- List what you want (food, decorations, games) and guess a price for each.
- Add it up. Over budget? Decide what to cut or swap for something cheaper.
- Keep a little money spare for surprises. What did you choose to protect, and why?
Accountants, managers and business owners make these choices every day: what matters most, and what can wait.
Also try: Match a family to a home.
Known for it in
USA, UK, Australia, Singapore, Canada