The job of an Accountant is to help businesses to achieve their targets by providing information on finance, business performance and progress, and to ensure that the individual or company is in compliance in important areas such as Taxation, Company Returns and Contractual Obligations etc.. The accountant will assess the client's income and outgoings, look at the financial dealings of the company and advise accordingly.

Accountants work with every type of organisation, from the newest tech start-up to the oldest bank and from local business to multinational companies - all need financial experts to advise them on the efficient running of their businesses.

Forensic Accountants require a very specific skill investigating potential fraud such as information gathering, attention to detail, information preservation, legal processes and dispute resolution. 

Accountants need excellent maths skills, but attributes such as team work, project management, organisation and logical thinking are highly prized too. Opportunities to work in a wide variety of sectors, excellent pay, and relative job security make a career in accountancy an attractive choice.

Many universities and institutes of technology across Ireland offer accountancy courses, offering numerous options for the first step towards qualifying as an accountant.

The next step is spending a period of time as a trainee accountant. Working as a trainee offers career opportunities and practical on the job training. Generally, it will be highly structured, offering support as you work towards your accountancy exams.

Accountancy exams are taken to gain certification from a body such as Chartered Accountants Ireland or Certified Public Accountants Ireland. Passing these exams and becoming a member of a professional accountancy body means you are recognised as meeting the standards required of accountants. Maintaining your certification means working ethically and fulfilling the professions standards of practice.