A person interested in accounting can choose to pursue four basic fields, these being internal auditing, management, government accounting, and public accounting.  No matter which area of specialty one chooses to pursue, the basic duties of an accountant are generally the same.  These include keeping records accurate and ensuring taxes are paid on time.  The accountant also prepares and analyzes financial documents while also ensuring they are maintained accurately.  Some accountants also provide assistance in financial planning and investments, offer financial consulting, assist with budget analysis, and provide a limited amount of legal services.

Accountants specializing in one of the four basic fields of accounting will have slightly different duties.  An internal auditor, for example, is primarily responsible for making sure internal records for an organization are accurate while also checking for waste, fraud, and mismanagement of funds. 

An accountant specializing in management, on the other hand, records and analyzes financial information for his or her employer.  He or she may also assist in budgeting, performance evaluation, cost management, and asset management. 

Unlike the management accountant, a government accountant is responsible for maintaining and examining government agency records.  In addition, the government accountant audits businesses and individuals who operate under government regulation and taxation.

A public accountant may also audit individuals, while also providing consulting, accounting, and tax services to clients.  These clients may be businesses, nonprofit organizations, the government, or individuals.

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