Accountants and auditors assemble, analyze, and check the accuracy of financial information.

Accountants often specialize in one of the four major fields of accounting:

• Public
• Management
• Government
• Internal auditing

All accountants and auditors must know the rules and regulations in their area. The rules change frequently. Accountants and auditors must regularly take training to keep their knowledge up to date.

Public accountants

Public accountants have their own businesses or work for accounting firms. Their clients are individuals or businesses. Public accountants provide accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services. For example, they examine business operations such as revenues and costs. They go over financial records to make sure the information is correct. They may develop accounting systems for clients.

Management accountants

Management accountants work for corporations. These accountants work as part of their company's management team and help make decisions. They give the team advice about how certain financial changes may affect the company. They record and analyze the business's financial information. In addition, they create budgets, and manage costs and assets.

Government accountants

Government accountants maintain and examine the records of government agencies. They must follow special procedures and regulations. Accountants in this area may write reports for government officials. Government auditors check the tax records of businesses and individuals.

Internal auditing

Internal auditors generally work for a company. They check that the company's financial records are correct. They also check for waste or fraud, and help find ways to prevent financial loss.