Role of an accountant is doing functions related to the collection, accuracy, recording, analysis, and presentation of a business, company or organization’s financial operations. He also holds a number of administrative functions in the company. Statutory auditing, internal audit, taxation are some of the roles of accountant.
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Role of AccountantÂ
Accounting is both a science as well as an art. A person performing functions like recording, classifying and summarizing data to generate useful information like profit and loss for the period of an organization is known as an accountant.
Knowledge, skills, and experience of accountant play an important role in the growth of an organization. Role of Accountant is very important in every organization. Some of the major areas where the role of an accountant is important are as below:
There are many functions which an accountant performs. Some of them are:
Browse more Topics under Theoretical Framework Of Accounting
- Introduction to Accounting
- Functions of Accounting
- Merits and Demerits of Accounting
- Bookkeeping
- Systems of Accounting
- Accounting as an Information System
- Accounting Concepts and Principles and Conventions
- Accounting Standards
- Accounting Policies
- Classification of Accounting
- Double Entry System
- Rules of Debit and Credit
- Accounting Equation
1.Maintenance of books of accounts
Role of Accountant is very crucial in maintaining systematic records of financial transactions in order to calculate the net profit or loss for an accounting period and the financial position of an entity as on a particular date.
Maintaining proper books of accounts in the manner required by law and accounting policies followed by the entity is important for the entity. The books of accounts of the entity also support the future planning of business operations.
2. Statutory Audit
Usually, a Chartered Accountant audits the books of the entities like Limited companies, firms etc. according to the law. He ensures that the entities prepare the financial statements in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles, standards, and legal considerations. He also ensures that the financial statements show a true and fair view of the financial position of an entity.
3. Internal Audit
Accountants, internal staff are engaged in an internal audit by large-sized entities (like listed companies, companies required to conduct an internal audit under any law etc.) to ensure that all the accounting transactions related to respective accounting year are recorded, classified and summarized in accordance with the accounting policies followed by the entity. It also enables management to check whether all the instructions given by it is followed or not.
4. Budgeting
Budgeting refers to the planning of various business activities, transactions before their occurrence. Accountants and management prepare various plans to balance their business incomes and expenses.
Actual results are compared with the budgeted to find out the variation if any. Role of accounting is very important while preparing the budget.
5. Taxation
Another very important role of the accountant is to plan the tax liabilities of an entity. Accountants are capable to manage the tax matters of an entity, file returns, make representations before tax authorities, and settle the tax liabilities of an entity under various laws. Various tax planning advice, investments etc services can be provided by accountants.
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6. Investigation
The accountants also carry an investigation to ascertain the financial position of some parties. They perform this function either by themselves or by hiring external professionals.
However, external professionals are more preferable than the internal staff due to their independence, which enhances the confidentiality of investigation report.
7. Management advisory services
Reporting internal controls to management, long-term plans, advisory regarding the business operation of an entity are the major responsibilities of an accountant.
An accountant also provides the management consultancy services in the areas of Management information systems, expenditure control and evaluation of appraisal techniques.
8. Other Activities
The accountant also performs activities such as acting as a liquidator, cost accountant, arbitrator for settlement of disputes etc. Thus, these activities make the role of accountants important.
Solved Example on Role of Accountant
Question: Name a few services that are provided by an accountant.
Ans: The services which an accountant provides are as follows:
- Management Consultancy services
- Taxation services
- Bookkeeping
- Statutory audit and internal audit
- In winding up of companies, they act as liquidators for the company
- Accountants also act as arbitrators to settle of disputes
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