What do accountants actually do in their jobs?

I might major in accounting because I enjoy math, but I’m not exactly sure what accountants do. Can someone break down the typical job duties of an accountant and where they usually work?

Accountants juggle a variety of tasks, ice-cream cone-shaped by the specific area of work. They work in a multitude of environments, like corporations, non-profits, government bodies, auditing firms, or independently as consultants.

Firstly, accountants are broadly responsible for preparing and examining financial records. This guarantees that the records are accurate and the taxes are paid correctly. For example, an accountant will cross-check financial data, compile reports, and make sure that all financial operations align with laws and regulations.

In the public sector, accountants often audit financial statements and ensure their accuracy for public consumption. This role is of the utmost importance for companies that are publicly traded, as investor decisions are heavily influenced by these financial statements.

In the realms of the private sector, management accountants analyze integral financial information to aid the business's strategic planning and management. It's all about forecasting and budgeting, performance evaluations, cost management, and asset management.

For those leaning towards a governmental position, accountants track income and expenditures to ensure a balanced budget. This could involve auditing businesses and individuals to ensure compliance with government regulations and taxation.

Forensic accountants find themselves in a detective-like position, investigating financial irregularities, fraud, embezzlements, contract disputes or even bankruptcy.

Lastly, tax accountants specialize in preparing and submitting tax statements, keeping up with complex tax laws, offering tax advice and planning to clients, or dealing with disputes with tax authorities.

The job often requires strong computational skills, meticulous attention to detail, and a knack for problem-solving. Analyzing numbers is only half the job—accountants need to communicate their findings, present them in understandable ways, and provide actionable recommendations. It's a blend of analytical prowess and a sprinkle of people skills.