Crunch Numbers to Ensure the Success of a Company as an Accountant

A large part of the success of any company comes from the job done by its accounting department. This financial sector of the industry analyzes financial information and prepares financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization. In other words, accountants crunch numbers to ensure that the financial aspect of a company is at its best. Accounting Programs are in demand as companies need more and more people.

While we often associate accounting with tax time, accountants are responsible for much more than just filling out your tax forms at the end of the year. These professionals have a multitude of tasks within small businesses, large companies or in the personal finances of individuals. At the base of their jobs, accountants keep records that document every financial aspect of the company so that problem areas can be pinpointed and corrected. They also handle payrolls and sales, perform audits, analyze a business’s ledger and operations, develop budgets, prepare forms and manuals for accounting and bookkeeping personnel, advise in areas such as compensation, employee health care benefits, the design of accounting and data processing systems and more; investigate bankruptcies, and much more. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most accountants made between $42,520 and $71,960 a year in 2006. The lowest-paid accountants earned less than $34,470, while the highest-paid earned $94,050 a year. Centennial offers Accounting Programs, Business Accounting Program and Business Administration Training.

There are a few qualities that will help to make a person a successful accountant. Of course, mathematical aptitude and strong analytical skills top the list of must-have attributes. Second, as accounting is an exceptionally time-sensitive job (especially when it comes to employee compensation), these professionals should also possess organizational and multitasking skills. Another attribute of a successful accountant is being detail-oriented. In this profession, small errors such as the incorrect placement of a decimal point can result in big financial losses. Lastly, accountants should be comfortable with their ability to use spreadsheets and database programs. They should also have familiarity with common accounting software.

Luckily, there is a program that teaches all those skills and more. Centennial College’s three-year Business Administration – Accounting program provides the rigorous training that students need to be successful. By offering courses in financial accounting, management accounting, taxation auditing, corporate finance and computers, students are guaranteed to have well-rounded knowledge by the end of the program. The topics that are covered serve to help students develop a strong foundation in problem solving, communications, math, analysis and other business functions. Classes are taught in lab environments that are fully equipped with an integrated network of computer systems so any computer courses are hands-on, allowing students to develop proficiencies with industry standard accounting software such as Simply Accounting and ACCPAC for Windows and SAP. Another aspect of the Business Administration – Accounting program that ensures student success is flexibility in curriculum design. For more important features, check out the Accounting program’s benefits page, which also has information on its educational partners.

To enjoy all that the Business Administration - Accounting program has to offer, students must present at minimum an Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent or be 19 years of age or older during the application process. They must also possess the compulsory English 12C or U, or skills assessment, or equivalent and Math 11C, M or U or 12C or U or skills assessment, or equivalent.