Are you good with numbers?

By THORN MULI

Are you one of those students who figure out the answer to a mathematical problem before the teacher finishes the calculation on the blackboard?

If yes, you could be best suited to pursue a career in Accounting. Accountants are charged with the responsibility of preparing and examining financial records. They ensure that their clients’ financial records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time. They also assess financial operations and ensure organisations run efficiently.

While accountants need a variety of skills, the ability to pore over massive amounts of numerical data is important. It is not just the love for numbers that makes a great accountant. Attention to detail and the ability to think critically as well as analyse and synthesise data are essential.

It also helps if you develop an interest in the law and have a desire to do the right thing, especially considering that all Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) must pass an ethics exam before gaining certification.

The first step in the walk towards a career as a professional accountant is passing the CPA examinations set by the Kenya Accountants and Secretaries National Examination Board. This is after attaining an aggregate of at least a ‘C+’ in your KCSE exams, with a minimum of ‘C+’ in both English and Mathematics. CPAs, as they are commonly referred to, not only serve as a basis for a career in Accounting, but are also important in many other professional fields, including Engineering, Law, Architecture, Medicine, Dentistry and Building Economics.

Accountancy is a wide field and it is important to determine what area you would like to focus on. If you would prefer to deal with a variety of work environments and situations, then Public Accounting may be right for you. If you would rather stay within one company for a long period of time, Management Accounting or Internal Auditing might be the way to go. If you are a highly ethical individual who relishes the chance to investigate business practices, Forensic Accounting, Government Accounting or Internal Auditing could all be great choices.

The classes you thrive in and enjoy the most in your Accounting course could also influence which field you end up in. With technology being a core part of everyday life, it is advisable that those wishing to become accountants acquaint themselves with accounting programmes to better their chances of getting employment.