What is an Accountant?

An accountant is a professional who is responsible for keeping and interpreting financial

records. Most accountants are responsible for a wide range of finance-related tasks, either for
individual clients or for larger businesses and organizations employing them.

Several other terms are often discussed in conjunction with the phrase “accountant,” which can
lead to confusion on what this career actually entails. For example, “accountant” and
“bookkeeper” are phrases that are sometimes used interchangeably, yet there are several key
differences between these job titles. 

Typically, bookkeepers will have earned at least an associate degree and focus on recording
financial transactions. Accountants, on the other hand, will have typically earned at least
a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and are tasked with interpreting financial information rather
than simply gathering it. 

In short, accountants can be bookkeepers but not all bookkeepers are accountants.

Additionally, a certified public accountant (CPA) is an accountant who has passed the CPA
exam and has met state licensing requirements. So, all CPAs are accountants, but not all
accountants are CPAs.

Accounting is a broad term that encompasses multiple different job titles and roles within
organizations. There are three main types of accountants—public accountants, management
accountants, and government accountants—all of which focus on different aspects of the
profession. Internal and external auditors are also closely related.