Accountants and Auditors

I. JOB SUMMARY

Main Topic: Human Geography
Secondary Topic: Environment and Society

Overview:  Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records, identify potential areas of opportunity and risk, and provide solutions for businesses and individuals. They ensure that financial records are accurate, that financial and data risks are evaluated, and that taxes are paid properly. They also assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently. Accountants and auditors may use technology, such as artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics process automation, to increase their productivity. Automating some routine tasks makes these workers more efficient by allowing them to focus on analysis and other high-level responsibilities.

Many accountants and auditors specialize, depending on their employer. Some work for organizations that specialize in assurance services (improving the quality or context of information for decision makers) or risk management (determining the probability of a misstatement on financial documents). Other accountants and auditors specialize in specific industries, such as finance, insurance, or healthcare.  Some accountants work with individuals and small businesses in advising in financial matters and tax strategies.

Geography skills and awareness contribute to success as either an accountant or auditor.  While quality financial records are important regardless of location, the specific financial information needed by organizations for their compliance and their success does vary by city, state, and country.  When accountants are involved in providing information to decision makers, they are more effective if they understand the geographical context of the decisions being made, as businesses must navigate the complexities of regional differences in culture, tastes, and expectations.  Accountants and auditors need to be geographically literate, in addition to their technical expertise.

Geographers at work:  Business geographer, industrial geographer, cultural geographer, economic geographer, human geographers

Recommended College Courses:  Business geography, urban geography, economic geography, cultural geography, industrial geography, human geography, physical geography

Skills:  Understanding of economics, finance, markets, human behavior, and especially how business is influenced by geography (people and places); computer and database systems; critical thinking; teamwork

Occupation Group: Business and Financial

Learn more about Accountants and Auditors from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm#tab-2