Business and industry counts on the leadership and proficiency of CPAs to promote a successful venture. CPAs are hired by private business to fill such positions as chief financial officer or controller of the company's accounting department.

There is a trend in business to move accountants and financial people "out of the basement and onto the top floor." Companies are discovering the organizational strengths of an effective partnership between finance and sales or operations. This trend provides increasing opportunities for accountants in private industry.

In addition to providing accounting and auditing to the organization, the accountants are asked to develop management information systems that deliver pertinent and timely information to managers. Also, they must project the impact of various management decisions and economic conditions. They must detect problems quickly and suggest solutions.

Accountants have not lost any of their historical duties which include managing the accounting department, developing internal control systems, handling insurance and banking relationships, and preparing financial statements and disclosures, to name a few. However, there is an increasing focus on viewing the accounting department as a service provider to the organization's different departments. As such, there is constant pressure to provide more service for less cost, i.e., fewer personnel.

The role of the private industry CPA is becoming more demanding and generating greater rewards. If you are interested in being a business leader, the career path of accounting opens many doors of opportunity.

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Source: Washington Society of CPAs.