CAREER GUIDE MANUAL - Inseta

203.4.4 EmploymentAlthough insurance companies employ a substantial proportion of actuaries,many actuaries are self-employed or work for specialised actuarial firms thatprovide consultancy services to the insurance industry as well as to otherclients.4.4 ACCOUNTANT 54.4.1 Nature of workAccountants use their numerical, analytical, statistical and management skillsto maintain reliable accounting and financial systems and to advisebusinesses on a variety of financial matters.An accountant analyses and evaluates the financial information of a businessand communicates the findings to management so that management canmake informed business decisions. Typically, accountants are required toprepare company budgets and financial statements, monitor cash flow andoperational costs, and oversee financial investments, risk management anddebt collection. Accountants also ensure that companies comply with industryand legal requirements in financial reporting. Accountants often specialise ina particular field of accountancy such as pure accounting, financialaccounting, taxation, internal auditing, and cost and managementaccounting.Accountants in the insurance industry report on premium income, claimsexpenditure paid, taxation and company expenditure so that managementmay keep track of the company's financial position. Accountants with higherlevel qualifications are often members of the senior management team whileother accountants oversee the work of accounting technicians and accountingofficers.4.4.2 Personal requirementsAccountants shouldhave integrity and be trustworthy;be proficient in mathematics;5Information relating to this career was sourced from www.careers.co.za; www.kiwicareers.gov.nz;www.cfa-sa.co.za; www.acca.org.za; www.fasset.org.za.