Different Kinds of Accountants & What They Actually Do

Ever wondered why multinational companies like Amazon hire accountants with specialised skills?

Let’s break it down with a simple example.

Imagine you’re running a coffee brand that just went global. You’ve got stores in India, online sales in Europe and a new supply chain set up in Brazil.

Now, you’ll need an accountant to make sure you’re following the tax rules in each country. Someone to track your daily spending and plan budgets. One who checks if something fishy happens in your books. And an accountant to guide your long-term growth.

For each job description you will need to hire that particular kind of accountant. Big companies like Amazon do the same. They don’t just hire one accountant—they hire different kinds of accountants, each with their own speciality.

No matter how small or large a business is, accountants are at the heart of how money is managed. They’re not just number-crunchers sitting behind desks. They help businesses grow smart, stay out of legal trouble, and make powerful financial decisions every day.

This blog talks about everything that accountants do. The scope of their work and which specialisation suits you.

Also Read- 9 Best Courses For Accountants in India & Abroad

What Does an Accountant Do, Really?

Accounting is the heart of any business. Since the start of trade, when a farmer bartered his grain for a goat, accounting played a role. It’s a numerical representation of an entity. A small entity may only work with a limited number of accounts. While large entities (MNCs like Reliance) deal with numerous accounts. Where one single accountant can handle the former’s accounts, huge conglomerates need multiple accountants. As was the case of your imagined coffee brand. Different kinds of accountants do different work.

Accountants do more than look after a business’ hisaab kitaab. They are the backbone of businesses. They keep track of a company’s expenses and its cash flow. Stakeholders use them for an insight of the company’s finances and future decisions. They help prevent major legal issues and much more.

Here’s what an accountant’s day can include:

• Recording income and expenses
• Preparing and analyzing financial statements
• Creating budgets and tracking cash flow
• Managing payroll
• Filing taxes and ensuring legal compliance
• Helping companies with mergers, acquisitions, and expansions
• Advising on investment decisions

Think of it this way, when a startup wants to scale, or when a Bollywood film needs budget planning, an accountant is in the room.

Also Read- Top 5 Foreign Accounting Courses That Can Make You Rich and Respectable!

Different Kinds of Accountants and Their Job Role

Accountants ‘deal with money’. Yet that’s the least of their job description. Here’s a breakdown of the types of accountants you’ll find today and what each one specialises in:

• Financial Accountants – The Record Keepers

Usually when talking about an accountant, people refer to financial accountants. Their principal responsibility is to keep track of finances. They do so by handling financial statements, balance sheets, and profit & loss reports. Additionally, they help companies maintain transparency, follow legal rules, and keep investors in the loop.

Types of financial accountants:

• Government Accountant: These accountants ensure that taxpayer money is used responsibly in public projects, budgets, and audits.
• Investment Accountant: If you’re interested in finance, this role places you in mutual fund companies, brokerages, or investment banks where you maintain records related to securities and portfolios.

Ideal For – Students who enjoy structure, rules, and working with reports.

• Public Accountants – The External Experts

Public accountants usually work for accounting firms. They offer services from auditing, tax preparation and planning to forensic accounting. Their clients include businesses, governments and individuals.

Types of public accountants:

• Chartered Accountant (CA): A CA in India handles taxation, audits, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance. They are highly respected in the industry.
• Certified Public Accountant (CPA): Want to work in the U.S.? CPAs do similar work as CAs (i.e. accounting laws, taxation, audits, and business finance) but with knowledge of international standards like US GAAP and IFRS.
• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA): They are globally recognized and based on IFRS. ACCA professionals are trained in financial accounting, audit and reporting. What makes ACCA stand out is its breadth. They can hold their own amongst all the different kinds of accountants.

Ideal for: People who enjoy variety, and working independently across industries.

Note: While most qualifications like CA, CPA, or ACCA start with a focus on financial accounting, they often branch out into other specialties. Among them, ACCA is the most versatile, offering in-depth training across financial reporting, audit, management accounting, and strategic finance. Read in detail the difference between the three qualifications here.

• Management Accountant – The Business Brains

These kinds of accountants are the strategic thinkers. They read previous reports, analyse current ones and come up with financial decisions to improve the company’s net worth. These professionals track internal finances and help companies control costs and improve efficiency.

Different roles under this category:

• Cost Accountant: Focuses on cost control and efficiency. For example, in a food business, they’ll break down the cost of raw materials, labor, packaging, and delivery to suggest savings.
• Staff Accountant: Handles basic internal financial tasks like payroll, bank reconciliation, and accounts payable/receivable.
• Management Accountant: Combines elements of finance and management to give businesses an edge. This role is ideal if you want to grow into a CFO or business strategist.

Ideal for: People who enjoy structure, rules, strategy and working with numbers.

• Tax Accountants – The Law Navigators

If you’ve ever seen someone panic during tax season, you’ll know why these accountants are in high demand. These kinds of accountants stay updated with ever-changing rules and help businesses avoid penalties while also maximizing deductions.

Roles in this space:

• Tax Examiner: Works for government departments like the Income Tax Department, reviewing tax returns and catching fraudulent claims.
• Corporate Tax Consultant: Advises businesses on international tax laws, GST filings, and financial planning.

Ideal for: Those who enjoy understanding laws, solving tax puzzles, and saving money.

• Forensic Accountant – The Financial Detectives

This is one of the most exciting and niche roles in accounting. Forensic accountants are often called in when something suspicious is happening—missing funds, fake invoices, or internal fraud.

Ideal for: Curious minds, detail-oriented students and those interested in law.

• Project Accountants – The Budget Managers

This kinds of accountants handle the finances of specific projects. Whether it’s construction or a film production, they ensure every penny is accounted for. They manage project budgets, costs, and cash flows.

Ideal for: Students who love fast-paced industries and planning. Also, these accountants usually work in large groups.

• Auditors – The Financial Inspectors

They conduct audits to ensure financial accuracy and compliance with laws and internal policies. Their main role is catching mistakes. Though they also suggest improvements to make businesses more efficient.

Types of auditors:

• Internal Auditor: Works within the company to improve risk management and prevent issues before they happen.
• External Auditor: Usually hired by external firms (like EY or Deloitte) to provide independent verification of a company’s financials.

Ideal for: Students who like reviewing others’ work and ensuring accountability.

• Financial Advisors & Consultants – The Wealth Mentors

They usually have accounting knowledge though they are not always called ‘accountants’. Financial accountants advise their clients on investments, tax planning, retirement funds and financial goals.

Ideal for: Students who like working directly with people with a strong interest in finance and investing. Also those who want to start their own consultancy.

Why Are Accountants So Important in Today’s Economy?

Money makes the world go round. And accountants are the people who ensure that money is being used wisely.

• During the pandemic, companies depended on accountants to manage reduced revenues and government compliance.
• Startups need accountants to keep their books clean before raising funds.
• Global companies depend on accurate accounting to stay compliant with laws across countries.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, accounting jobs are expected to grow by 6% from 2021 to 2031. In India too, there’s a rising demand for globally certified accountants due to the startup boom and FDI inflows.

Also Read- Detailed Comparison On ACCA vs CA vs CPA

Skills Every Kind of Accountant Should Have

Specialising in one of the many accountant types talked about above is one thing. To be regarded as an expert you must endeavour to build skills that compliments your qualification. Like a designer has impeccable imagination or a dancer has good balance. The following skills are a must-have but also something you can learn –

• Analytical skills – Accounting is like detective work. Great accountants think critically and don’t take numbers at face value.
• Eye for detail – Accountants deal with numbers that influence big business decisions. One small error can lead to major issues. Thus, you must have a sharp eye for inconsistencies and accuracy.
• Knowledge of software like Tally, Excel, SAP, QuickBooks – Being digitally fluent helps you automate tasks, save time, and stay competitive. The more tech-savvy you are, the more efficient (and hireable) you become.
• Ethics and confidentiality – Handling company finances requires trust. You’ll often deal with confidential information, and clients or employers expect you to follow strict ethical standards.
• Communication – Most people assume accountants just sit behind spreadsheets. In reality, you’ll constantly communicate with clients, team members, auditors, or top management. Explaining complex financial information in simple terms is a huge win.
• Business understanding – A good accountant sees the bigger picture. That means understanding how industries work, what drives revenue, what risks exist, and how markets are changing.
• Soft Skills – Accountants work with people. Sure, they sit and crunch numbers but eventually they communicate the results to people. That’s why building soft skills is crucial. They include – presentation skills, teamwork, emotional intelligence and time management.

Want to build these skills the right way?

IMS Proschool helps you master both technical and soft skills through hands-on training, real-life projects, and certifications like ACCA, US CMA, and CPA.

How to Choose the Right Kind of Accountant Role for YOU

With so many different kinds of accountants roles out there, choosing the right one can get overwhelming. So how do you pick the right one?

Start with your strengths, make a list of skills you are good at. For example, are you good at solving puzzles or better at organising details? Then, think which would be your ideal workplace; you want to work in India or the U.S. or somewhere else altogether?

Or better yet give the following comparison tale a glance and make your decision.Here’s a comparison chart to visually showcase kinds of accountants role ideal for student based on skills, interests, and career goals:

Accounting Role	Best For Students Who…	Key Skills Required	Work Style	Career Goals
Financial Accountant	Like structure, reports and rules	Attention to detail, compliance, reporting	Desk-based, structured	Work in corporates or MNCs
Management Accountant	Enjoy planning, forecasting, business decisions	Strategic thinking, budgeting, analysis	Team-based, strategic	Become a CFO or business planner
Tax Accountant	Like law, saving money and solving puzzles	Tax law knowledge, logic, ethics	Solo or firm-based, advisory	Start own practice or work with tax firms
Forensic Accountant	Love solving financial mysteries and legal investigations	Investigation, analytical, legal knowledge	Fast-paced, dynamic	Work with law firms or in fraud detection
Project Accountant	Like budgeting and working with teams on large projects	Budgeting, time management, collaboration	Project-based, deadline-driven	Finance roles in construction, energy, etc.
Auditor	Prefer inspecting others’ work and ensuring accountability	Risk analysis, compliance, communication	Travel + office work	Work in Big 4, corporate compliance
Financial Advisor	Enjoy helping people plan their wealth and future	Communication, investment planning	Client-facing, flexible	Build a private practice or join a bank

Becoming a Global Accountant with IMS Proschool

Businesses that operate on a global scale need finance professionals who understand international accounting standards, can navigate cross-border compliance, and bring strategic insights to the table. If you have your sights on working as an accountant either on international land or MNCs, IMS Proschool can help you.

They offer courses that align perfectly with the skills and knowledge needed in international finance careers. Moreover, they provide flexible classes. You can either choose to learn online or offline (they have more than 15 classes spread across India).

They are known for their faculty of industry experts. They also offer invaluable career support. From aligning job interviews to curating workshops around resume building and preparing for said interviews.

ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)

ACCA is a globally recognised professional accounting qualification. 180+ countries hold ACCA professionals in high esteem. The accounting body is designed to equip students with advanced skills in accounting, finance, taxation and management. The course prepares them for different kinds of accountants roles in finance across industries worldwide. Thus affirming their reputation of producing skilled professionals.

ACCA offers flexibility with multiple entry points and exam sittings, making it accessible to students and professionals alike.

IMS Proschool provides comprehensive ACCA training; both online and offline. Their live classes, study materials and expert guidance help students clear exams efficiently. Their placement programs offer invaluable support. Moreover, they offer students a complimentary financial modeling course worth Rs.40,000.

US CMA (Certified Management Accountant)

CMA is a globally respected management accounting qualification. It is recognised in over 150 countries. It opens doors to high-impact roles. The course focuses on building expertise in cost management, budgeting, performance evaluation and strategic finance. It is ideal for students aiming to work with multinational companies.

IMS Proschool offers targeted and in-depth training. Their online and classroom formats offer flexible learning options. The expert-led sessions, curated study resources, and focused doubt-clearing sessions ensure better exam readiness. Proschool also provides career support to help students transition smoothly into the global finance workforce.

CPA (Certified Public Accountant)

The CPA qualification is equivalent to that of CA with the primary distinction of being recognised in the US. It is considered the gold standard in accounting. It prepares students for specialised roles in audit, taxation, forensic accounting, and financial reporting. With strong legal and regulatory focus, the CPA is essential for those wanting to within US-based organisations.

IMS Proschool’s CPA training is designed to simplify complex topics through live classes, Becker study material, and expert mentorship. Students benefit from structured study plans, exam strategy sessions, and job guidance — all tailored to help them succeed in a competitive finance world.

Conclusion

Accounting is not confined to just crunching numbers. It’s a whole world of opportunities. You can either work as one who ensures compliance or as a manager of budgets. Companies hire different kinds of accountants to cover different needs. And each role demands a unique skill set.

If you’re exploring a career in accounting, understanding your strengths and choosing the right specialisation is key to thriving in today’s competitive economy. Whether you want to be a tax expert, a strategy advisor, or a fraud investigator, there’s a path for you.

And now that you know the different kinds of accountants, you’re one step closer to figuring out where you fit. So, if you’re serious about making a future in finance, start planning your accounting journey today.

FAQs

1. Can science students become accountants?

   Yes! You can switch to commerce-related courses after Class 12, pursue B.Com, and go for certifications like ACCA, US CMA, or CPA.

2. What’s the difference between CA and ACCA?

   CA is India-specific and regulated by ICAI. ACCA is globally recognized and offers broader international exposure. CA is often more exam-heavy and time-consuming.

3. What’s the salary range for different types of accountants?

   It varies! Fresh ACCAs can start from ₹4–6 LPA. CAs may start around ₹7–10 LPA. CPAs and CMAs in global roles can earn ₹10–20 LPA or more depending on the company.

4. Do accountants work in MNCs like Google and Amazon?

   Absolutely! Global firms hire accountants for internal audit, financial analysis, tax strategy, and more. ACCA, CMA, and CPA students are especially in demand.

5. Which type of accountant is best for international careers?

   CPAs, ACCAs, and US CMAs have the most global mobility. These certifications open doors in Europe, the Middle East, and the US.