241 Finance Professionals

Accountants plan, organize and administer accounting systems for individuals and establishments. Some occupations classified here examine and analyse the accounting and financial records of individuals and establishments to ensure accuracy and compliance with established accounting standards and procedures. Tasks include - (a) advising on, planning and installing budgetary, accounts controlling and other accounting policies and systems; (b) preparing and certifying financial statements for presentation to management, shareholders and statutory or other bodies; (c) preparing tax returns, advising on taxation problems and contesting disputed claims before tax officials; (d) preparing or reporting on profit forecasts and budgets; (e) conducting financial investigations in such matters as suspected fraud, insolvency and bankruptcy; (f) auditing accounts and bookkeeping records; (g) conducting investigations and advising management on financial aspects of productivity, stockholdings, sales, new products, etc.; (h) devising and controlling systems to determine unit cost of products and services. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Accountant - Auditor - Certified accountant - Chartered accountant - Financial controller - Insolvency trustee - Management accountant - Tax accountant Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Finance manager - 1211 - Accounting assistant - 3313 - Bookkeeper - 3313.

Financial and investment advisers develop financial plans for individuals and organizations, and invest and manage funds on their behalf. Tasks include - (a) building and maintaining a client base; (b) interviewing clients to determine financial status and objectives, risk tolerance and other information needed to develop financial plans and investment strategies; (c) setting financial objectives, and developing and implementing strategies for achieving them; (d) arranging to buy and sell stocks and bonds for clients; (e) monitoring investment performance, and reviewing and revising investment plans based on modified needs and changes in markets; (f) recommending and arranging insurance cover for clients. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Estate planner - Financial planner - Investment adviser.

Financial analysts conduct quantitative analyses of information affecting investment programmes of public or private institutions. Tasks include - (a) analysing financial information to produce forecasts of business, industry and economic conditions for use in making investment decisions; (b) maintaining knowledge and staying abreast of developments in the fields of industrial technology, business, finance and economic theory; (c) interpreting data affecting investment programmes such as price, yield, stability, future trends in investment risks and economic influences; (d) monitoring economic, industrial and corporate developments through analysis of information obtained from financial publications and services, investment banking firms, government agencies, trade publications, company sources and personal interviews; (e) recommending investments and investment timing to companies, investment firm staff or the investing public; (f) determining the prices at which securities should be syndicated and offered to the public; (g) preparing plans of action for investment based on financial analyses; (h) evaluating and comparing the relative quality of various securities in a given industry; (i) presenting oral and written reports on general economic trends, individual corporations and entire industries. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Bond analyst - Investment analyst - Securities consultant.