Athough I, too, have been known to use the stereotype of a CPA as somewhat boring, my career has been anything but that. Applying them requires significant judgment as well as an understanding of the underlying substance of the business event in question. Additionally, a successful accountant must be a good communicator and must have the ability to work with people at all levels within an organization. In public accounting, the accountant is employed by a CPA firm and may specialize in such areas as auditing, tax or management consulting. Within those areas, industry specializations such as health care, insurance or retail are also common.
Public accounting offers a good opportunity for learning about many types of businesses.
In fact, it is not uncommon for firm members to accept jobs with clients or with a company that is in an industry similar to those they have learned about through their public accounting experience. When working in private industry, accountants are employed in a variety of technical or management positions in auditing, controllership, taxation, planning or administration. Similar positions are available for the governmental accountant. CPA's often serve as chief financial officers, treasurers and planning directors. Additionally, you may find tax attorneys and attorneys practicing securites law who are also CPA's.