Work and business / B1

uh-KOWNT-uh-nt/əˈkaʊntənt/

An accountant keeps or checks financial records: a chartered accountant; the company accountant. Accounting is the work; an auditor is more about independent checking of the books. Bookkeeper is a related but often more junior title. Do not call a bank cashier an accountant. In UK small firms, the accountant often files the tax return.

Meaning

A person whose job is to keep or check financial records.

Examples

• “The small firm hired an accountant before the tax deadline.”
• “The charity hired an accountant before the deadline for the annual return.”
• “Speak to an accountant before you register as self-employed.”

Good to know

a chartered accountant; company accountant. The work: accounting. Independent check: auditor. Not a shop cashier.

Topics

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