Vocabulary notes

deviation – отклонение, отступление

deficiency – несоответствие, недостаток

transnational corporation – транснациональная корпорация

execute – выполнять, исполнять

Text 8 the changing accounting profession

The accounting profession has been evolving for years. As the chairman of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) put it: “now is the time for CPAs to be the architects of the accounting profession’s future.” Today’s accountant is a professional leader whose work activities include consulting, budgeting, forecasting, improving processes, planning for the future, evaluating performance, designing accounting and computer systems, and analyzing the profitability of products and customer groups.

One of the forces driving this change is the availability of advanced technology. Electronic spreadsheets, faster computers, databases, and affordable computer programs make it possible to automate many accounting tasks and provide useful current reports and analytical detail. In fact, some companies like Bingo West, a manufacturer and distributor of bingo cards, are even using the Internet to set up interactive accounting systems. Customers at Bingo West can enter their own sales orders and generate invoices over the Internet, while the data they input update the company’s accounting system.

Advancements like these allow accountants to spend less time on routine number processing and more time analyzing and interpreting data and explaining their significance to managers. As one Hewlett-Packard finance manager put it: “We are not accountants, we are analysts and business partners.” Most accountants today are involved in company decision making and assist clients and managers in planning for the future. They must be able to convey technical messages to a nontechnical audience. In other words, accountants must be able to communicate effectively and relate comfortably to others outside their field.

In addition, many accountants work on cross-functional teams, bringing the financial perspective to the decision-making process. This requires a strong business background and a variety of business skills. Of course, the AICPA has recognized this and has successfully persuaded over 30 states to increase the educational eligibility requirement to sit for the CPA examination from 120 to 150 hours. This exam is prepared by the AICPA and is a requirement for accountants to become certified public accountants.

What will the corporate finance department look like in the twenty-first century?

• Transaction processing will become more automated than most in the profession think possible.

• Outsourcing of some finance management functions will become widespread.

• Data will no longer be stored separately by departments; instead, companies will create one central data warehouse, accessible companywide.

• Finance staff members will become information specialists.

• The title of CFO (chief financial officer) could become CAO (chief analytical officer) with a bigger role in modeling the whole business operation.

• The controller will no longer run the “backroom” accounting transactions but will take a more active role as business partner.

As one finance manager put it: “Times are changing. Today operating managers are telling us, “Thanks very much, but the beans have already been counted. We need different information – information that will help us steer our business confidently into tomorrow. We must be prepared for that change if we want to survive.”