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Guide Editor
Scope
Basic accounting competencies for librarians listed in this guide are directories for finding accountants, various certifications, accounting standards, and regulatory bodies, as well as recommended sources to learn more about accounting basics.
Accounting and tax questions are often related, and research of one area may include research in the other. Consult the BRASS Business Guide - Taxation guide for more information on that topic.
Where can I find an accountant?
- AICPA's Find a CPA Page for the PublicLook for an accountant by type of specialization on the AICPA website. You may also CPA Verify from National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA), to determine if a particular firm or individual has been licensed.
I need a basic accounting manual.
Accounting for Dummies, 7th ed. by ISBN: 1119837545Publication Date: 2022You'll learn the basic ABC's of accounting. This book is aimed to applying understanding of accounting to a number of fundamental tasks related to business and personal finance. It includes: how to understand financial statements, create budgets & forecasts, craft profitable business plans, take control of your own finances, gain insight on how companies get money from investors and banks, and avoid common money mistakes.
The Essentials of Finance and Accounting for Nonfinancial Managers, 3rd ed. by ISBN: 0814436951Publication Date: 2016This popular crash course for managers helps you make sense of financial data and assessing performance. Packed with information on federal regulations, pertinent GAAP rules, global trends that can impact the financial picture, case studies, and practice exercises that reinforce the lessons and strengthen skills.
Accountants' Handbook, Volume One: Financial Accounting and General Topics by ISBN: 978-1118171820Publication Date: 2012-04-26This highly regarded reference is relied on by a considerable part of the accounting profession in their day-to-day work. A single reference source that provides answers to all reasonable questions on accounting and financial reporting asked by accountants, auditors, bankers, lawyers, financial analysts, and other preparers and users of accounting information. The new edition reflects the new FASB Codification, and includes expanded coverage of fair value and guidance on developing fair value estimates, fraud risk, and healthcare.
Accountants' Handbook: Volume Two: Special Industries & Special Topics by ISBN: 978-1118171813Publication Date: 2012-06-05This highly regarded reference is relied on by a considerable part of the accounting profession in their day-to-day work. This handbook is the first place accountants, auditors, bankers, lawyers, financial analysts, and other preparers and users of accounting information look to find answers to questions on accounting and financial reporting. The new edition will be updated to reflect the new FASB Codification, as well as including expanded coverage of fair value and guidance on developing fair value estimates, fraud risk, and healthcare.
Who and what are the Big 4?
- Deloitte Touche TohmatsuOffers auditing, consulting, financial advising, legal, risk and tax services
- Ernst & YoungE&Y provides assurance (including financial audit), tax, consulting and advisory services to companies.
- KPMGKPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services.
- PricewaterhouseCoopersPwC: Audit and assurance, consulting and tax services
What are the accounting specialties?
- BLS Accountants & AuditorsGo to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditor The BLS classifies accountants into four fields: public, management, government, and internal. The BLS site provides brief descriptions of each type, their associations and regulatory standards and their professional journals.
Other Websites
- Accounting TodayFree membership registration. Provides tax and accounting related news and editorial analysis. Includes a daily newswire, daily columns, and Podcasts of interviews with leaders in the accounting profession. After registering for a free membership, visitors can get daily and bi-weekly e-mail newsletters, access to the journal rankings such as Top 100 Firms, Top 100 People, Top 100 Products and other special reports. Includes online access to the contents of Accounting Today and CPA Wealth Provider. It also provides access to the archives.
- The 25 Best Master's in Accounting ProgramsPublished by Accounting.com, this list includes basic information on the accreditation, admission requirements, length, and cost of major master's in accounting programs.
- Rutgers Accounting WebRutgers Accounting Web has been the center of accounting research. It leads the field in research in the areas of Continuous Auditing, Enhanced Business Reporting, and are constantly seeking solutions to take advantage of the Real-Time Economy.
Original compiler and previous maintainers
Previous maintainers include:
Adele Barsh, University of California, San Diego
Paul Brothers, University of Alabama
Leticia Camacho, Brigham Young University
Robbi De Peri, Vanderbilt University
Ann Fiegen,California State University, San Marcos
Edythe Gilbreath
Zachary Grisham, Miami University
Rachel Kirk, Middle Tennessee State University
Lee Pike, University of Alabama
List originally compiled by Jennifer Boettcher, Georgetown University
