accountant
uh-KOWN-tuhnt
Accountant (noun) means a professional who prepares, checks, and manages financial records for a person or business. Example: “Our accountant handles all the company's tax filings.”
noun
1
A professional who prepares, checks, and manages financial records for a person or business.
"Our accountant handles all the company's tax filings."
"She trained for years to become a chartered accountant."
"I asked an accountant to check my figures before I sent my tax return."
How to use accountant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone whose job is managing and checking financial records.
Common pairings
chartered accountant
certified public accountant
hire an accountant
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Word forms
- Plural
- accountants
- Comparative
- more accountant
- Superlative
- most accountant
Fill the gap
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Our _____ handles all the company's tax filings.
Etymology
This word entered Middle English from Middle French acuntant, equivalent to account + -ant, and is first attested in the mid 15th century.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “accountant” mean?
The word “accountant” means a professional who prepares, checks, and manages financial records for a person or business. In plain terms, someone whose job is managing and checking financial records.
How do you pronounce “accountant”?
“Accountant” is pronounced uh-KOWN-tuhnt (/əˈkaʊn.tənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “accountant” in a sentence?
Here is “accountant” used in a sentence: “Our accountant handles all the company's tax filings.”
What part of speech is “accountant”?
“Accountant” is a noun.
Is “accountant” a common word?
“Accountant” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between an accountant and a bookkeeper?
A bookkeeper records day-to-day financial transactions, while an accountant interprets, analyses, and checks those records, often preparing reports, taxes, and financial statements. Accountants typically hold formal qualifications and provide higher-level financial advice than bookkeepers do.
When do you need to hire an accountant instead of doing it yourself?
You typically need an accountant when your finances become complex, such as running a business, managing payroll, or filing detailed tax returns. An accountant can check your financial records for errors and ensure compliance with tax and reporting rules.
Is accountant a formal job title or a general term?
Accountant is used both as a general term for anyone who manages financial records and as a formal title for qualified professionals, such as a chartered or certified accountant. The specific credentials required vary by country and employer.
