Finance Externship

PURPOSE
The Finance Externship badge documents the acquisition of practical experience in managerial and financial accounting essentials as needed by small businesses or in a support role for CPAs and other accounting professionals in a larger firm.

AUDIENCE
This credential is appropriate for individuals looking to work in entry-level accounting or finance positions. 

jOB/CAREER REQUIREMENTS
Earning credentials in finance signifies a variety of competencies including aligning accounting to the business cycle, merchandizing, internal controls, managing assets and liabilities including payroll, job costing, budgets, cost/volume/profit analysis, cost allocation, analysis of capital expenditure decisions, and support for managerial decision-making. Accountants work in all types of businesses _ retail/merchandizing, manufacturing, finance, non-profit _ and work across all facets of the organization. The successful accountant produces reliable reports and is a good listener who can understand the needs of department or organization and produce reports to facilitate decision-making. Accountants must be exceptional at processing and organizing information. 

FINANCE WORKPLACE TASKS:
The Externship badge confirms the earner's continued and successful practice of the following tasks demonstrating their ability to:

• Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.  
• Report to management regarding finances of the business.  
• Establish tables of accounts and assign entries to proper accounts.  
• Develop, implement, modify, and document record-keeping and accounting systems, making use of current computer technology.  
• Develop, maintain, and analyze budgets, preparing periodic reports that compare budgeted costs to actual costs. 
• Provide internal and external auditing services for businesses or individuals.  
• Analyze business operations, trends, revenues, costs, financial commitments, and obligations, to project future revenues and expenses and to provide advice.