noun
accountant
uh-KOWN-tunt/əˈkaʊntənt/
a person whose job is to maintain or examine financial records
The accountant checks the figures against the ledger.
Etymology
The participial form described someone counting or rendering accounts. It became a title for an accounting officer and then a professional responsible for financial records, rather than simply anyone who counts.
In context
In reality, she is a forensic accountant. She assists organizations in the investigation of financial irregularities.
More examples
- She hired an accountant to prepare the statements.
- Two accountants reviewed the figures independently.
- The accountant noticed a missing payment.
Forms
accountant · accountants
accounting noun — the work of keeping financial records
Similar words
- bookkeeper
- Someone recording transactions, often with narrower duties.
- auditor
- Someone examining accounts independently.