Business Manager vs. Accountant: What Are the Differences?

Business managers and accountants are both essential members of any company. They work together to ensure the financial success of the business. However, these two positions have different responsibilities. A business manager is responsible for the overall operation of the company, while an accountant manages the financial records and reports. In this article, we compare the job titles business manager and accountant, and we discuss the duties, education and skills required for each position.

What is a Business Manager?

Business Managers are responsible for the day-to-day operations of a company or department. They develop and implement policies and procedures to ensure efficient and effective work flow. They also oversee budgets and expenditures to ensure that the company or department stays within its financial limits. Business Managers often supervise other employees and may be responsible for hiring and firing staff. They also handle customer inquiries and complaints. In larger companies, Business Managers may specialize in a particular area, such as human resources or marketing.

What is an Accountant?

Accountants keep financial records up to date and prepare reports and statements, such as profit and loss reports and balance sheets. They may also audit financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. Accountants typically work in accounting firms, government agencies or companies in a variety of industries. They often specialize in a particular area, such as auditing, tax accounting or management accounting. Accountants use a variety of software programs to complete their tasks, such as spreadsheets, databases and accounting software.

Business Manager vs. Accountant

Here are the main differences between a business manager and an accountant.

Job Duties

Job duties for business managers and accountants can overlap, but the specific tasks they perform for their employers can differ. Accountants focus on ensuring a company’s financial records are accurate and complete. They may use data to make strategic business decisions, such as whether a company should expand or discontinue certain products. Business managers oversee different aspects of a company’s operations, including employees, customers, budgets and productivity. Their job duties may depend on the needs of their employer and the type of business. For example, a business manager who oversees a call center may monitor customer satisfaction scores and complaints to make adjustments.

Job Requirements

The job requirements for business managers and accountants vary depending on the level of position they are seeking. For entry-level positions, business managers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in business administration or a related field, while accountants usually need a bachelor’s degree in accounting. However, many employers prefer candidates to have a master’s degree, especially for higher-level positions. Additionally, both professions may pursue certifications to improve their job prospects, such as the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation for accountants or the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) credential for business managers.

Work Environment

Business managers and accountants work in different environments. Accountants typically work in an office environment, where they spend most of their time working on spreadsheets or reviewing financial statements. Business managers may also work in an office setting but often travel to visit clients or attend meetings with other business professionals. They may also work outside the office, such as visiting a construction site or attending trade shows.

Skills

Business managers and accountants share some skills, such as critical thinking, math and problem-solving. They also both need to be detail oriented and organized in order to succeed in their roles. However, there are some key differences between the skills these two professionals use on a daily basis.

Business managers typically need interpersonal skills to lead and motivate teams of employees, as well as communication skills to present information clearly and concisely. They also need to be able to make decisions quickly and efficiently, often under pressure. Accountants, on the other hand, tend to work more independently and do not need the same level of interpersonal skills. Instead, they need to have strong analytical skills to examine financial data and identify trends. They also need to be able to pay close attention to detail in order to catch errors.

Salary

Business managers can earn an average salary of $71,275 per year, while accountants can earn an average salary of $68,239 per year. Both of these average salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.