Accountant

Accountant, "one whose profession it is to understand book-keeping and accounts of all kinds in theory and practice." The principal work devolving upon him is: (1) To audit books of account in order to secure correctness and detect fraud; (2) to prepare balance-sheets and any other returns and statistics of trade; (3) to administer insolvent estates of companies and private debtors, and adjust the rights and liabilities of partners and creditors; (4) to investigate and arbitrate upon business disputes. Since 1880 the profession has been governed by the "Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales," the qualification for membership being five years' clerkship under articles and the passing of three examinations. Scotland also possesses three Chartered Institutes , in Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Glasgow.