definition
strict definition
accountant
A firm or individual specializing in financial records, bookkeeping, analysis, forecasting, or auditing.
An accountant is a firm or individual which specializes in bookkeeping and financial records, analysis, projection, and auditing.
The work concerns the preparation, examination, or interpretation of financial information. Maintaining an organization's accounts does not by itself make the accountant its investor or lender.
Tax accountants specialize in tax-related work. The general accounting role also covers financial records and analysis outside taxation.