To be an accountant, one needs strong math and computer skills as accounting work involves working extensively with numbers on computers. Communication skills are also important to explain financial information to others. Formal education requirements include a bachelor's degree with coursework in accounting and business subjects. Training involves passing the Uniform CPA exam and gaining supervised experience before obtaining an active CPA license, which can take 3-4 weeks to several years depending on one's background. There are multiple types of accounting roles across private companies, public firms, government, and other sectors that all contribute to society by managing finances and taxes.