"Working With Money"
(excerpted and adapted)
People need money in nearly all aspects of their 31lives; to buy things, to eliminate debt, and to invest in the future. However, it is equally important to have financial 32smarts to help people manage their money. With a career as a financial specialist, you could help clients achieve their life goals. Financial specialists provide guidance about money in many ways. [A] For example, they may manage investments for clients, extend loans, or check financial statements for accuracy. Some interact directly with clients; others work to ensure that the institutions using money are run properly.
Accountants keep track of the money that an individual or a business 33earn and spend. Using computer software, accountants analyze spending habits and may offer advice on how to budget money more efficiently. 34He or she also prepares and submits financial paperwork to government regulators. Auditors are employed by businesses to evaluate the accuracy of an 35accountants’ work. They also review financial decisions for accuracy and legality and report their findings to investors and legal authorities.
Financial analysts consider an individual’s or corporation’s financial goals and provide investment advice 36similar to those goals. [B] They typically specialize by industry, region, or product. For example, a financial analyst specializing in investment by region may track economic developments in Asia. [C] Using computer software, financial analysts study economic trends, historical data, and financial statements. They write reports for senior managers and clients to support investment recommendations. [D]
There are many other financial specialist careers than these. 37Even if you are uninterested in any one job, it is possible to begin preparing for it as early as high school. Accounting, economics, and other business-related classes are 38important—but so is an aptitude for math, naturally. Bachelor’s degrees in finance, business administration, and accounting are common among financial specialists. A small but growing number of colleges and universities offer specialized degrees in disciplines such as financial planning.
Licensure or certification is recommended or required for workers in some financial specialist occupations. For example, accountants must be licensed to file reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission. To become licensed, workers usually must complete a specific course of study and then pass an exam. 39Requirements vary by state. Each state’s licensing boards provide specific information. To maintain their license, 40it is typically necessary to pay a fee and take annual continuing education classes. These courses help workers keep abreast of changes in policies and regulations that 41affect their industry.
The work of financial specialists is crucial to many employers. 42Their labor cannot easily be replaced with automated systems, that is why financial specialists enjoy job security. Moreover, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts growth in employment opportunities for financial specialists during the 2012-2022 decade. In particular, BLS believes accountants and auditors and financial analysts will experience greater than average job growth during that time.43
number 45
Suppose the writer's primary purpose had been to illustrate how recent technological developments have affected an industry. Would this essay accomplish that purpose?
A.
Yes, because it explains how some financial specialist occupations must complete annual continuing education classes.
B.
Yes, because it states that the labor of financial specialists cannot easily be replaced by automated systems.
C.
No, because it indicates that financial specialists still complete paperwork and write reports.
D.
No, because it does not discuss how the work of financial analysts has changed over time.
