Organizations are a nexus of contracts, implicit and explicit, among resource owners who contract with each other to the benefit of all. In most complex organizations, these contracts specify who has the knowledge, and thus the rights, to make decisions about the use and control of the contracted resources. The effectiveness and efficiency of decisions regarding initiation, execution, and monitoring of organizations' contracts depend on the quantity and quality of information available. The accountant assists in the development, accumulation, evaluation, and dissemination of the information necessary for contracting parties to make effective and efficient contracting decisions. Organizations, in turn, contract with various segments of society such as labor unions, capital markets, regulatory agencies, and governments. The accountant assists in the development, accumulation, evaluation, and dissemination of the information necessary for ensuring that organizations comply with the terms of their social contracts. Study in accountancy is designed to prepare individuals for entry into the accountancy professions independent of subsequent specialization. This preparation includes knowledge of the activities of organizations, businesses, and accounting practices; intellectual, interpersonal, and communication skills; and personal capabilities and professional attitudes. Specializations in accountancy include such fields as financial accounting, management accounting, accounting information systems, taxation, and auditing. Specialization in an accounting field requires additional graduate education and practical experience.

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