Professional activity of an economist in an organization. My profession is an economist

Economists work in enterprises, institutions, organizations ( Further- enterprise), in various types of economic activity. Due to the wide range of their work, there are many specializations. This often causes certain difficulties for personnel officers in determining their professional classification, in particular in the process of selecting candidates for vacant positions. In the work books of some of them, the same names of the previous position - “economist” may be indicated, although it is clear that those economists who previously worked, for example, in the field of labor economics for public service etc., are unlikely to be able to effectively perform their duties in research units commodity markets big commercial enterprises. This article offers a detailed consideration of the professional classification of economists.

General characteristics of the profession of an economist and its main specializations

According to explanatory dictionary economists are specialists in the field of economics, economic sciences, but in practice they can be described as professionals who study how society distributes various limited resources, in particular, such as land, labor resources, raw materials, various equipment, etc., in order to produce goods and provide services. To do this, economists conduct observations and research, collect and analyze the data obtained, monitor economic trends and develop forecasts. To obtain the necessary data on energy costs, inflation, interest rates, exchange rates, business cycles, taxes, unemployment rates, etc., they develop special methods and procedures. For example, observations can be made using various methods selective analysis, and for the development of forecasts, methods of mathematical modeling are used.

In addition, an important part of the work of economists is the preparation of reports (with tables and graphs), the quality of which contributes to the presentation of the results of the research.

Although all economists receive basic economic knowledge, in world practice they are usually divided into three main categories depending on their specialization in specific sectors of the economy:

Economists in the field of microeconomics("microeconomists") - study various economic categories at the level of individual enterprises or households. For example, they can help individuals or enterprises to make decisions that, given current resources and demand, are able to maximize profits by predicting the possible demand for specific goods, subject to certain price levels for them. Most working economists fall into this category.

Economists of individual industries or sectors of the economy, as well as areas of expertise("sectoral", "industrial" or "organizational" economists) - apply fundamental economic laws, categories and methods for research in such specific sectors as health care, education, agriculture, urban and regional economics, lawmaking, history, energy, security environment etc. Most of them study the market structure of certain sectors of the economy in relation to the number of competitors within a given sector and analyze the market decisions of competing firms and monopolies. These economists may also study various aspects of the conduct of antitrust policy and its effect on market structure.

Economists in the field of macroeconomics("macroeconomists") - study historical trends in the economy of an entire country or a group of countries, develop forecasts regarding future trends in areas such as unemployment, inflation, economic growth, productivity and investment.

In addition to the aforementioned main categories of economists, it is generally accepted that they are divided into more detailed specializations, which in one way or another approach these categories. For example, these may be the following specializations:

Economists in monetary policy or finance- are quite similar to "macroeconomists". They study the monetary and banking systems, the effects of changes in interest rates, and so on.

Economists in the field of the world economy("economists on international economic relations”) - study international financial markets, exchange rates and the consequences of trade policy in various fields such as tariffs.

Labor economists and demographic economists- study the supply and demand for labor resources, which, in turn, influence the determination of levels wages, identify the causes of unemployment and the consequences for the labor market of changes in various demographic trends, for example: the aging of the population, the growth of immigration relative to the labor market, etc.

Public Finance Economists- mainly related to the study of the role of the government in the economy and the consequences of its various decisions regarding tax cuts, financing the budget deficit, increasing spending on social sphere etc.

Economists-"econometricians"- explore all sectors of the economy, using various mathematical methods (appropriate calculations and calculations, game theory, regression analysis, etc.) to formulate economic models. With their help, they seek to explain the economic relationships used to develop forecasts about the nature and duration of business cycles, the impact of certain levels of inflation on the economy, unemployment, and other economic phenomena.

Enterprises where economists work, in turn, can be divided into separate categories. The belonging of economists to a certain category affects their main tasks and responsibilities, indicates the necessary amount of knowledge and skills, as well as qualification requirements for them.

Economists working for large commercial enterprises(in corporations, firms, etc.) mainly deal with various issues of microeconomics, such as forecasting consumer demand and sales volumes of enterprise products. Some of them analyze the process of growth of business activity of competitors and increase in their market share, and also develop advice on the effectiveness of various actions in competitive competitions. Others monitor new laws and regulations, such as those relating to environmental and health and safety issues, and predict what impact these laws will have on their business. In corporations with large quantity foreign affiliates or joint ventures may employ economists who monitor the economic situation in countries where these corporations carry out various business operations, or assess the economic risks of entering the markets of new countries.

Economists working in research organizations or consulting firms, often perform the same functions as the economists of large commercial enterprises. Economists at consulting firms often conduct research for relatively small businesses and firms that do not employ economists with the required subspecialty. Economists of research organizations, mostly state-owned, often carry out orders from various government bodies. For example, they can collect data on indicators in the economy, maintain relevant databases, analyze historical trends, and develop models to predict economic growth, inflation, unemployment, or interest rates. The results of such economic analyzes and forecasts of the development of events in the world and national economies as a whole, as well as their individual sectors, are printed in media mass media and scientific and practical publications.

Economists working in public authorities, administer most of the research and collect a significant amount of economic data characterizing the state of the national economy.

For example, economists:

state executive authorities (ministries, government committees, etc.) operating in industry, trade and other related areas collect and analyze data on the production, distribution and consumption of goods manufactured in their own and foreign countries;

the fields of labor and social policy collect and analyze data on the general state of the national economy, including data on price levels, wages, employment, productivity, labor protection and occupational diseases;

these and other areas of activity also assess the existing economic conditions in their own and other countries in order to assess economical effect various specific changes in legislation or public policy.

Some of them can also act as advisers to various high-ranking politicians and officials in narrow sectors and advise them on issues related to reducing the level of state control in the telecommunications sector, reforming the system social insurance, the consequences of tax cuts for the budget deficit, the economic effect of increasing tariffs on various imported goods, etc. In order to plan appropriate funds in the budget to finance certain expenses, they can also analyze data on the increase in the number of persons school age or prisoners, unemployment and employment rates, etc.

Based on the above, the conclusion suggests itself: in order to effectively fulfill their tasks and duties, economists must have a higher education, be proficient not only in basic knowledge in the field of economics, but also use the specifics of its individual industries. Knowledge of financial information and the ability to interpret it correctly, on the one hand, according to their tasks and qualification requirements, identifies many economists with the professions of accountants, auditors, financiers, etc., and on the other hand, the ability of individual economists to accumulate and investigate information on indicators characterizing various markets , identifies them with the professions of market analysts, marketers, etc.

Professional classification of economists in Ukraine

National classifier of Ukraine DK 003:2005 "Classifier of professions" ( Further- KP) contains a wide range of different specializations of the profession of an economist, which should be used in the official personnel documentation of enterprises in accordance with paragraph 2.14 of the Instruction on the procedure for maintaining work books workers ( Further- Instruction) approved by a joint order of the Ministry of Labor, the Ministry of Justice and the Ministry social protection population of Ukraine dated July 29, 1993 No. 58.

AT table 1 all professional job titles under the current CP where the term “Economist” is used, as well as some other related professional job titles related to various economic issues to one degree or another, are presented, and the qualification requirements for the relevant employees usually provide for a higher economic education (complete, incomplete or basic).

Table 1

Professional titles of economists' works
and some other specialists in the field of economics in KP

KP code	Issue of SKHP	Professional job title
		Head of trade and economic mission
		Head economist
		Director of Economics
		Head of the Laboratory of Feasibility Studies
		Head of the planning and economic bureau of the workshop
		Head of planning and economic department
		Manager (manager) for foreign economic activity
		Economist-demographer
		Statistical Economist
		Methodologist for economic education
		labor economist
		Sales Economist
		Expert on foreign economic issues
		Consultant on foreign economic issues
		Research Fellow (Economics)
		Economist
		Economist in accounting and business analysis
2441.2		Economist for contract and pretentious works
		Logistics Economist
		Planning Economist
		Economist for gas supply regimes, accounting and control over gas consumption

		Economist of the computing (information and computing) center
		Economic Advisor
2441.2		Economic consultant
		Economic Affairs Columnist
		Geographer-economist
		Specialist in the placement of productive forces and regional economy
		Historian (economics)
		Auditor for production, technical and economic issues
		Financial and economic security specialist
		Assistant geographer-economist
		Demographic Economist Assistant
		Assistant economist-statistician
		Assistant Specialist in the Placement of Productive Forces and Regional Economy

In addition to the aforementioned professional job titles, using Note 2 of Appendix B to the CP, for internal use, you can use "extended" professional job titles formed on the basis of those indicated in table 1: economist for the analysis of the implementation of foreign economic contracts, an economist for the study of price levels for competitive goods, an economist for the analysis of costs for product quality, etc.

These tables show that for approximately half of the positions of economists, qualification characteristics have been developed and approved, mainly contained in Issue 1 of the Handbook qualification characteristics occupations of workers. The main tasks and responsibilities based on the specified qualification characteristics for the most typical specializations (professional job titles) of the profession "Economist" are given in a comparative table 2.

table 2

Main Tasks and Responsibilities of Economists
for financial work, planning and labor

Economist for financial work

Planning Economist

labor economist

Carries out work to implement financial activities enterprise aimed at providing financial resources for the tasks of the production plan, the formation and distribution of income and savings of the enterprise and their use.

Develops promising and annual projects financial plans, forecasts regarding the receipt of funds.

Determines the amount of income and expenses, receipts and deductions of funds, the relationship of the enterprise with various authorities, draws up balances of income and expenses, cash plans and loan applications.

Participates in the preparation of plans for the production and sale of products and other plans of the enterprise, the necessary calculations and justifications for them; in the development of regulations working capital; brings the approved indicators to the departments of the enterprise.

Provides operational financing, fulfillment of settlement and payment obligations, timely display of changes in the solvency of the enterprise.

Drafts plans for profits from the sale of products and other activities.

Participates in the development of draft plans for the distribution of profits, planned standards for deductions to the funds of the enterprise.

Prepares bank documents for all types of payments for the obligations of the enterprise.

Supervises the implementation financial indicators divisions of the enterprise, compliance cash discipline, calculations, etc.

Analyzes the implementation of estimates, operational and accounting reports on financial activities.

Takes part in the development and implementation of measures to increase the profitability of production and sales of products, improve the use of own working capital, state budget funds.

Takes part in the formation and use of enterprise funds, analyzes their structure and movement.

Takes part in the study and analysis of the state of the market for credit resources and securities in order to effectively allocate free funds.

Carries out work to attract borrowed funds and use own funds for the implementation of financial transactions, ensures their correct execution.

Prepares deposit agreements for investing funds, monitors their implementation.

Plans income from the placement of free funds, analyzes statements of income received from their investment, and compiles consolidated reports.

Participates in the development of regulatory and methodological documentation on financial activities.

Keeps records of the implementation of the plan for the sale of products, plans for profit and turnover tax, etc.

Draws up the established reporting on the results of the financial activities of the enterprise.

Performs work on the formation, maintenance and storage of a database of on-farm and external financial information.

Takes part in the formulation of the economic statement of problems that are solved with the help of computer science, determines the possibilities of using finished projects, application programs etc.

Carries out work on economic planning at the enterprise, aimed at organizing rational economic activity, determining the proportions of production development.

Prepares initial data for drafting promising and annual plans and programs of production and economic activity and social development of the enterprise; develops separate sections of the enterprise plan with distribution by quarters, performs calculations and justification for them, brings planned indicators to the production divisions of the enterprise.

Timely makes changes to the relevant sections of the plan due to market conditions and competition; ensures the balance of production based on supply and demand.

Takes part in the feasibility study of the development of new types of products, new technology, progressive technology, mechanization and automation of production processes.

Develops technical and economic standards for material and labor costs to determine the cost of production, planned and estimated prices for the main types of raw materials, materials, fuel, energy.

Makes an estimate calculation of marketable products, develops projects of wholesale and retail prices for marketable products, tariffs for works (services) taking into account market conditions.

Participates in the development of measures to efficient use capital investments, increase the competitiveness of products, labor productivity and product sales, reduce production costs, increase profitability, eliminate losses and unproductive costs, improve planned, program and accounting documentation, in the preparation of methodological materials for the organization of planning.

Carries out a comprehensive economic analysis of the economic activities of the enterprise and its divisions, identifies production reserves and determines measures to ensure a savings regime, more efficient use of resources, identify opportunities for additional production and marketing of products, and increase the growth rate of labor productivity.

Controls the correctness of calculations of the economic efficiency of the introduction of new equipment and technology, labor organization, rationalization proposals and inventions carried out in the divisions.

Takes part in the marketing research and forecasting the development of the enterprise in a market economy.

Maintains records and monitors the progress of the implementation of planned targets for the enterprise as a whole and its divisions.

Prepares periodic reports on time and in the prescribed format.

Performs work on the formation, maintenance and storage of a database of planning and economic information, makes changes to the reference and regulatory information.

Takes part in the formulation of economic problems solved with the help of computer technology, determines the possibility of using ready-made projects, algorithms and application packages that allow you to create economically sound systems for processing planned information.

Carries out work to improve the organization of labor, forms and systems of wages, material and moral incentives.

Develops draft long-term annual plans for labor and wages, plans to increase labor productivity, improve its organization. Calculates payroll funds and the number of employees, brings the established indicators to the divisions of the enterprise.

It studies the effectiveness of the application of existing forms and systems of wages, material and moral incentives, prepares proposals for their improvement.

Develops a mechanism for distributing additional income received as a result of increasing labor productivity, product quality, reducing production costs, etc., as well as leasing premises and property, from placing funds in securities. Develops provisions on bonuses for employees, conditions for material incentives for multi-machine maintenance, combining professions and positions, increasing service areas and the volume of work performed in order to improve the use of equipment and reduce labor costs.

Participates in the preparation of plans for the social development of the enterprise team, in the development and implementation of measures to strengthen labor discipline, reducing staff turnover, strengthening control over the use of working time and compliance with internal labor regulations.

Makes up staffing tables according to the approved management structure, schemes official salaries, wage funds and current standards, introduces changes to them due to the emergence of new types of activities (positions) inherent in a market economy.

Determines the amount of premiums based on the provisions in force.

Exercises control over the observance of staff discipline, the expenditure of the wage fund, the correctness of establishing the names of professions, the application tariff rates and prices, official salaries, additional payments, allowances and coefficients to wages, according to the billing of work and the establishment, in accordance with qualification guides, categories and categories, as well as compliance with the regimes of work and rest, labor legislation.

Participates in the preparation of the project collective agreement and monitors the fulfillment of the commitments made.

Keeps records of indicators on labor and wages, analyzes them and draws up the established reporting.

Performs work on the formation, maintenance and storage of a database on labor and wages, the number of employees, makes changes to reference and regulatory information used in data processing.

Takes part in the formulation of the economic formulation of tasks or their individual stages, solved with the help of computer technology, determines the possibility of using ready-made projects, algorithms and application packages that allow you to create economically sound systems for processing information on labor and wages.

The qualification requirements for a labor economist in his qualification description are as follows (similar qualification requirements are also defined for other categories of economists):

Leading Labor Economist: Complete higher education in the relevant field of study (Master, Specialist). Work experience in the profession of a labor economist of category I - at least 2 years.

Labor economist of the 1st category: complete higher education in the relevant field of study (master, specialist); for a master's degree - no requirements for work experience, a specialist - at least 2 years of work experience in the profession of an economist for labor of II category - at least 2 years.

Labor economist II category: complete higher education in the relevant field of study (specialist). Work experience in the profession of an economist by labor - at least 1 year.

Labor economist: complete higher education in the relevant area of training (specialist) without requirements for work experience.

Qualification characteristics of professions should be used in the development of job descriptions for the respective positions. Considering that most of the various specializations of the economics profession are more or less similar in terms of the tasks and responsibilities provided for them, the required areas of knowledge and qualification requirements, when developing job descriptions for those positions for which there are no approved qualification characteristics, with a creative approach, individual provisions of the qualification characteristics of the most related professional job titles for which these characteristics have already been approved, as well as other materials, can be applied. As an example, we present a draft job description for an economist in a commercial enterprise. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account the fact that specific job descriptions at individual enterprises, even for similar positions, can be quite different (especially regarding the subordination of employees and their specific job assignments and duties) depending on the specifics of the enterprise’s activities and its organizational and staff structure, and therefore given example is for reference only.

The experience of foreign countries in the professional classification of economists

Almost every foreign professional classification system regarding the classification of economists contains approaches to their classification, which are also used in Ukraine. However, there are some differences.

For example, in the occupational classification system USA "ONET" all specializations of economists are in the same professional group 19-3011.00 Economists, which includes not only “pure” economists (using the term “economist” in job titles), but also other specialists in the field of economics: economist (Economist), economic analyst (Economic Analyst), economic consultant (Economic Consultant), economist Project Economist, Forensic Economist, Health Researcher, Research Analyst, Economic Analysis Director, Economic Development Specialist ), Revenue Research Analyst.

An even more generalized approach is applied in the occupational classification system UK "SOC", where economists are classified along with some other "related" professions in the same occupational group 2423 Management Consultants, Actuaries, Economists and Statisticians.

At the same time, in some foreign systems, some specializations of economists are separately defined, which are currently absent in the CP of Ukraine. For example, in the occupational classification system Australia and New Zealand "ANZSOC" such a professional group as 2245 Land Economists and Valuers, and in the National Classification of Occupations India "NCO" professional category 2441.30 Home Economist.

To illustrate, here are the tasks and responsibilities of a house economist or, in other words, a housekeeping economist:

organizes and implements in practice client (consumer) education programs or research programs for companies supplying various household appliances, food products, textiles or sanitary equipment, using the principles of home economics: advises consumers (housewives) on the selection and disposal of household appliances, food, clothing and processes and provides information on consumer needs to manufacturers of home appliances;

hosts informational radio and television programs for housewives, commercial firms; and also performs other work in the field of public relations and promotion in the market individual goods used in the household;

advises individuals and families on practical issues of organizing and running a household, in particular family budget planning, cooking, energy conservation;

teaches housewives and young people various practical ways and techniques of effective housekeeping through special educational programs, demonstrations, displays, discussions and personal visits to households;

may take part in research work carried out in government agencies, the private sector, colleges and universities to study the problems of family relations, child development, development new products for household or family consumption, family food, suitability for household consumption of new materials;

may specialize in specific issues of the household economy.

Job description of an economist
(trade enterprises)

1. General Provisions

1.1. Appointed to the position and dismissed from it by order of the director of the enterprise.

1.3. Reports directly to the director of the enterprise, and in his absence - to the deputy director.

1.4. Must have organizational skills, be a sociable person.

1.5. The mode of work of an economist is determined in accordance with the Internal Labor Regulations established at the enterprise.

1.6. In case of production need, he can go on business trips.

2. Tasks and responsibilities

2.1. Carries out work to improve the economic activity of the enterprise, aimed at improving the efficiency of its economic activity, taking into account the needs of the market, the possibility of obtaining the necessary goods, identifying and using existing reserves.

2.2. Coordinates and takes part in the preparation of medium-term and long-term comprehensive business plans (business plans) of the enterprise, coordinates all sections, and also prepares draft current plans for the enterprise for all types of activities in accordance with the concluded agreements, and also draws up the necessary justifications and calculations.

2.3. Organizes the development of progressive planned technical and economic standards for material and labor costs, projects of prices for goods in order to ensure the planned (or planned) profit of the enterprise.

2.4. Ensures the preparation of opinions on projects of wholesale prices for goods.

2.5. Manages the implementation of a comprehensive economic analysis all types of activities of the enterprise and the development of measures for the effective use of capital investments, material, labor and financial resources, increasing the competitiveness of the enterprise.

2.6. Organizes control over the implementation of planned tasks, as well as statistical accounting for all economic indicators of the enterprise; preparation of periodic reporting of the enterprise in a timely manner; systematization of statistical materials.

2.7. Prepares proposals on specific areas of market research in order to determine the prospects for the development of the enterprise.

2.8. Carries out, together with the accounting department, methodological guidance and organization of work on accounting and analysis of the results of the production and economic activities of the enterprise, development of rational accounting documentation.

2.9. Takes part in marketing research and forecasting demand for certain groups (types) of goods.

2.10. Performs work on the formation, maintenance and storage of a database of economic information, makes changes to reference and regulatory information used in data processing.

2.11. Takes part in the formation of the economic formulation of problems solved with the help of computer technology, determines the possibility of using ready-made projects, algorithms, application packages that allow you to create economically sound systems for processing economic information.

2.12. Studying the specialized literature related to the work performed, compiling various business case and references.

2.13. Performs other separate official assignments of the director of the enterprise and his deputy within the limits of his professional competence.

3. Has the right:

3.1. Get acquainted with the draft decisions of the management of the enterprise related to its activities, and, if necessary, give appropriate explanations.

3.2. Submit proposals for the improvement of labor related to various economic issues of the enterprise for consideration by the management of the enterprise.

3.3. Involve individual specialists structural divisions(in accordance with the regulations on structural divisions or with the permission of the company's management) to solve various economic issues of the company's activities.

3.4. Request personally or on behalf of the management of the enterprise from the heads of structural divisions and specialists information and documents necessary for the performance of his duties.

4. Responsibility

Responsible:

4.1. For improper performance of their functional duties.

4.2. For non-fulfillment of orders, assigned tasks and instructions from the management of the enterprise, as well as false information about the state of their implementation.

4.3. For violation of the internal labor regulations, fire safety and labor protection rules in force at the enterprise.

4.4. For disclosure of trade secrets.

4.5. For causing material damage - within the limits determined by the current labor and civil legislation of Ukraine.

5. Must know:

5.1. Laws, resolutions, orders, orders, other guidance, methodological and regulatory materials relating to the work of a trade enterprise.

5.2. Economics of trade, organization of planned work in the field of trade.

5.3. The procedure for developing long-term, medium-term and current plans for the economic activity of the enterprise.

5.4. The procedure for developing business plans, planning and accounting documentation.

5.5. The procedure for developing standards for material, labor and financial costs.

5.6. Methods of economic analysis and accounting of enterprise performance indicators.

5.7. Methods for determining the economic efficiency of introducing new equipment and technologies, labor organization, rationalization proposals and inventions.

5.8. The possibility of using computer technology for the implementation of calculations and accounting for indicators of the economic activity of the enterprise, the rules for its operation.

5.9. Organization of operational and statistical accounting.

5.10. Reporting procedure.

5.11. Market Methods management.

5.12. Organization of labor and management.

5.14. Labor legislation.

5.15. Requirements of the Regulations on trade secret enterprises.

5.16. Internal labor regulations, rules and norms of labor protection, safety, industrial sanitation and hygiene, fire safety.

6. Qualification requirements

Complete higher education in the relevant field of study (master, specialist). Previous work experience as an economist in the field of trade - at least 2 years.

7. Relationships (connections) by position

7.1. Receives information, documents and other materials related to the economic activities of the enterprise and necessary for the performance of their duties from all structural divisions of the enterprise in accordance with the current Regulations on them.

7.2. Direct contact with relevant external organizations on the preparation and submission of legally established reporting on economic issues, as well as - if necessary, obtaining (providing) various information of an economic nature from business partners of enterprises in compliance with the requirements of the Regulations on the commercial secret of the enterprise.

7.3. In case of temporary absence of an economist, his duties are assigned to the accountant of the enterprise.

The ideas of the greatest economist Karl Marx formed the basis of the idea of the Russian revolution. Vladimir Lenin found in them the truth of the new world, the new order. The works of the scientist changed not only Russian, but also world history. It was on their basis that communism in the Soviet interpretation was built. Joseph Stiglitz criticized the policies of the World Bank even as the organization's chief economist. He literally forced the world community to pay attention to the obstacles that the free market creates in developing countries.Paul Krugman even seemed to be a soothsayer, because throughout the entire presidency of George W. Bush he predicted the economic consequences of every decision of the first person of the state and turned out to be right.

It is difficult to overestimate the role of leading experts in the global economy. But is it realistic to achieve such heights by graduating from one of the provincial Russian universities? Who is an economist, what should a specialist know and what can a specialist expect? Let's talk about this further.

Who is an economist

An economist is a specialist in the field of economic sciences. His professional activities are based on research, planning and management of activities (primarily economic). Contrary to popular belief, economics is a human science, not a technical one. Do not confuse the profession with the specialty of an accountant or financier. This is an independent industry, and the work of specialists is aimed specifically at analysis, planning, research of consequences and risks. An economist can be a scientist (theorist) or a leader (practitioner). The list of duties and tasks depends on the position.

What does an economics practitioner do?

Plans the activities of the company.
Analyzes processes, develops strategies to improve economic efficiency.
Determines the system of remuneration of personnel, its financial motivation.
Calculates the costs and profits of the enterprise in the short and long term.
Controls financial processes at the enterprise.

A practicing economist may also hold positions in public institutions– for example, to be the Minister of Economic Development. However, more often such positions go to theorists - scientists who are able to look at things more broadly and work with larger economies of cities, regions and countries. Practices are more often in demand at enterprises, banks and other financial institutions, in the field of hotel and restaurant business. Depending on the qualifications, a specialist can occupy different positions in the structure of the company.

Key features of the profession

The main task of a specialist in an enterprise is to organize activities in such a way that it is profitable, and profits are constantly growing. Knowledge of economics alone is not enough for high company profits.

Therefore, it is important to ensure interaction with engineers, marketers, personnel managers, senior management and other parts of the organization.

Example : the economist considers it necessary to purchase inexpensive Chinese equipment in a crisis and reduce this item of expenditure by 30%. But production engineers know that this particular technique will not allow for the production of the norm and product quality. If the decision is made on the basis of the economic component alone, it will lead to collapse. That is why contact with the company's personnel and its management is so important.

Accordingly, the basic features of the profession can be distinguished:

The need to build contact with the company's personnel, collect information from experts in each specific issue.
Participation in the construction of large-scale strategies, the ability to ensure their implementation in the short and long term.
The relevance of constant analysis of the situation on the market and improvement of one's own qualifications - the market is changing too quickly.

In addition, each enterprise may require a specialist to perform a different range of tasks. So a small company cannot afford to maintain a large staff in the field of economics and finance. Accordingly, an economist can take on the functions of an accountant, financier, auditor and other specialties that are indirectly related to his main job responsibilities. Practice shows that economists in the initial understanding of the meaning of this profession are mainly scientists and officials who are abstracted from the realities of modern production.

What an Economist Should Know

First of all, theory. In practice, managers, finance and credit specialists can work in this position. But compared to narrow specialists in the industry, they have a key drawback - the lack of a profile higher education. During it, the most powerful theoretical base is laid, which is important to be able to apply in practice.

What an economist should know first of all:

Theory of economic sciences.
Accounting.
Precedents from world experience.
Crisis exit algorithms.
Investments and management.

Many specialists receive a second education after employment. For example, when working in a company specializing in the production of food products, they receive an additional profession of a production technologist. It helps to increase work efficiency and understanding key features the functioning of the enterprise. The economy in this case is inextricably linked with production. And to ensure the maximum profit of the company, the least painful way out of the crisis and labor efficiency is possible only with expert knowledge of the specifics of the enterprise.

What personal qualities should a specialist have?

Analytic mind. An economist is, first of all, a strategist and an excellent manager. In this situation, he needs to analyze a lot, to see what even the top management of the company does not see.

Market research, monitoring the dynamics of the company's economic development, building a strategy to increase profits and reduce operating costs are the basic tasks of a specialist.

An analytical mindset and the ability to see the market picture in nuances are the key qualities that a specialist should possess.

perfectionism. Psychologists call the constant pursuit of ideals a deviation from the norm, but for an economist it is to some extent necessary. One missed nuance can make the whole economic picture of the enterprise work incorrect. In this situation, dedication, readiness to repeatedly double-check strategies and ideas is especially important. An important role is also played by continuous development, the desire for self-education and the study of world experience. The market does not stand still, and the economist needs a constant analysis of the situation.

Sociability. A practitioner needs to be in contact with employees of enterprises, organizations, institutions and institutions. He cannot be an expert on all issues, therefore the ability to get a professional opinion from a person who is better versed in any issue is especially important. It is equally important to find a common language with management and convince them of the correctness of the proposed strategy for economic development or overcoming the crisis - in practice, bosses rarely trust their subordinates, regardless of the qualifications and achievements of the employee.

Where is the best place to study economics?

The presentation of the educational institution should not confuse you. Non-state universities, online universities - all this is good, but not for the first education. It is best obtained in the classic state university or institute. And the more prestigious the educational institution you choose, the better.

Academy of National Economy and Public Service.
High School of Economics.
MGIMO.
Economic University. Plekhanov
Moscow State University Lomonosov.

The leadership of these universities is ambiguous. In various ratings, the TOP-5 includes St. Petersburg State University, the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation and other higher educational institutions.

Pay attention not so much to statistics as to real indicators. Find out from the admissions committee what percentage of graduates work in their specialty. Check out the average wages. Pay attention to the reviews of students and graduates - this information is constantly changing and will be relevant only at the time of the search. Do not be lazy to find and analyze it.

Do graduates of regional, less prestigious universities have a chance for a successful career? Undoubtedly. Graduates of prestigious universities have advantages at the start, but as they work, all preferences dissolve. Will you be able to make a dizzying career or will you be content with an average salary– depends only on you. 90% of the best economists in the world graduated from prestigious universities. But getting into the remaining 10% is quite possible if you really want to.

Pros and cons of the profession

Speaking about the advantages and disadvantages, it is important to keep in mind their conventionality. AT different companies Economists may be vested with different powers and requirements in different organizations. Therefore, we note only those advantages and disadvantages that are the most common and claim to be objective.

Pros of being an economist:

Chance to make a dizzying career.
Average salary is high.
Prestigious profession.
Opportunity to take leadership positions.
An interesting job for people with an analytical mindset.
Significant impact.

The influence of a specialist is expressed in his professional role: it is the correctness of the chosen strategy of economic development that will determine the fate of the enterprise, and sometimes the fate of the region, country, world economy. When schoolchildren write an essay on the topic "My future profession- economist" they do not always realize the importance of this specialty. But just as often, they forget about significant shortcomings.

Disadvantages of being an economist:

Difficulty of learning.
Minimum budget places.
Preferences for graduates of prestigious universities.
Difficult work without instructions and algorithms.
The need to constantly improve.

The lack of instructions is one of the key drawbacks. If at school you are used to learning formulas, theorems and solving template problems based on the knowledge gained, then everything will be completely different. You know how the leader big company dealt with the crisis. But don't know what to do when your company suffers losses due to failure advertising campaign. Therefore, there can be no talk of any instructions and guarantees of the fidelity of the decision you made.

How much does an economist earn

Wages differ not only in the regions - there is a significant difference between the maximum and minimum wage labor.

The average salary of an economist in Russia is 42,000 rubles. But it is obvious that this is the "average temperature in the hospital." About 70% of specialists work in the regions and receive no more than 25-27 thousand rubles. Here the gap is significant even in comparison with the national average.

In the capital average salary economist - 90 thousand rubles. But even here there are specialists who work for the notorious 30 thousand. The gap between the maximum and minimum wages is significant. According to statistics, the best specialists Russia in the field of economics receive over 450 thousand rubles a month. Naturally, their share of the total number is extremely small. The amount of your salary will depend only on you - no one can guarantee the maximum.

Summary

If you decide to choose the economy as a sphere of your professional development, then try to choose a state and most prestigious university for study. Remember that this is not the easiest profession, it is suitable only for very responsible, developed people with an analytical mindset. You will have to work hard and take risks to make a great career. Hoping for huge salaries immediately after graduation is not worth it.

Evgenia Melnikova

Editor of the Info-Profi portal, a teacher with 16 years of experience, a practicing tutor.

Introduction

The relevance of the work. Economists are in demand wherever it is required to plan and calculate finances, where it is necessary to control the expenditure of funds, analyze the results of the enterprise and determine profitability. Therefore, the profession of an economist is always in demand at all times.

Economists, in short, are specialists in efficient economic activity. The specialty "economist" is related to such professions as an accountant, marketer, financier, manager.

The list of vacancies for economists includes financial managers, for example, in banks, risk managers, analysts, financiers ... At the same time, the profession of an economist is really highly paid and there is always a demand for these specialists.

What knowledge and skills should an economist have? As a base, of course, a higher economic education is necessary. Further - you need to have a set of knowledge necessary for a specific position (for example, if you apply for the position of a financial analyst - this is one set of knowledge, including methods of economic analysis and statistics, financial management and much more). Of course, all this implies that an economist has such qualities as an analytical mind, the ability to think logically and mathematical abilities. In addition, you need to be an organized person, have a penchant for scrupulous work that requires concentration and perseverance.

The purpose of this work is to study the profession of an economist.

Work tasks:

Consider the features of the emergence and development of the economic profession;

Describe the rights, duties and responsibilities of an economist.

1. The history of the profession "economist"

1.1 Features of the emergence and development of the economic profession

professional economist

The profession of economist originated hundreds of years ago, when the main economic concepts: goods, exchange, money. The profession of an economist arose hundreds of years ago, when the basic economic concepts began to exist: goods, exchange, money.

The ancient Greeks used the word "oiconomia" to denote the management of the economy (oicos - household, house and nomas - law). Thus, this term can be used to refer to the theory and practice of the most efficient management of the economy.

The term "economy" is also used to refer to industries scientific knowledge- political economy, economics of industry, economics Agriculture, economics of trade, etc. A large number of economists are called upon to study the economic processes taking place in society and develop ways and methods to achieve the goals dictated by modernity.

The competencies that a modern economist should have differ significantly from those that economists of the past possessed. If a modern neoclassical economist compares his competencies with those of his colleagues in the past, he will be extremely surprised by the "scholasticism", "literary" and abstract economic theory past, where more attention was paid to the verbal description and logic of economic analysis, rather than the creation of econometric models and their empirical testing. According to O. Comte's classification, the economic science of the 19th century has not yet become a positive science, but was only at the stage of metaphysical constructions, which for the most part are not qualified.

Overcoming the metaphysical nature of economic theory meant the adoption of the standards and methods of the most successful exact science - physics, or rather classical mechanics. The key metaphor of economic theory - equilibrium, is undoubtedly borrowed from physics, and not from biology, which, according to A. Marshall, whose name is usually associated with the transition from metaphysics to positive theory in the field of economic research, should serve as a model for the economic theory of the future . True, A. Marshall himself preferred a simpler canon of physics.

The choice made by the economic community at the end of the 19th century turned out to be decisive for the development of economic science up to early XXI century. The post-war period turned out to be especially important, when the most authoritative schools of economic thought were formed, and the intensive institutionalization of the economic community took place.

The professionalization of economic science begins only at the end of the 19th century, before that time only more or less successful attempts to create a community of like-minded people can be distinguished, and if representatives of the mercantilism system could only very conditionally be attributed to a certain “school” or “direction”, then the physiocrats The leadership of F. Quesnay considered themselves a kind of professional community, united not only by the charismatic personality of the “teacher”, but also by a number of “dogmas”, for example, about the natural ability of the land to generate wealth to a greater extent than in all other sectors of the economy. It is not for nothing that their self-name was “economists”, in contrast to, for example, A. Smith and D. Hume, who called themselves philosophers, although history assessed them differently (primarily the first of them).

A. Smith differed from his predecessors, first of all, in that he paid much less attention to political recommendations than his physiocratic teachers, the latter sought to directly influence the economic policy of the state: the introduction of a single tax, limiting the share of the population employed in unproductive labor, etc. ., it was not for nothing that a group of economists who united around the personality of F. Quesnay were called a “sect”, and they themselves were considered initiates who should bring the ideas of the teacher to life. Although the ideas of the Physiocrats largely remain relevant today, nevertheless, their analysis begins not with how a spontaneous order develops, but with constructivism, which is methodologically extremely dangerous, since in fact, this is nothing more than the creation of a utopia, without an attempt to comprehend that economic reality in which they are trying to plant something that claims to be reasonable.

Physiocrats and mercantilists paid much less attention to theory than to the English classics. political economy. The latter understood the role of the economist not in constructivism (a common feature of the first schools of political economy), but in the study of a spontaneous order that develops unintentionally, without a single body planning this process. Therefore, A. Smith and his followers gave priority to education. It is through enlightenment, and not bypassing it (as in the case of the mercantilists and physiocrats), that the gradual improvement of the economic order must be carried out. Representatives of English political economy laid the cornerstone for understanding the special role of the economist in society, the educational economist.

In the future, various representatives of socialism and interventionism took advantage of this high status in society. Moreover, Marxism is not the brightest representative here. Already J.S. Mill, in his Principles of Political Economy, took the position of the Ricardian labor theory value that denies the role of the subjective factor in the process of value formation. No wonder L. von Mises said that "compared to Mill, all other socialist authors - even Marx, Engels and Lassalle - hardly have any significance."

By 1870, economic theory was at a crossroads. The marginalist revolution took place simultaneously in three intellectual centers, giving rise to the Austrian School, the Lausanne School and the Cambridge School. The last two, unlike the first, never consistently carried out the principle of methodological individualism. And if K. Menger was able to combine atomistic analysis with the evolutionary theory of institutions, then two recent schools- especially after the publication of A. Marshall's main book "The Foundations of Economic Science" in 1890 - they mixed individualism with collectivism and objectivism, trying to preserve Ricardianism (the case of A. Marshall), and also to mathematize (the case of L. Walras, V. Pareto ) what cannot be mathematized is the subjective creative activity of a person, which L. von Mises convincingly showed in his treatise on economic theory. In addition, positivism, chosen as the main methodology of Marshalianism, laid the foundation for constructivism in economic theory, which dominated until today. Economists became specialists in TAXIS (according to the implanted, artificially created order), and NOMOS or KOSMOS (spontaneous order) turned out to be an unclaimed community of economists. From the moment the choice of the economics community was made in favor of technocracy until today, little has changed.

The Austrian School of Political Economy was the only school where, after the marginalist revolution and up to the present day, special attention was paid to NOMOS. Therefore, she remained the guardian of the ideals of enlightenment. L. von Mises said on this occasion that economists cannot afford to be specialists operating with concepts (including mathematical ones) that the enlightened part of society has no idea about, the ideas of economists should be the property of not technocrats, but civil society.

But today the situation is such that the community of technocratic economists is the source of the intellectual justification for interventionism that destroys spontaneous order (NOMOS).

Thus, an economist is a specialist who analyzes financial and economic activities (enterprises, industries, etc.) in order to improve it.

Over the past centuries, the functions of the economist have changed and expanded markedly. Economist collects and analyzes data on production activities, then evaluates how successful it is and, ultimately, prepares proposals for management to improve production technology and labor. Economists work in several directions. For example, a labor economist calculates the salary for representatives of each profession - from an accountant to a miner.

.2 Economist as a vocation and profession

It is worth highlighting a fairly common view of the profession of economist, presented in detail in Greenaway's two-volume Panorama of Economic Oil. In particular, it talks about the difficulties an economist has to face in the process of trying to put his theories into practice, especially in public service: in order to convince a politician of the correctness of his ideas, you have to compromise with him and violate the ideal of an independent and objective in their assessments of a technocrat, since the demand for a technocrat is directly dependent on his ability to guarantee what cannot be guaranteed - the achievement of the goal proclaimed by the politician. The way out is to leave the principles and goals of economic policy at the mercy of politicians, and to improve the models themselves, until better times come, when sufficiently enlightened politicians come for advice to highly educated technocratic economists and ask them to calculate the economic effect of their decision. Or - the second option - to engage in intellectual justification of what the politician wants, regardless of whether this will contribute to the economic order or not. The stand alone position of the economic policy professional is incompatible with the ideal of the technocrat doing as he is told.

The detachment of economists from economic policy is not least connected with the philosophy of technocracy that prevails in the field of natural sciences - a specialist in the field of economics does not have (as a scientist-economist) the right to make value judgments based on his professional knowledge about the consequences of a particular decision (he can do it as a citizen), he can only point out the inevitable consequences of this decision, thereby the technocratic economist takes himself out of the scope of economic activity and, like Laplace’s demon, should only make objective judgments about what the wrong actions of politicians who are not sufficiently enlightened in the field lead to. economic theory, or substantiate their decisions with the authority of a professional economist. But if the economist delegates the right to set goals and values to a politician, he thereby deprives himself of the ability to influence those processes in which he should be an expert, and transfers this right to an incompetent politician. By refusing to make value judgments, the economist (as an economist) devalues the value of his profession, because if a politician decides to hire him as a technocrat to perform a morally unacceptable function, the latter can rightfully agree, since his professional vocation is not to " guide on the right path”, but in providing costly services to politics. The "omnivorousness" of economists in this case becomes a source of strengthening the power of the incompetent, and the entire role of economists is reduced to the redistribution of income for a certain fee in favor of the incompetent at the expense of the state.

These are the consequences of the alienation of the economic community from the very subject of economic research - an inevitable consequence of a fairly common worldview of economists based on the "Hume guillotine", according to which, people incompetent in matters of economics and politics are responsible for economic processes (with the permission of the economists themselves), and economists are removed from the world into an ivory tower in order to engage in the creation of mosaic models that do not allow us to explain the observed economic processes and form a vision of economic reality. There is a crisis in understanding the role of the economist in society.

An issue inextricably linked to the role of an economist in society is the question of the competencies that a professional economist should possess. Today, the so-called competence approach is called upon to answer it. Since modern educational institutions prepare graduates not for a specific job, but for a specific market, the set of qualities and characteristics should correspond to the needs of the market: there should not be excessive attention to the amount of knowledge that will not be useful in future professional activities, on the contrary, it should be reduced the volume of unnecessary disciplines and hours, and in return for them to form students' basic professional competencies, such as the ability to learn by doing, communication with clients and management, the ability to fill out specific documents, conduct mini-market research, prepare analytical notes etc.

In educational institutions focused on academic standards, a large number of hours allocated to theoretical disciplines, are justified by the need to form students' analytical competencies, which, although they will not be useful to them in practice, will allow them to continue to engage in teaching or research activities. In general, if the competence-based approach is not reduced to repeating the platitudes about the need to develop the abilities of students, it is opposed to the so-called Humboltian pedagogy, according to which the worldview component is important in educational process, which ensures the development of the student's personality, and as a result, his market value, and not vice versa. Replacing this approach with a reduced one cannot lead to anything other than the loss of the adequacy of the knowledge gained by the student. The lack of understanding of the nature of economic processes and phenomena, which are given special attention in Humboltian pedagogy, leads to the degeneration of the profession of an economist into the role of an apologist for state interventionism.

It should be recognized that moving towards a competency-based approach will only exacerbate the problem of the inadequacy of economic knowledge. The more a student is focused on obtaining competencies, the less attention he pays (and the less importance he attaches) to the realism and relevance of economic theory as the foundation of his profession, considering the labor and time spent on studying this discipline as a forced and, from a professional point of view, a meaningless pastime . We see the overcoming of the current trend in increasing attention to qualitative analysiseconomic processes, a priori paying full attention to cause-and-effect relationships and the nature of economic processes, thereby forming a holistic and relevant vision among students.

The nationalization of the economy and the suppression of entrepreneurial activity will receive intellectual support in the professional community of "economists".

Thus, having analyzed the essence of the profession of an economist, it in modern society, we can formulate the main features of an economist who treats his profession not only as a source of wealth, but also as a vocation. The main activity of the economist is to enlighten as to what underlies economic processes and what contributes most to the spontaneous order of human cooperation.

2. Rights and obligations of an economist

.1 Job Responsibilities

Economist:

Performs work on the implementation of the economic activity of the enterprise, aimed at increasing the efficiency and profitability of production, the quality of products and the development of new types, achieving high end results with the optimal use of material, labor and financial resources.

Prepares initial data for the preparation of projects of economic, financial, production and commercial activities(business plans) of the enterprise in order to ensure the growth of sales volumes and increase profits.

Performs calculations for material, labor and financial costs necessary for the production and sale of products, the development of new types of products, advanced technology and technology.

Carries out an economic analysis of the economic activity of the enterprise and its divisions, develops measures to ensure a savings regime, increase the profitability of production, the competitiveness of products, labor productivity, reduce the costs of production and sales of products, eliminate losses and unproductive costs, as well as identify opportunities for additional output.

Defines economic efficiency organization of labor and production, introduction of new equipment and technology, rationalization proposals and inventions.

Participates:

In consideration of the developed production and economic plans.

In carrying out work on resource conservation.

In the introduction and improvement of on-farm accounting.

In the improvement of progressive forms of labor organization and management.

Improvement of planning and accounting documentation.

Prepares materials for the conclusion of contracts, monitors the deadlines for the fulfillment of contractual obligations.

Carries out control over the progress of the implementation of planned targets for the enterprise and its divisions, the use of on-farm reserves.

Participates in conducting marketing research and forecasting the development of production.

Performs the necessary work related to non-routine settlements and control over the correctness of settlement operations.

Keeps records economic indicators the results of the production activities of the enterprise and its divisions, as well as accounting for concluded contracts.

Prepares periodic reports in a timely manner.

Performs work on the formation, maintenance and storage of a database of economic information, makes changes to reference and regulatory information that is used in data processing.

Participates in the formation of the economic formulation of problems or their individual stages, solved with the help of computer technology, determines the possibility of using ready-made projects, algorithms. Application software packages that allow you to create economically sound systems for processing economic information.

Examines special literature related to the work performed, as well as on the topics of ongoing research and development, compiles various economic justifications, references, periodic reports, annotations and reviews.

Performs individual official assignments of his immediate supervisor.

2.2 Rights and responsibilities of an economist

The economist has the right:

Get acquainted with the draft decisions of the management of the enterprise relating to its activities.

Submit proposals for improvement of the work related to the responsibilities provided for in this instruction for consideration by the management.

Within the limits of his competence, inform his immediate supervisor of all shortcomings identified in the course of his activities and make proposals for their elimination.

Involve specialists from all (individual) structural divisions in solving the tasks assigned to him (if this is provided for by the regulations on structural divisions, if not, then with the permission of the head).

Request personally or on behalf of the management of the enterprise from the heads of structural divisions and specialists information and documents necessary for the performance of his duties.

Require the management of the enterprise to assist in the performance of their duties and rights.

The Economist is responsible for:

improper performance or failure to perform their official duties under job description- within the limits determined by the current labor law Russia.

offenses committed in the course of carrying out their activities - within the limits determined by the current administrative, criminal and civil legislation of Russia.

infliction of material damage - within the limits determined by the current labor and civil legislation of Russia.

Conclusion

The profession of an economist is one of the most popular at present. What positions can be attributed to the profession of an economist? Many understand this term not only as the profession of an economist, but also many other professions (financier, accountant, marketer, merchant, manager, etc.), but all these are different specialties, which will be discussed below. Financier, accountant, marketer, etc. become the main people in organizations, companies, in production. Not only the success of the organization, but often the possibility of its continued existence depends on them. Therefore, the excitement that exists in relation to these specialists is not surprising. As a result, the specialty began to be in great demand among young people, and demand (it’s not for me to explain to you if you are already interested in this article) generates supply. Every year more and more new economic universities are opened, and some higher educational institutions, sometimes even having nothing to do with economics, open economic faculties. In general, all and sundry train economists, many of whom, having received such a profession in demand on the labor market, cannot find a job.

Thus, the economist is a profession of our time. Although the word “economy” itself was coined in ancient Greece and meant “housekeeping”, that is, housekeeping was subjected to economic analysis. The first economist is Aristotle, who built theories about the exchange of goods, their cost and utility.

The economist is one of the most significant specialists in the enterprise. No business can operate without a business plan. It is this employee who sets the vector of movement for the joint efforts of all employees. You need to set priorities and goals correctly in order to get the maximum profit with the least loss.

Employers have the following requirements: specialized education, successful experience in the preparation of business plans, the ability to conduct research based on formulas and available data, analytical thinking and knowledge of the 1C program.

A feature of this profession in modern realities is that there is now an overabundance of economists in the labor market. Demand has generated a very large supply, so employers do not choose yesterday's graduates, but specialists with experience. As practice shows, not all graduates are fluent in accounting and tax accounting, and there is no need to talk about the accuracy of forecasts at all.

Qualities that impede the effectiveness of professional activity:

· lack of mathematical abilities;

· lack of analytical skills;

· fast fatiguability;

· distraction, forgetfulness;

·negligence;

· impulsiveness, irascibility.

The specialty "Economist" is available in almost all universities; even those that are indirectly related to the economy. Graduates of financial faculties also have a chance to take this position.

Bibliographic list

1.Blaug M. Methodology of economic science, or how economists explain. Per. from English. / scientific ed. V.S. Autonomous. - M.: NP "Journal Questions of Economics", 2004.

2.J.M. Keynes. General Theory of Employment, Interest and Money, Selected. - M: Eksmo, 2007.

.Origins. From the experience of studying the economy as a structure and process / Ed.: Ya.I. Kuzminov; State. Univ. - Higher School of Economics. - M.: Ed. House of the State University Higher School of Economics, 2006.

.Coates A.U. // Panorama of economic thought of the late XX century / under. Ed. D. Greenaway, M. Blini, I. Stuart: In 2 vols. / Per. from English. ed. V.S. Avtonomov and S.A. Afontseva. St. Petersburg: School of Economics, 2002.

.Marshal A. Foundations of economic science [foreword by J.M. Keynes; per. from English. IN AND. Bomkina and others] - M .: Eksmo, 2007.

.Moiseev S.R. Macroeconomics. - M.: KNORUS, 2008.

.Samuelson P. What economists think about: Conversations with Nobel laureates / ed. P. Samuelson and W. Barnett; per. from English. - M.: Moscow School of Management "Skolkovo"; Alpina Business Books, 2009.

.Schumpeter J.A. History of economic analysis: in 3 volumes / Per. from English. ed. V.S. Avtonomov. St. Petersburg: School of Economics, 2001.

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Economist and accountant are professions that occupy one of the first places in popularity among young professionals. There is an opinion that the market is oversaturated with graduates of economic faculties. However, good specialists are still in demand. In the era of commercialization and the circulation of cash and non-cash currency, the popularity of the profession is only growing. A good economist who understands his business and knows how to use the knowledge gained is still worth its weight in gold. The profession of an economist is a combination of several disciplines in one activity. To be high qualified specialist in this case, it is necessary to have knowledge: in mathematics, economics, political science, sociology.

Where to get an education

Almost every university in our country trains and graduates certified economists. A graduate of the faculty will be able to find a job in the field of finance and economics, as well as engage in research activities, or combine both.

When entering a university, an applicant - if he decides to connect his life and career with the economy - can choose the following areas:

financing and lending,
economic activity,
merchandising specialty,
trade relations.

Any of them is popular and interesting, and the received diploma in this area will allow you to build a career in the future.

So that after acquiring a diploma there would be no difficulties with finding high paying job, you need to graduate from a good university. It is desirable to graduate from a state university. The most popular universities in our country that provide quality education are:

NRU "Higher School of Economics",
Management Academy,
IMES,

Getting a degree from one of these universities makes it much easier to find a job and build a career in your chosen field.

Qualification requirements for a potential employee

In addition to compulsory higher education, a good economist must also have certain qualities. Description of the main personal characteristics:

good memory,
perseverance,
accuracy,
the ability to process a large amount of information,
concentration of attention,
developed analytical skills,
logical memory,
a responsibility,
be able to correctly express your point of view.

To successfully build a career in the field of economics, a specialist must be confident with a PC, be able to work in specialized programs, have knowledge in accounting and tax legislation English is a big plus.

At the same time, the profession of an economist allows you to improve your skills every day. Almost every day there are some factors that force specialists to hastily analyze the situation and direct their firm in a changed direction. A good employee should proudly take on any task that requires responsibility from him.

The position of an economist is very popular and in demand, so you can build a fairly successful career.

Profession benefits

The main advantage is the high demand for the profession, and its versatility allows you to find work in almost any field. Having the necessary baggage of knowledge and skills, you can open your own business and not be afraid that it will turn out to be unprofitable. Also, a plus of the profession is the ability to always learn something new and use it in business.

Disadvantages of the profession

Like any other activity, the profession of an economist has its pros and cons. The main difficulty faced by beginners is the need to assimilate a large amount of information. Being an economist means being responsible for the successful operation of a company. This can also be a minus, since not everyone is ready to be responsible for financial position firms.

A fledgling specialist faces a lot of competition, as there are quite a lot of graduates of economic faculties on the labor market. Here everything will depend on the person himself, on his desires and ambitions.

Features of the profession

The field of activity directly depends on what exactly the employee will do, for example, the duties of an ordinary economist and accountant will be very different. Description of the main responsibilities of a beginner:

analysis and forecasting of the company's activities,
performance of work aimed at increasing the profitability of the company,
carrying out work aimed at improving the efficiency of production and the quality of products or services,
preparation of financial and business reports,
analysis of the company's business activities.

A qualified specialist can find work in the financial and public sectors, in the restaurant business, in enterprises and private organizations. No company can manage in its state without an economist or accountant.

Important person in the organization

One branch can be distinguished, which at the same time has a very important role in the life of the company - this is the position of an accountant-economist. An accountant may be one of the employees of an entire department, or may be the only one in a small organization.

The accountant keeps records and analyzes the activities of the company. His responsibilities include:

accounting and reporting,
analysis of the company's financial indicators (income, costs, profitability),
tax and accounting management,
warehouse accounting,
preparation of daily reports on the activities of the enterprise,
budgeting,
keeping records of receipts, etc.

It is the accountant who is responsible for the timely payment of taxes and at the same time can be the chief adviser to the head.

It has one significant disadvantage - it is rightfully considered one of the most dangerous, because one minor mistake - and millions of dollars can go to the wrong account. Therefore, the specialist must be extremely careful. The main responsibilities vary greatly depending on the field of activity, a person of this specialty can be both an accountant in a bank and be responsible for payroll in an organization.

Prospects for the profession

The impossibility of the life of a company without an economist makes this profession very popular. So, a large number of applicants decide to link their lives and careers with the world of economics and finance. Huge competition forces potential employees to constantly improve their skills and abilities in order to get desired position. Thus, the employer has the opportunity to choose the best candidate.

In turn, those who have achieved a position with knowledge and on their own can build a good career with the possibility of personal growth and, as a result, open their own business. An ordinary economist starts his career with a fairly average salary, so, in a small company, he will receive around 20 thousand rubles. However, with growth and experience gained in a larger organization, income can reach up to 80 thousand rubles. In order to reach such heights, you need to give yourself as much as possible to your business and your work, but first you need to love it.

Details Updated: 11/01/2019 19:51 Published: 05/08/2017 17:08

The Economist is an employee who is considered to be a qualified specialist working in a segment of the economy.

This name applies not only to scientists - theorists, but also to practitioners who work in the field of studying, developing and managing the economic activities of an organization.

History of the profession

This specialty belongs modern society, despite the fact that in translation "economy" sounds like "house economics".

The very first economist is tacitly considered the ancient Greek scientist and philosopher Aristotle, because it is he who owns the theory of the exchange of goods, their practicality and prices.

Features of the profession

The economist is one of the key specialists of the institution. The work of a professional consists in structuring a number of necessary priorities and methods in order to obtain the maximum income for the organization in the future, without incurring significant financial losses.

Responsibilities

The main responsibilities of the profession of an economist:

Development and optimization of the organization.
Direct participation in the course of payroll and bonus payments to all employees of a particular institution, calculation of the need to coordinate vacancies in the personnel department.
Analysis of the amount of costs, resources involved, expenses and income of the organization.
Direct supervision over financial - economic work.

Important qualities

Necessary qualities that an economist should possess:

good mental capacity for work;
excellent memory;
the ability to concentrate on achieving the goal;
the ability to process large amounts of financial data;
the skill to clearly and concisely convey and argue the chosen position, both orally and in writing;
a responsibility;
punctuality;
willingness to develop as a professional;
activity and purposefulness;
competence in research types of work.

Skills and knowledge

Necessary knowledge and skills to work as an economist:

The presence of higher economic education.
Competence in features financial research and bookkeeping.
Working knowledge of contracts and primary documentation.
Ownership of a PC (the main range of programs plus 1C).

Prospects and career

To date given profession is in significant demand in the labor market, which increases the chances of finding a job with a good salary or starting a profitable business. At the same time, the success of the organization in which he works directly depends on this professional, which entails a serious responsibility. Additionally, the work involves all sorts of calculations, which requires a lot of effort and focus to achieve effective results.

For a young specialist, in order to gain necessary experience, it is recommended to develop your labor activity in a small organization, where it will be possible to instantly and in detail get acquainted with the current course of affairs, both in the country's economy and in the specific institution of which he is an employee. From the very beginning, he will have to find the most optimal solution to a number of problems, and not work in a specific profile. Promotion by career ladder specialist is to receive after some time the position of a leading economist, and in the future - and director of finance.

This specialty is considered to be very popular in the following areas:

State organizations that deal with economic problems (Ministry of Finance, Central Bank).
Institutions of the industrial and agricultural sector.
Educational institutions.
Hotel and restaurant business;
Private business - enterprises of various scale of activity;
financial institutions.
Research Institute, AN.

Education

Almost everything that an economist needs to know is taught in the economic departments of many universities. It will not be difficult to get a specialized education, but difficulties may arise in the process of finding a job with the most favorable conditions and high wages, because the high demand for specialists in this field has directly led to a rapid increase in the number of applicants in the labor market. To improve their skills, young professionals are recommended not only to improve their previously acquired knowledge in practice, but also to systematically attend specialized courses.