Accountants working for companies have several duties. They track expenditures, keep records, prepare taxes, and generate financial reports. However, they also have another responsibility--reduce costs whenever and wherever they can. In fact, some corporations hiring "cost accountants" whose entire professional existence is dedicated to analyzing, tracking and reducing costs--as well as maximizing savings.

Even if you're not hired as a cost accountant per se, all good accountants are expected to reduce costs and minimize expenses for their employers. We recommend that anyone interviewing for an accounting position have at least one example of where they've been able to use their skill or expertise to reduce costs. If you're recent college grad, find a situation as an intern, part-time employee, or member of an academic case study where you were able to help reduce costs.