When viewing contacts, I want to be able to filter them by Account Type.  It seems this basic function is not available?

Therefore, the work around is to create a custom field on the account, which I have done and also called it Account Type.  I know how to set-up the workflow, but where I am not very good at is creating the custom function needed to update the Account Type on the Contact from the Account Type on the associated account.  Is anyone able to provide me with an idiot proof step by step instruction please?

I have copied and pasted script from other forums that are meant to do the exact function, but they never work :(

TIA

Paul