Become An Accountant

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Working As An Accountant

Interacting With Computers
Processing Information
Getting Information
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Mostly Sitting
Repetitive
$50,699
Average Salary

What Does An Accountant Do

Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records. They ensure that financial records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time. Accountants and auditors assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently.

Duties

Accountants and auditors typically do the following:

Examine financial statements to ensure that they are accurate and comply with laws and regulations
Compute taxes owed, prepare tax returns, and ensure that taxes are paid properly and on time
Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency and use of accepted accounting procedures
Organize and maintain financial records
Assess financial operations and make best-practices recommendations to management
Suggest ways to reduce costs, enhance revenues, and improve profits

In addition to examining and preparing financial documentation, accountants and auditors must explain their findings. This includes preparing written reports and meeting face-to-face with organization managers and individual clients.

Many accountants and auditors specialize, depending on the particular organization that they work for. Some work for organizations that specialize in assurance services (improving the quality or context of information for decisionmakers) or risk management (determining the probability of a misstatement on financial documentation). Other organizations specialize in specific industries, such as healthcare.

Some workers with a background in accounting and auditing teach in colleges and universities. For more information, see the profile on postsecondary teachers.

The following are examples of types of accountants and auditors:

Public accountants perform a broad range of accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting tasks. Their clients include corporations, governments, and individuals.

Public accountants work with financial documents that clients are required by law to disclose. These include tax forms and balance sheet statements that corporations must provide potential investors. For example, some public accountants concentrate on tax matters, advising corporations about the tax advantages of certain business decisions or preparing individual income tax returns.

Public accountants, many of whom are Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), generally have their own businesses or work for public accounting firms. Publicly traded companies are required to have CPAs sign documents they submit to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including annual and quarterly reports.

Some public accountants specialize in forensic accounting, investigating financial crimes such as securities fraud and embezzlement, bankruptcies and contract disputes, and other complex and possibly criminal financial transactions. Forensic accountants combine their knowledge of accounting and finance with law and investigative techniques to determine if an activity is illegal. Many forensic accountants work closely with law enforcement personnel and lawyers during investigations and often appear as expert witnesses during trials.

Management accountants, also called cost, managerial, industrial, corporate, or private accountants, record and analyze the financial information of the organizations for which they work. The information that management accountants prepare is intended for internal use by business managers, not by the general public.

Management accountants often work on budgeting and performance evaluation. They also may help organizations plan the cost of doing business. Some may work with financial managers on asset management, which involves planning and selecting financial investments such as stocks, bonds, and real estate.

Government accountants maintain and examine the records of government agencies and audit private businesses and individuals whose activities are subject to government regulations or taxation. Accountants employed by federal, state, and local governments ensure that revenues are received and spent in accordance with laws and regulations.

Internal auditors check for mismanagement of an organization’s funds. They identify ways to improve the processes for finding and eliminating waste and fraud. The practice of internal auditing is not regulated, but The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) provides generally accepted standards.

External auditors perform similar duties as internal auditors, but are employed by an outside organization, rather than the one they are auditing. They review clients’ financial statements and inform investors and authorities that the statements have been correctly prepared and reported.

Information technology auditors are internal auditors who review controls for their organization’s computer systems, to ensure that the financial data comes from a reliable source.

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How To Become An Accountant

Most accountants and auditors need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Certification within a specific field of accounting improves job prospects. For example, many accountants become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs).

Education

Most accountant and auditor positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire applicants who have a master’s degree, either in accounting or in business administration with a concentration in accounting.

A few universities and colleges offer specialized programs, such as a bachelor’s degree in internal auditing. In some cases, those with associate’s degrees, as well as bookkeepers and accounting clerks who meet the education and experience requirements set by their employers, get junior accounting positions and advance to accountant positions by showing their accounting skills on the job.

Many colleges help students gain practical experience through summer or part-time internships with public accounting or business firms.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Every accountant filing a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is required by law to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Many other accountants choose to become a CPA to enhance their job prospects or to gain clients. Many employers will often pay the costs associated with the CPA exam.

CPAs are licensed by their state’s Board of Accountancy. Becoming a CPA requires passing a national exam and meeting other state requirements. Almost all states require CPA candidates to complete 150 semester hours of college coursework to be certified, which is 30 hours more than the usual 4-year bachelor’s degree. Many schools offer a 5-year combined bachelor’s and master’s degree to meet the 150-hour requirement, but a master’s degree is not required.

A few states allow a number of years of public accounting experience to substitute for a college degree.

All states use the four-part Uniform CPA Examination from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Candidates do not have to pass all four parts at once, but most states require that they pass all four parts within 18 months of passing their first part.

Almost all states require CPAs to take continuing education to keep their license.

Certification provides an advantage in the job market because it shows professional competence in a specialized field of accounting and auditing. Accountants and auditors seek certifications from a variety of professional societies. Some of the most common certifications are listed below:

The Institute of Management Accountants offers the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) to applicants who complete a bachelor’s degree. Applicants must have worked at least 2 years in management accounting, pass a two-part exam, agree to meet continuing education requirements, and comply with standards of professional conduct. The exam covers areas such as financial statement analysis, working-capital policy, capital structure, valuation issues, and risk management.

The Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) offers the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) to graduates from accredited colleges and universities who have worked for 2 years as internal auditors and have passed a four-part exam. The IIA also offers the Certified in Control Self-Assessment (CCSA), Certified Government Auditing Professional (CGAP), Certified Financial Services Auditor (CFSA), and Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) to those who pass the exams and meet educational and experience requirements.

ISACA offers the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) to candidates who pass an exam and have 5 years of experience auditing information systems. Information systems experience, financial or operational auditing experience, or related college credit hours can be substituted for up to 3 years of experience in information systems auditing, control, or security.

For accountants with a CPA, the AICPA offers the option to receive any or all of the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV), Certified Information Technology Professional (CITP), or Personal Financial Specialist (PFS) certifications. The ABV requires a written exam, completion of at least six business valuation projects, and 75 hours of continuing education. The CITP requires 1,000 hours of business technology experience and 75 hours of continuing education. Candidates for the PFS also must complete a certain amount of work experience and continuing education, and pass a written exam.

Advancement

Some top executives and financial managers have a background in accounting, internal auditing, or finance.

Beginning public accountants often advance to positions with more responsibility in 1 or 2 years and to senior positions within another few years. Those who excel may become supervisors, managers, or partners; open their own public accounting firm; or transfer to executive positions in management accounting or internal auditing in private firms.

Management accountants often start as cost accountants, junior internal auditors, or trainees for other accounting positions. As they rise through the organization, they may advance to accounting manager, chief cost accountant, budget director, or manager of internal auditing. Some become controllers, treasurers, financial vice presidents, chief financial officers, or corporation presidents.

Public accountants, management accountants, and internal auditors can move from one aspect of accounting and auditing to another. Public accountants often move into management accounting or internal auditing. Management accountants may become internal auditors, and internal auditors may become management accountants. However, it is less common for management accountants or internal auditors to move into public accounting.

Important Qualities

Analytical skills. Accountants and auditors must be able to identify issues in documentation and suggest solutions. For example, public accountants use analytical skills in their work to minimize tax liability, and internal auditors use these skills to detect fraudulent use of funds.

Communication skills. Accountants and auditors must be able to listen carefully to facts and concerns from clients, managers, and others. They must also be able to discuss the results of their work in both meetings and written reports.

Detail oriented. Accountants and auditors must pay attention to detail when compiling and examining documentation.

Math skills. Accountants and auditors must be able to analyze, compare, and interpret facts and figures, although complex math skills are not necessary.

Organizational skills. Strong organizational skills are important for accountants and auditors who often work with a range of financial documents for a variety of clients.

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Accountant jobs

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Accountant Career Paths

Accountant

Staff Accountant Finance Analyst Accounting Manager

Senior Accountant

Finance Manager Business Manager Controller

Accounting Officer

7 Yearsyrs

Treasury Analyst Senior Treasury Analyst Treasury Manager

Assistant Treasurer

5 Yearsyrs

Controller Accounting Consultant Accounting Manager

Corporate Accounting Manager

8 Yearsyrs

Staff Accountant Accounting Manager Controller

Corporate Controller

12 Yearsyrs

Assistant Controller Controller

Director Of Accounting & Finance

11 Yearsyrs

Cost Accountant Finance Analyst Accounting Manager

Division Controller

9 Yearsyrs

Accounting Supervisor Assistant Controller

Divisional Controller

9 Yearsyrs

Accounting Manager Controller

Finance Controller

9 Yearsyrs

Finance Analyst Senior Finance Analyst

Finance Manager

7 Yearsyrs

Business Analyst Senior Finance Analyst

Finance Planning Manager

8 Yearsyrs

Senior Finance Analyst Finance Manager Controller

Interim Controller

15 Yearsyrs

Senior Finance Analyst Cost Accounting Manager Accounting Manager

Manager/Finance Accounting

8 Yearsyrs

Cost Accountant Senior Accountant Accounting Manager

Plant Controller

10 Yearsyrs

Accounting Manager Assistant Controller Controller

Regional Controller

10 Yearsyrs

Analyst Senior Associate Senior Accountant

Corporate Accountant Senior Accountant Accounting Manager

Senior Accounting Manager

10 Yearsyrs

Finance Analyst Finance Manager

Senior Finance Manager

11 Yearsyrs

Average Length of Employment

Senior Accounting Specialist 4.6 years
Chief Accountant 4.5 years
Accountant And Office Manager 4.5 years
Control Accountant 3.9 years
Senior Accounting Associate 3.8 years
Senior Staff Accountant 3.7 years
Finance Analyst/Accountant 3.6 years
Assistant To The Controller 3.4 years
Senior Accountant Analyst 3.3 years
Senior Corporate Accountant 3.2 years
General Accountant 3.2 years
Head Accountant 3.1 years
Project Accountant 3.0 years
Corporate Accountant 3.0 years
General Ledger Accountant 3.0 years
Accountant 3.0 years
Regional Accountant 2.9 years
Accounting Staff 2.9 years
Accounting Associate 2.9 years
Accounting Analyst 2.8 years
Accountant/Consultant 2.8 years
Cash Accountant 2.8 years
International Account Representative 2.6 years
Accounting Consultant 2.3 years
Junior Accountant 2.3 years
Accountant Assistant 2.2 years
Accountant-Contractor 1.8 years

Top Careers Before Accountant

Top Careers After Accountant

Accountant Demographics

Gender

Female
60.1%
Male
36.0%
Unknown
3.8%

Ethnicity

White
72.3%
Asian
12.8%
Hispanic or Latino
10.8%
Unknown
3.0%
Black or African American
1.1%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
34.9%
Chinese
11.3%
Mandarin
10.6%
French
8.7%
Russian
5.1%
Arabic
4.7%
Cantonese
3.7%
Hindi
2.8%
Korean
2.5%
German
2.4%
Japanese
2.3%
Portuguese
2.2%
Vietnamese
1.9%
Italian
1.6%
Urdu
1.3%
Polish
1.0%
Ukrainian
0.9%
Turkish
0.9%
Tagalog
0.7%
Romanian
0.5%

Accountant

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

Accountant Education

Schools

University of Phoenix
28.6%
Strayer University
8.4%
University of Houston
6.8%
Southern New Hampshire University
5.1%
Liberty University
4.3%
University of Maryland - University College
3.7%
University of Texas at Dallas
3.5%
George Mason University
3.4%
San Jose State University
3.4%
Central Washington University
3.3%
Kaplan University
3.2%
Northeastern University
3.2%
DePaul University
3.1%
Florida State University
3.1%
Webster University
3.0%
San Francisco State University
2.9%
University of Central Oklahoma
2.9%
Temple University
2.8%
Georgia State University
2.8%
Indiana Wesleyan University
2.7%

Majors

Accounting 53.8%
Business 25.9%
Finance 8.5%
Management 2.1%
Economics 1.2%
Human Resources Management 0.8%
Education 0.8%
Health Care Administration 0.7%
Marketing 0.7%
Computer Science 0.6%
Business/Commerce 0.6%
Computer Information Systems 0.6%
Criminal Justice 0.5%
Psychology 0.5%
Nursing 0.5%
Taxation 0.5%
General Studies 0.4%
Law 0.4%
Legal Research And Advanced Professional Studies 0.4%
Information Technology 0.4%

Degrees

Bachelors
50.3%
Masters
26.2%
Other
12.4%
Associate
6.6%
Certificate
2.8%
Diploma
0.8%
Doctorate
0.8%
License
0.2%

Accountant

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Real Accountant Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Accountant	EMBY International Inc.	New York, NY	May 04, 2015	$180,000
Accountant	Global Hardware Sourcing, LLC	North Miami Beach, FL	Sep 11, 2015	$180,000
Accountant	Accounting and Tax Planning Inc.	Garden City, NY	Oct 01, 2015	$170,000
Accountant	Bay Area Traffic Solutions, Inc.	Fremont, CA	Jan 08, 2016	$166,800
Director, Finance and Accounts	Lifestar Pharma LLC	Mahwah, NJ	Jan 08, 2016	$164,000
Financial Accountant	Envent Corporation	Long Beach, CA	Aug 15, 2016	$155,500
Accountant	Nasary Development Corp.	New York, NY	Nov 18, 2016	$147,805
Accountant (Cost)	Siegel & Stockman Inc.	New York, NY	Mar 23, 2016	$146,000
Accountant	Cargo Solutions Inc.	Fontana, CA	Oct 30, 2015	$143,000
Accountant	Atlantic Region Food Corporation	Gibbsboro, NJ	May 27, 2015	$137,654
Accountant	Am Architectural Metal & Glass Inc.	Gainesville, NY	Sep 23, 2015	$137,000
Accountant	Vocera Communications, Inc.	San Jose, CA	Aug 04, 2016	$135,000 - $145,000
Accountant	Google Inc.	Sunnyvale, CA	May 18, 2016	$130,600
Accountant	EEC, LLC	Boca Raton, FL	Sep 26, 2016	$57,387
Accountant III	City of Chicago, Department of Finance	Chicago, IL	Apr 16, 2015	$57,384
Accountant	Eric & Young LLC	Englewood Cliffs, NJ	Aug 09, 2016	$57,330
Accountant	Eastern Accounting & Tax Inc.	NY	Nov 09, 2016	$57,330
Accountant	Interocean Steamship Corporation	San Rafael, CA	Jul 09, 2016	$57,304
Accountant	Bhatia & Co, Inc., CPAS	Santa Clara, CA	Mar 06, 2016	$57,304
Accountant	Avenue Code LLC	San Francisco, CA	Jun 30, 2016	$57,304
Accountant	Cote and Company, A Professional Corporation, Certified Public Accountan	San Francisco, CA	Aug 24, 2016	$57,304
Accountant	Interventional Pain Management Associates, LLC	Hamilton, NJ	May 18, 2016	$52,166
Accountant	S&B Industry, Inc.	Fort Worth, TX	Jul 09, 2016	$52,138
Accountant	Glasshouse Balloon Company Inc.	Anaheim, CA	Apr 25, 2015	$52,097
Accountant	Atlantic Region Food Group	Gibbsboro, NJ	Aug 15, 2016	$52,062
Accountant	Shajandand Donuts LLC	Lumberton, NJ	Oct 28, 2015	$52,062
Accountant	Shanjandand Donuts LLC	Lumberton, NJ	Sep 28, 2015	$52,062
Accountant	Ghanshyam Donut Corporation	Glendora, NJ	Dec 02, 2015	$52,062
Accountant	H Mart Edison LLC	Edison, NJ	Sep 09, 2016	$52,029

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Top Skills for An Accountant

Top Accountant Skills

Monthly Financial Statements
Payroll Tax Returns
General Ledger Accounts

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Prepared quarterly payroll tax returns and monthly financial statements.
Prepared payroll for 70+ employees as well as payroll tax returns and tax deposits.
Prepared monthly General Ledger accounts reconciliations and analysis of Balance Sheet accounts.
Analyzed and prepared monthly journal entries to ensure timely and accurate financial statements are generated.
Reconciled Fixed Assets accounts, performed month end close activities.