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Job outlook for chartered accountants in the United States
Are chartered accountant jobs in demand?
Chartered accountant job and salary trends over time
Chartered accountant jobs over time
Chartered accountant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 584 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 565 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 567 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 558 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 550 | 0.00% |
Average chartered accountant salary over time
Chartered accountant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $65,776 | $31.62 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $63,979 | $30.76 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $63,040 | $30.31 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $62,012 | $29.81 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $60,939 | $29.30 | +1.4% |
Chartered accountant jobs by state
Most common states for chartered accountants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 111 | 16% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 412 | 6% |
| 3 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 345 | 6% |
| 4 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 325 | 5% |
| 5 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 275 | 5% |
| 6 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 149 | 5% |
| 7 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 56 | 5% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 51 | 5% |
| 9 | California | 39,536,653 | 1,588 | 4% |
| 10 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 549 | 4% |
| 11 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 347 | 4% |
| 12 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 248 | 4% |
| 13 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 157 | 4% |
| 14 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 153 | 4% |
| 15 | Nevada | 2,998,039 | 105 | 4% |
| 16 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 59 | 4% |
| 17 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 43 | 4% |
| 18 | New York | 19,849,399 | 555 | 3% |
| 19 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 354 | 3% |
| 20 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 263 | 3% |
Chartered Accountant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of chartered accountant experts
Kent State University
Seattle University
University of Memphis
Pace University
Minnesota State University - Mankato
Western Kentucky University
Oakland University
University of Missouri - St Louis
Muhlenberg College
University of California, Riverside
Indiana University Northwest
Misericordia University
Pacific Lutheran University
University of Maine Orono
What will help Chartered Accountants increase their earning potential?
Kaylee Zupancic: While it is hard to know what the future holds with constant advancements to technology and AI, I believe there will always be a need for the human experience in the professional world. Clients will be looking for personable individuals who are approachable and can answer questions simply. Thanks to AI’s ability to complete a lot of the accounting tasks that seem mundane and monotonous, accountants and CPAs have the opportunity to find creative solutions to bigger issues, create better accounting processes and help their clients’ grow their businesses.
What Chartered Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Scott Miller CPA, CIA, CFE, MAcc: Be up-to-date; never out-of-date. As technological advances continue over time, Accountants will be expected to keep pace. The Accounting profession has successfully adapted to change throughout its history, and accountants will need to continue to adapt. It is critical for accountants to remain as trusted business advisors who are capable of understanding and auditing the latest technology that their own firms and clients implement. Traditionally important skills such as critical thinking, empathy, and effective communication are necessary skills today and will remain so in the future.
What will help Chartered Accountants increase their earning potential?
Gabriel Saucedo PhD, CPA: Funny enough, the core skills expected and/or desired of an accounting professional in the next 3-5 years are likely the same as today, which are the same as they were 20 years ago when I started at KPMG as an Audit Associate. Firms (i.e., the profession) need someone who can think critically with an analytical mindset, proactively problem-solve, brainstorm and prioritize alternative solutions, and professionally articulate across any number of communication channels to any number of constituents. Accounting firms and companies continue to ask their recruits about their ability to meet deadlines, manage conflict, multi-task, etc. But what has changed and will continue to change are the technologies with which professionals will be asked to do all this, and perhaps where it will be done. In some cases, this may continue to be done remotely (at home) and in some cases there will be the need to work more across borders with constituents in a global business sphere. A little more regarding the evolution of technology. Undoubtedly, Artificial Intelligence and ChatGPT are all the buzz and clearly something the profession needs to be in front of. Some may say these technologies and tools will make accounting absolute. But as history has shown, every time there has been an evolution in technology or tools (e.g., computers, spreadsheet software, data analytics) the demand for accountants has gone up. That is because these technologies have opened venues and processes for more risk, in addition to more informed decision-making. That said, graduates should also have, at minimum, a foundational knowledge of data analytics and technology to make sure they can identify the related risks, but also stay ahead of peers that may be studying other non-accounting degrees (e.g., computer science, data analytics, information technology.
Rita Green Ed.D.
Teaching Associate ProfessorUniversity of Memphis
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Chartered Accountant?
Rita Green Ed.D.: Current students should consider anchoring their education with a strong minor, which can be fulfilled with elective courses, which already make up a certain percentage of required credits for an undergraduate degree. It will also be important for accounting students to acquire and maintain competencies in data analytics. Accounting curriculums are being updated to respond to this necessary skillset.
What will help Chartered Accountants increase their earning potential?
James Lawson: The ability to leverage AI (artificial intelligence). There is a lot of discussion regarding the impact of AI on society, but AI is another tool that accountants can use to complete their tasks and add value to their client relationships.
What general advice would you give to a Chartered Accountant?
Dr. Barbara Farrell CPA: Pass the CPA exam before you start working. That will almost certainly earn you a bonus and put you ahead of your peers.
Get additional certifications such as Microsoft Office certifications, Certified Fraud Examiner, and Certified Internal Auditor to name a few.
Be willing to volunteer for additional assignments.
Network within the firm and join professional organizations such as AICPA, State Society of CPAs etc
What Chartered Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Barbara Farrell CPA: The field of public accounting is changing rapidly. Technology has become an integral part of the profession in tax, audit and consulting. It would be my suggestion to all students to use any elective credits within their degree program to become familiar with technology. In addition, excellent communication skills (oral and written) are critical. Use your liberal arts class electives to take communications and public speaking classes.
Once you enter the profession, keep learning! Whenever you are offered the opportunity to take a course, learn a new skill, or enhance your knowledge, take advantage of it!
Whatever firm you join will likely have social events and get-togethers. Go! Go into the office as much as possible. Network! Get to know those you work with to make connections for your future.
Be careful what you post on any social media platform! Pictures and postings can have repercussions.
Finally, get your CPA license ASAP! DO not wait. Start taking the exam while you are in school. Once you start working, your time to study is limited!
What will help Chartered Accountants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Barbara Farrell CPA: Technology skills will be important in any area of public accounting. Whatever firm you join will ask you to learn their tax, audit or consulting software. Dive in and learn as much as possible. Be open to taking as many courses as possible. Knowledge of data analytics will be increasingly important going forward. The audit process is becoming more streamlined by the use of technology as is the tax preparation process.
What will help Chartered Accountants increase their earning potential?
Kirsten Cook:
Ten years ago, I would've said "soft skills" like verbal and written communication. Five years ago, data analytics was all the rage. I don't believe these skills have become any less important; rather, we must continue to layer on new skills to match the changing professional environment. Today, I encourage students to be technologically agile. For example, if you learned to use Alteryx in a class, but your new employer uses PowerBI, recognize the similarities between these programs and build on your existing knowledge to master the new tool. Also, stay abreast of developments in accounting by not only reading the business press but also by connecting with experts on social media like LinkedIn.
Byron Pike Ph.D., CPA
Master of Accounting (MAcc) Program Director, Allen Lenzmeier Accounting Professor of External Partnerships, Professor of AccountingMinnesota State University - Mankato
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Chartered Accountant?
Byron Pike Ph.D., CPA: The number one way to maximize salary and future job prospects is through ensuring one is on a pathway towards and obtains their CPA license. Beyond this critical designation, networking is the next best way for individuals to set themselves up for success. The accounting profession is much smaller than anyone thinks. Technical expertise and a CPA license are important. Individuals, however, also need a network of peers, mentors, clients, and future employers to ensure they achieve their full potential.
What Chartered Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Byron Pike Ph.D., CPA: Accounting is a technical discipline where one must be a knowledge expert and have the ability to utilize technology to enhance their proficiency. To be successful, one needs more than an expertise in a particular software, program, or technology. The profession has and will continue to utilize cutting edge tools/technology to be more efficient. Thus, one should develop a background and mindset that is willing and able to adapt, change, and learn/utilize new tools as they are developed. With that said, accountants are technical experts, trusted advisors, and those with the greatest knowable about the financial performance of an organization. None of this information is of value unless individuals can communicate this information to decision makers. The ability network, communicate, and articulate one’s knowledge in a way that is understandable to non-accountants is critical for success in this profession.
What will help Chartered Accountants increase their earning potential?
Byron Pike Ph.D., CPA: There is no better time to be joining the accounting profession. However, if this is a career that you are passionate about, you should be on an academic and professional track that leads to Certified Public Accountant (CPA) licensure. There are many certifications available to accountants. The CPA designation is largely considered the top credential for accountants. CPAs have more job prospects, receive higher compensation, and report greater job satisfaction compared to non-CPA accountants. The CPA profession was extremely popular for baby boomers. As these boomers continue to retire at high rates, there is a huge need for CPAs today and into the foreseeable future. If you enter the accounting profession and become a CPA, you will have unlimited opportunities across all functions of the business for the rest of your career. Accounting is the functional language of business, and a background in it will yield dividends throughout your entire career.
What Chartered Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ms. Leah Parker-Roth 15, CPA: Accounting is an excellent field to enter right now because it isn't going anywhere. Even with advancements in artificial intelligence and automation, clients still need accountants to interpret complex tax laws and regulations that are constantly evolving. Accounting is the language of business and is a valuable skill to have. Moreover, accountants examine financial information to provide useful insights to clients, enabling them to make well-informed business decisions.
What general advice would you give to a Chartered Accountant?
Abbie Daly PhD, CPA: Accounting is often referred to as the "language of business" because accountants communicate financial information. So communication is an integral part of an accountant's day. For example, auditors and tax preparers meet with their clients to understand their financial information, and accountants at organizations prepare and communicate financial information to guide strategic decisions. To facilitate these communications, accountants analyze and interpret many data points. For example, in auditing the revenue recognized by a company, an auditor would examine the underlying transactions, contracts, and supporting documentation.
Stacy Bibelhauser Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorWestern Kentucky University
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Chartered Accountant?
Stacy Bibelhauser Ph.D.: While obtaining CPA certification is not necessary for all accounting positions, it does set you up with some of the best opportunities to get high paying starting salaries. It's also important to negotiate or try to negotiate a higher salary than is in the original offer and it never hurts to ask.
Liang Fu Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Accounting, ChairOakland University
Finance And Financial Management Services
What general advice would you give to a Chartered Accountant?
Liang Fu Ph.D.: Job opportunities and career growth trajectory.
What will help Chartered Accountants increase their earning potential?
Liang Fu Ph.D.: Dislike: accounting is not for everyone, degree requirements/licensing requirements can be challenging. And sometimes, long work hours are required.
Thomas Kozloski PhD, CPA, CGMA
Chair - Department of AccountingUniversity of Missouri - St Louis
Accounting And Related Services
What will help Chartered Accountants increase their earning potential?
Thomas Kozloski PhD, CPA, CGMA: This is an excellent time to enter the accounting profession! Not only because technology continues to remove some of the more mechanical tasks that used to be performed by a person, but also because there is an extreme shortage of accounting-educated personnel across the country, especially those seeking to enter the profession. This fact is increasing salaries and benefits as hiring companies compete to hire new professionals.
What Chartered Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ermira Mazziotta MBA, CPA, CFE: Understand and know how to utilize technology. Learn as much as possible.
What general advice would you give to a Chartered Accountant?
Ermira Mazziotta: Understand and know how to utilize technology. Learn as much as possible.
What will help Chartered Accountants increase their earning potential?
Ermira Mazziotta: Accounting students are in a very good position to land well paying jobs because of the demand. Most important advice I would give is to continue to learn and grow and invest in your professional growth by taking classes, working on different clients from different industries and most importantly network. If you have an option to work in the office, do that instead of working remotely. Making those face to face connections will help propel and grow your career.
Eric Allen
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of California, Riverside
Accounting And Related Services
What Chartered Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Eric Allen: Busy seasons can be rough, with certain times of the year where you just have to put your head down and put in long hours, which can be tough for a lot of people. However, if you can handle that, it's a great profession. You constantly have the opportunity to learn new things and interact with all kinds of individuals and companies. The skills you learn are also highly transferable, and every industry you can think of needs an accountant or someone with accounting skills. The skills learned as an accountant can open a lot of doors for those interested in business-related careers.
Jaclyn Barkow
Clinical Assistant Professor of AccountingIndiana University Northwest
Accounting Department
What experience really stands out on Chartered Accountant resumes?
Jaclyn Barkow: From employers I have spoken with in the past, the experience that stands out is having some type of internship. While it does not have to be in the precise area of the employer's industry, my observations have been that employers like to see that they have some type of hands-on experience. In addition, employers also speak highly of being involved on campus, in various clubs, and positive community involvement.
Charles Makar
Instructor of BusinessMisericordia University
Business Department
What soft skills should all Chartered Accountants possess?
Charles Makar: Communications skills (oral and written).
Abby Xin Liu Ph.D.
Assistant ProfessorPacific Lutheran University
School of Business
What skills stand out on Chartered Accountant resumes?
Abby Xin Liu Ph.D.: Writing and communication skills were mentioned frequently by the recruiters. In addition, lots of recruiters mentioned having a good attitude for learning new things.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Chartered Accountants?
Abby Xin Liu Ph.D.: Software skills.
What skills will help Chartered Accountants earn the most?
Abby Xin Liu Ph.D.: Generally, having professional licenses is related to a higher salary level.
Dr. Henri Akono Ph.D.
Associate Professor of AccountingUniversity of Maine Orono
Maine Business School
What skills stand out on Chartered Accountant resumes?
Dr. Henri Akono Ph.D.: -Both hard and soft skills are important for an accountant's success and should be included in accountants' resumes. To the extent possible, candidates should tailor their skills (on the resume) to the type of job they seek.
-Hard accounting skills encompass:
-Financial Accounting and Reporting
-Understanding of accounting rules and regulations (GAAP)
-Recording of journal entries & compilation of financial reports
-Ratio analysis or Financial statement analysis (for master level candidates)
-Some basic Financial modeling
-Controllership
-Budgeting
-Cost management
-Performance metrics
-Some financial reporting
-Business strategy and processes
-Internal controls
-Cost analytics (regressions, visualizations, etc.)
-Tax
-Tax reporting
-Tax compliance (federal vs. individual or both)
-Audit
-Auditing standards (PCAOB/AICPA)
-Audit risk assessment
-Audit procedures planning and substantive
-Analytical procedures
-Internal controls
-Materiality
-Audit Analytics (Alteryx, Tableau, PowerBi, etc.)
-Analytics for accounting/audit/tax
-Usage of software such as Excel to complete accounting-related tasks
-Use of visualization tools such as Tableau to complete accounting-related tasks
-Certifications
-CPA or intent to complete this
-CMA or intent to complete this
-Excel at least basic
What soft skills should all Chartered Accountants possess?
Dr. Henri Akono Ph.D.: -Teamwork
-Ability to work in teams (team-oriented)
-Interact with teammates
-Contribute to the team's work
-Keep the team on track
-Working remotely
-Communication (both written and oral)
-Written communication
-Memos
-Short papers
-Emails
-Oral communication
-PowerPoint presentations
-Use and quality of visual aids
-Making presentation videos using software such as zoom or Kaltura
-Others
-Time management
-Working under pressure
-Ability to complete the work within deadlines
-Self-motivation
-Attention to details
-Goal-oriented
-Understand firm strategy and objectives to the extent possible.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Chartered Accountants?
Dr. Henri Akono Ph.D.: -In today's environment, with greater usage of data big and small by companies, accountants are expected to have a better understanding of accounting analytics and a greater ability to analyze and identify patterns in data. Therefore, accounting analytics is a very important skill for accountants today.
-Just knowing excel is not enough. Being able to use software like excel QuickBooks for accounting/controllership/audit/tax-related decisions is a plus.
-In addition, being able to use visualization software like Tableau or Power BI is also a plus.
-Some type of analytics certification (Excel, general analytics, etc.) is a plus.
-However, this does not substitute for accounting-related knowledge and understanding.
What skills will help Chartered Accountants earn the most?
Dr. Henri Akono Ph.D.: -Most accounting jobs pay really well, and there is demand.
-So, having knowledge and understanding of accounting analytics is definitely very important, but companies still operate and have a need for traditional accountants.
In summary:
Accountants need to demonstrate knowledge of their area of interest, ability to solve problems in their area of interest, ability to use analytics for accounting-related purposes and decisions, ability to communicate both orally and in writing, ability to work and contribute to team success, commitment to meeting deadlines, and ability to perform tasks under pressure or time constraints.