Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for systems accountants in the United States
Are systems accountant jobs in demand?
Systems accountant job and salary trends over time
Systems accountant jobs over time
Systems accountant job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,078 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,042 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,047 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,030 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,014 | 0.00% |
Average systems accountant salary over time
Systems accountant salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $60,010 | $28.85 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $58,371 | $28.06 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $57,514 | $27.65 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $56,576 | $27.20 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $55,597 | $26.73 | +1.4% |
Systems accountant jobs by state
Most common states for systems accountants
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 193 | 28% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,644 | 24% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 196 | 20% |
| 4 | Vermont | 623,657 | 119 | 19% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 246 | 18% |
| 6 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 194 | 18% |
| 7 | Alaska | 739,795 | 134 | 18% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 103 | 18% |
| 9 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 146 | 17% |
| 10 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 129 | 17% |
| 11 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 1,157 | 16% |
| 12 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 893 | 16% |
| 13 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 571 | 16% |
| 14 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 500 | 16% |
| 15 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 163 | 16% |
| 16 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 1,083 | 15% |
| 17 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 619 | 15% |
| 18 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 292 | 15% |
| 19 | New Mexico | 2,088,070 | 295 | 14% |
| 20 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,710 | 13% |
Most common cities for systems accountants
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $97,308 |
| 2 | Appleton | 1 | 1% | $58,412 |
| 3 | Chesapeake | 1 | 0% | $64,198 |
| 4 | Fremont | 1 | 0% | $64,868 |
Systems Accountant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of systems accountant experts
University of Central Arkansas
Kent State University
Seattle University
University of Memphis
Washington and Lee University
Pace University
Muhlenberg College
Eastern Oregon University
University of California, Riverside
Misericordia University
University of Maine Orono
Florida Atlantic University
Austin Peay State University
Rochester Institute of Technology
DePaul University
Stonehill College
California State University - Chico
Saint Xavier University
What will help Systems Accountants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Stephanie Watson PhD, CPA: Skills that are on the rise are those related to automation, data analytics, and artificial intelligence, some used by accountants, some used by our clients. As accountants, we don't need to be computer programmers to be successful, but we do need the ability to understand how tasks are completed without these technologies and with them, and how our role is different with these technologies in place. Because new applications are constantly being developed, accountants need to be open to and comfortable with learning new software. However, no technology in the next decade is going to be able to replace the skills that have always been important for accountants including communication skills (the ability to convey technical concepts and processes to someone who may not be as familiar with them as you are), critical thinking and professional skepticism (being able to think beyond what is presented to see the bigger picture), and Excel skills or related tools for data organization and analysis.
What Systems 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 Systems Accountants increase their earning potential?
Scott Miller CPA, CIA, CFE, MAcc: Recent Accounting graduates should begin building their professional networks right away. Relationships are critical in all fields, but particularly in business. Joining local chapters of professional organizations is a great way to meet others in the industry and develop networking skills. These organizations also serve the purpose of keeping their members current on issues and trends in the industry, so that members can be more effective within their roles.
What will help Systems 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 Systems 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 Systems Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Rita Green Ed.D.: To be competitive for the best opportunities in the field, accounting graduates should consider pursuing certifications, which include the certified public accountant (CPA) and certified management accountant (CMA), amongst several others. Sometimes, certification can be more valuable than a degree. However, accounting certifications already require specific numbers of accounting education credits in order to sit for certification exams.
Colin Reid
Associate Professor of AccountingWashington and Lee University
Accounting And Related Services
What Systems Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Colin Reid: Communication and critical thinking have always been important in accounting, but I believe the importance of these skills will increase. Professionals in accounting spend more time working in groups and with other people than many realize. Currently AI can assist with technical tasks and other repetitive work. I believe there will always be a role for accountants in terms of building relationships with clients, team members, and others with whom they work. Many problems that professionals face will involve multifaceted decisions that can be informed by data analysis but often will still need to be communicated clearly through a relationship built on trust. I believe that balancing a technical accounting education with the traditional liberal arts (e.g. humanities and social sciences) is critically important to help develop these critical thinking and communication skills.
What Systems Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amir Moeini Chaghervand PhD, CMA: In the next 3-5 years, I believe skills related to data analytics, technology proficiency, and communication will become more important in the accounting field. As technology advances, accountants will need to be proficient in data analysis and interpretation, as well as effective communication to convey complex financial information.
What general advice would you give to a Systems 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 general advice would you give to a Systems 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.
What general advice would you give to a Systems Accountant?
Ermira Mazziotta MBA, CPA, CFE: Understand what is one skill that is needed, example cyber security, understanding and utilizing Ai and invest on learning that skill. Become the person with the answers that helps your team reach their goals.
What Systems 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.
Dr. Mohamed Abualhaija
Associate Professor of AccountingEastern Oregon University
Business/Commerce
What general advice would you give to a Systems Accountant?
Dr. Mohamed Abualhaija: In the corporate world, soft skills are critical, particularly for those starting careers in accounting, business, or similar fields. These skills help people deal with diverse situations at work and communicate with others more effectively. Communication, teamwork, problem-solving, leadership, flexibility, and emotional intelligence are all examples of essential soft skills.
Eric Allen
Assistant ProfessorUniversity of California, Riverside
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Systems Accountant?
Eric Allen: I'm not going to lie, busy seasons can be rough. There will be certain times of the year where you just have to put your head down and put in long hours. That can be tough for a lot of people. But 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. I personally got to work in the entertainment and sports industries before going into academia which was a lot of fun and a direct result of my accounting background. Basically, if you want to eventually do anything business related, the skills you learn as an accountant can open a lot of doors.
Charles Makar
Instructor of BusinessMisericordia University
Business Department
What soft skills should all Systems Accountants possess?
Charles Makar: Communications skills (oral and written).
Dr. Henri Akono Ph.D.
Associate Professor of AccountingUniversity of Maine Orono
Maine Business School
What hard/technical skills are most important for Systems 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 stand out on Systems Accountant resumes?
Dr. George Young: Skills pertaining to software, especially software used to analyze data for reasonableness, classification non-conformity, other errors, and fraud, will always be eye-catching to employers. Students should also not overlook participation in activities that represent a contribution to the greater good. Activities like Habitat for Humanity and the local Helping Hands organizations not only convey the willingness to benefit others but also conveys the skill of getting along with others while working on a common goal.
Dr. Jennifer Thayer
Assistant Professor of Accounting, Socrates Award for Excellence in Teaching Recipient, Clarksville Chamber of Commerce APSU Distinguished Faculty Award for Community Service Recipient, Accounting Society at Austin Peay AdvisorAustin Peay State University
College of Business
What skills stand out on Systems Accountant resumes?
Dr. Jennifer Thayer: Several skills help applicants stand out when submitting their resumes, which goes beyond just the normal "accounting knowledge." Individuals should include any type of practical application via internships, volunteer work, or work experience. When including these experiences, be sure to highlight the type of work that was completed, such as preparing tax returns, analyzing transactions for audits, preparing financial reports, etc. In addition, including skills such as proficiency or certifications in specific software is also helpful. For example, Microsoft Excel or QuickBooks knowledge/certifications. Also, including any experience with data analytics and using programs such as Power BI or Tableau would be very beneficial.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Systems Accountant job market given the pandemic?
Qian Song Ph.D.: The pandemic has accelerated the immersion of technology in our work and life. People work remotely, study remotely, shop online from grocery to furniture, tour the museums and consult a doctor virtually. Increased closures of brick and mortar stores and online business play a role in the surge of technology stocks. Thus, the pandemic has changed the way companies use technology to conduct business. Ultimately, accounting and other professionals are expected to be proficient in the use of technology in their work. The Big Four and other public accounting firms are increasing their investments in technology such as data analytics and robotic process automation. Entry-level accounting or structured, repetitive, and rule-based tasks are increasingly being automated. Such automation in business processes also occurs in other industries. It is only a matter of time before we see robots and machines (and they do not get COVID) taking over a large number of accounting and other jobs that can be automated. Advances in data analytics will speed up this process and change the nature of the accounting function. For example, instead of a traditional audit sampling, data analytics tools can be used to examine the entire dataset. The accounting firms are expected to hire more data science professionals rather than traditional accountants.
Accounting graduates will face challenges and also opportunities in today's advanced technological environment. Other than the basic accounting knowledge, accounting students can acquire data analytics and technological skills. Although accounting jobs are predicted to increase in the future, the increase is likely to be for the newly transformed accounting jobs that utilize technology
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Systems Accountants?
Qian Song Ph.D.: Certifications in data analytics and other technological skills are expected to have the biggest impact on future job prospects. Universities such as MIT, Cornell, Columbia and organizations such as IBM, Dell and Microsoft are offering certifications in data analytics and other technology. An increasing number of institutions are adding business analytics degrees or data analytics and other technology courses in their curricula.
How do you envision technology impacting Systems Accountants in the next 5 years?
Delvin Grant: It is always difficult to predict the future impact of tech. However, one area that will increase is the ability to analyze and interpret data. Then use the info to impact strategic and operational decision making. COVID-19 will change how people work. It will not be business as usual, and this requires the ability to work remotely. Therefore, those who master the use of remote technology, and find ways to use it innovatively, will outperform others. This is true for companies and individuals.
Alex Yen Ph.D.
Associate Professor of AccountingStonehill College
Department of Business Administration
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Systems Accountant job market given the pandemic?
Alex Yen Ph.D.: The interesting thing is that the pandemic has not had as much of an impact on the public accounting profession as you might think. Many of our 2020 accounting graduates had full-time positions lined up after doing internships in Summer 2019, and the CPA firms continued to honor those offers in 2020 despite the downturn in the economy. And recruiting for our 2021 graduates was similar to prior years, other than the interviews being conducted virtually. The CPA firms that normally recruit our graduates were back again this year, and I believe that the percentage of our soon-to-be 2021 graduates who have secured full-time employment for after graduation is similar to the percentages at this point of the school year in 2020 and 2019 (pre-pandemic). That's because overall, the work that CPA firms do hasn't been changed much by the pandemic; in Massachusetts and other states, accounting is considered an "essential" business, companies still need their financial statements audited by CPAs, companies still need help with their taxes and tax returns, and the pandemic has even created more work for CPAs, as CPAs are providing support to their clients who are applying for things like the Paycheck Protection Program.
That being said, there are some trends happening in the profession that were already going on pre-pandemic and will continue during and after the pandemic. First, due to a combination of automation and "offshoring" (where CPA firms in the US utilize their affiliates in places like India and Argentina to perform portions of audit and tax work), there is less "grunt work" to be done by entry-level employees today compared to 10 and 20 years ago. This has 2 implications: (1) there is talk of an eventual shift from a pyramid structure in CPA firms, with lots of entry-level employees (the fattest part of the pyramid), to a diamond structure, where there is less entry-level hiring, but more mid-career hiring (mid-career is the fattest part of the diamond) and (2) a greater expectation for entry-level employees to be able to do more advanced analytical tasks right away when they start their careers. Although we have heard about the diamond structure coming, we have not seen it happen yet based on our discussions with CPA firm recruiters and the fact that recruiting this year did not seem that different than prior years.
A second trend is an interest on the part of CPA firm recruiters to pursue graduates with non-accounting degrees for potential positions in public accounting firms. "Big Data" is becoming a bigger component of the audit and tax work that CPA firms do, so CPA firms are looking for students who have good quantitative, programming, and analytical skills. So they are looking at graduates who have developed these skills in other fields (finance, economics, information systems, computer science, and even chemistry), with the idea that the firms can teach the accounting side to someone who is otherwise comfortable with "big data." So even though this "trend" is about graduates in other fields, accounting graduates should realize that they are no longer competing against only other accounting students for these positions, and that they need to strengthen the big data and quantitative side of their skills portfolio.
What Systems Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Gary P Braun: Technology, technology, technology - there are different forms of this, but the intersection of data analysis and technology seems like the place that has the most bang for the buck. Perhaps I am overstating it here, but in my 35-plus years in the accounting world, there has been a continuous march toward the use of computer technology tools. My advice would be to either do a graduate program that has a focus on technology or to pick up certifications in specific tools. Another option would be to find free resources on these topics (MOOCs, for example). Also, for students wanting to be certified, I would say another great use of time is to get the hours needed to sit for the exam and to take the exam ASAP.
Indranil Ghosh Ph.D.
Chair, Division of Accounting and Finance, Associate Professor of EconomicsSaint Xavier University
Department of Accounting and Finance
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Systems Accountants in the next 3-5 years?
Indranil Ghosh Ph.D.: Knowledge of video conferencing, the ability to provide services efficiently offsite, as well as specific Financial Service industry hardware and software experience, will be the key to thriving in this industry shortly.