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Job outlook for tax accountants in the United States
Tax accountant job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected tax accountant job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 81,800 new jobs for tax accountants are projected over the next decade.
Tax accountant salaries have increased 8% for tax accountants in the last 5 years.
There are over 510,739 tax accountants currently employed in the United States.
There are 57,919 active tax accountant job openings in the US.
The average tax accountant salary is $62,142.
Are tax accountant jobs in demand?
Tax Accountant job and salary trends over time
Tax Accountant jobs over time
Tax Accountant job growth rate over time
| Year | # Of Jobs | % Of Population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 510,739 | 0.15% |
| 2020 | 492,046 | 0.15% |
| 2019 | 494,953 | 0.15% |
| 2018 | 487,618 | 0.15% |
| 2017 | 481,161 | 0.15% |
Average tax accountant salary over time
Tax Accountant salary by year
| Year | Avg. Salary | Hourly Rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $62,142 | $29.88 | +2.8% |
| 2024 | $60,444 | $29.06 | +1.5% |
| 2023 | $59,557 | $28.63 | +1.7% |
| 2022 | $58,585 | $28.17 | +1.8% |
| 2021 | $57,571 | $27.68 | +1.4% |
Tax Accountant jobs by state
Most common states for tax accountants
| Rank | State | Population | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 247 | 36% |
| 2 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 812 | 12% |
| 3 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 417 | 12% |
| 4 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 618 | 11% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 607 | 11% |
| 6 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 355 | 11% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 116 | 11% |
| 8 | Delaware | 961,939 | 109 | 11% |
| 9 | Illinois | 12,802,023 | 1,332 | 10% |
| 10 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 118 | 9% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 99 | 9% |
| 12 | California | 39,536,653 | 3,173 | 8% |
| 13 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 812 | 8% |
| 14 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 675 | 8% |
| 15 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 529 | 8% |
| 16 | Pennsylvania | 12,805,537 | 867 | 7% |
| 17 | Wisconsin | 5,795,483 | 433 | 7% |
| 18 | Alaska | 739,795 | 54 | 7% |
| 19 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 40 | 7% |
| 20 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 526 | 6% |
Most common cities for tax accountants
| Rank | City | # of Jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lenexa | 4 | 8% | $55,198 |
| 2 | Southfield | 3 | 4% | $59,498 |
| 3 | Springfield | 3 | 3% | $60,708 |
| 4 | Des Moines | 5 | 2% | $54,164 |
| 5 | Little Rock | 3 | 2% | $53,675 |
| 6 | Atlanta | 6 | 1% | $60,760 |
| 7 | Boston | 5 | 1% | $72,267 |
| 8 | Denver | 5 | 1% | $58,992 |
| 9 | Indianapolis | 5 | 1% | $55,462 |
| 10 | Aurora | 3 | 1% | $59,005 |
| 11 | Irvine | 3 | 1% | $61,652 |
| 12 | New Orleans | 3 | 1% | $55,008 |
| 13 | Chicago | 10 | 0% | $62,477 |
| 14 | New York | 6 | 0% | $78,454 |
| 15 | Phoenix | 4 | 0% | $53,726 |
| 16 | Austin | 3 | 0% | $60,173 |
| 17 | Houston | 3 | 0% | $60,252 |
| 18 | Washington | 3 | 0% | $96,455 |
Tax Accountant job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of tax accountant experts
Hunter College of the City University of New York
University of Central Arkansas
Kent State University
Seattle University
University of Memphis
Washington and Lee University
SUNY College at Old Westbury
Angelo State University
Loyola University Chicago
Virginia Commonwealth University
Gonzaga University
Pace University
Bucknell University
University of New Orleans
What general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Patty Goedl PhD: Technology, especially artificial intelligence, is quickly changing the social and economic landscapes. For this reason, I believe that the most essential skills in the next decade will be the ability to critically analyze situations and effectively implement what needs to be done next. While artificial intelligence can generate solutions faster than humans at this point, it requires someone to analyze the situation, ask the right questions, evaluate the options, and then apply the solution.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Patty Goedl PhD: The best advice I could give a graduate beginning their career in accounting or another business field is to focus on obtaining practice work experience. If two graduates have the same degree, the next factor is typically practical work experience. Many programs, like the Bachelor of Business Administration Accounting degree program at the University of Cincinnati, offer or require a cooperative education (co-op education) experience. In fact, the University of Cincinnati invented co-op education over 100 years ago. Students who graduate with a degree and work experience are generally more marketable. For students who did not have the opportunity to complete a co-op or internship while in school, there are other options to get work experience. For example, I am the academic program coordinator for an Associate in Applied Business Accounting Technology degree at the University of Cincinnati. It is a fully online degree program geared toward non-traditional students. We do not offer a co-op education experience in the two-year accounting degree program. However, I work with accounting recruiting firms and local businesses to help my students get entry-level positions and gain practical working experience. Graduates often overlook recruiting organizations when they are looking for a job. In many cases, recruiters have access to jobs that are not posted anywhere else. Additionally, recruiters are usually willing to place students with degrees who need work experience.
What will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Patty Goedl PhD: There are several things you can do to maximize your salary potential when you are starting your career. The first would be participating in a meaningful co-op education or internship experience in school. If these opportunities are not available, talk to a recruiter in your field about part-time opportunities while in school or other opportunities when you graduate. Additionally, try to distinguish yourself from your classmates. Some examples of things you can do are maintain a high GPA, participate in student groups, volunteer in your community, or pursue online badges or certifications in your field. For example, the University of Cincinnati's two-year accounting degree program has two industry-recognized certification exams embedded into the academic curriculum—Certified QuickBooks User and Certified Bookkeeping Professional. Our students have the opportunity to graduate with an associate degree and two industry-recognized professional certifications. Professional certifications or other badges are an excellent way for students to maximize their salary potential when starting their careers. Many options for courses, certifications, and badge programs are available online since they are not included in most academic degree programs.
What general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Kaylee Zupancic: Accounting graduates need to have grit and optimism. In my experience, the accounting industry is an interesting mix of "try to figure it out on your own" and "this is exactly how it's done" and sometimes that type of environment can create an overwhelming feeling for new professionals. Staying optimistic and gritty will set graduates apart from the competition and are key to striving in this new environment.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Kaylee Zupancic: To maximize students' starting salary, I suggest gaining internship experience during their junior and/or senior year. I also suggest starting the process of obtaining specific certifications (i.e. CPA, CMA, CFE) that will be useful in their field of interest as soon as they can.
What will help Tax 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 general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Dr. Dina El Mahdy Ph.D., CFE: I would advise a graduate starting their career in the field to balance work and life, continue learning every day, and appreciate feedback and comments because they contribute to improvement. Additionally, make sure to set long-term goals and work towards achieving them, such as staying in the public accounting career until you reach the partner level.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Dina El Mahdy Ph.D., CFE: Negotiation is a very important tactic to maximize one's salary potential, but to successfully do so, you must possess valued talents and qualifications. Earning certifications such as CPA, CMA, CIA, and CFE can enhance your qualifications. In the accounting field, specialized knowledge of accounting, as well as the aforementioned soft skills, are also very important qualities that enable an employee to stand on solid ground while negotiating a salary. Always be on the lookout for opportunities for growth and learning, as these can also open doors for promotions and salary increases.
What will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Dina El Mahdy Ph.D., CFE: Surprisingly, the important and most prevalent skills in the field over the next 3-5 years are soft skills such as an analytical mindset, communication (both orally and in writing), skepticism, independence, ethics, and integrity. Furthermore, familiarity with data analytics tools and software not only improves your work productivity but also helps you build expertise in the field. All these qualities can make a great accountant who can significantly impact the capital market by helping to protect investors and enhancing the usefulness of accounting information for various stakeholders.
Toshi Mitsudome PhD, CFA, CFP, CMA
Director of Accounting ProgramsHunter College of the City University of New York
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Toshi Mitsudome PhD, CFA, CFP, CMA: Try to pass the CPA exam as soon as possible. Studying for the exam while working full-time is not easy. Start studying early is the best strategy. If you can pass even 1-2 sections while in school, it will greatly increase your chances of passing all the sections within a reasonable time frame. Also, if you can pass even 1 section while in school, it will help you stand out among the candidates during your job hunting. I also believe getting a master's degree will help them increase the promotional opportunities and life-time earnings. A master's degree will help not only deepen their technical accounting knowledge, but also increase their critical thinking and research skill. As of now, master's degree is not required to obtain the CPA license (all 150 required credits can be earned as an undergraduate student). But I always advise my students: 'If you have to take extra 30 credits to fulfill the education requirements, why not earn a master's degree?'. One final advice is to grow your professional network through personal connections or social media, and by attending professional conferences and seminars. I highly recommend this because this is how most people will find their next jobs, which would help you achieve your professional goals and higher pay!
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Toshi Mitsudome PhD, CFA, CFP, CMA: Beside the technical skills, as in (1), students should work on their communication skills, both verbally and in writing. I see this is one of the areas where our students can substantially improve. Additionally, students should be comfortable with technologies and data analytics, i.e., statistics, advanced Excel skills, various software for data analytics and visualizations (Tableau, Power BI, Python, R, etc.). Accounting students don't have to be coding professionals; they just have to understand the basic functions and syntax of these software, so that they can communicate the results of data analysis with their team members and clients. Also, they can facilitate communications between the IT, programmers and accounting professionals. This technical skill is expected to be increasingly more important in the next 10 years.
What will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Toshi Mitsudome PhD, CFA, CFP, CMA: Two pieces of advice I can give them. First, I advise them to study hard and keep a good GPA. If you want to obtain a full-time position at a top public accounting firm, you should have the overall GPA of 3.4-3.5 or higher. This shows you have the capacity to pass the CPA exam and master the knowledge required for the jobs. Besides, you are competing against the top talents in the field, you should have a very good GPA to help you stand out. Second, I would advise them to brush up their soft skills, e.g., communication, teamwork, leadership, and stress management skills, while still in school. In today's public accounting field, accountants need to work in various teams and frequently communicate with clients with various backgrounds. It is essential for accountants to have highly effective communication skill. You should also have the right mentality and attitude, i.e., to be proactive, not afraid to ask questions, and have the 'yes' mentality. Always be prepared for meetings and ask questions. If your boss asks you to do a new task, just say 'yes', even if you have never done it before. The accounting firms always appreciate this type of attitude toward work in their newly hired. Finally, accounting work can be stressful sometimes because you have to meet the deadlines. You need to know how to organize your work to meet the deadlines, and also develop ways to manage your stress.
What general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Dr. Stephanie Watson PhD, CPA: Distinguish yourself! There are a lot of ways to do this. First is with a professional certification. Earning a certification like a CPA, CMA, etc. is something that you do for yourself; it belongs to you and demonstrates your expertise. Certifications can help with promotions where you are or mobility if you choose to make a move. Another way to distinguish yourself is to make yourself useful and irreplaceable. Don't wait to be asked; volunteer to help. Make it your mission to produce quality work, not minimum acceptable product. Be the employee that your supervisors and clients can depend on and don't want to live without; the promotions and raises will follow.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Stephanie Watson PhD, CPA: Stay in a learning mindset and be open to feedback. Your first two years will be a mixture of learning processes, software, and practical applications of what you learned in college. You will make mistakes, and that is okay. Accounting, as a profession, has a long history of supervisor review and feedback. Accept the feedback as a learning opportunity so that you aren't making the same mistakes over and over.
What will help Tax 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 general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Scott Miller CPA, CIA, CFE, MAcc: During school, Accounting students should aim to complete internships. Many Accounting firms now seek out underclassmen who have the potential to complete multiple internships with them prior to graduation. Students who complete multiple internships and build up their service time with a firm can reach their first promotion quicker than others. Accounting professionals should also strive to pass the CPA exam as early in their careers as possible. This is incentivized by Accounting firms providing bonuses to candidates who pass all 4 parts of the CPA exam within their first 1-2 years on the job. Additionally, masters programs in Accounting can serve the purpose of better preparing candidates to pass the CPA exam, as well as providing candidates with an additional qualification that could help boost salary potential. Other more specialized credentials like the CIA, CFE, and CISA can be differentiators for professionals looking to get ahead in their field.
What Tax 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 Tax 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 general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Gabriel Saucedo PhD, CPA: Maximizing salary potential really does depend on what a young professional wants to do with their career. As such, a new accountant should not forego or overlook the importance of networking and finding a mentor or mentors to help them navigate these waters (sidenote: no young professional should be afraid of networking because most anyone likes to talk about themselves and/or their respective job). First, earning and maintaining a recognized certification in the field (e.g., CPA), while grueling, still carries long-term income potential. However, there are numerous other certifications rising in importance with long-term value (e.g., CFE, CMA, CIA, etc.). Second, some will argue that finding a niche job early on and specializing will maximize earning potential. Third, and conversely, riding the public accounting wave until reaching management-level responsibilities will also have a notable impact on future salaries. The ongoing training and education firms invest in their employees, along with the diverse client base, is something that is hard to price in the short-term but future employers will gladly pay a premium for in the long-term. Fourth, lean into your strengths. For some people this may be in technology. But for others, a recruit that can carefully articulate difficult information to constituents and stakeholders is no doubt executive material.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Gabriel Saucedo PhD, CPA: Go out there ready to work hard, learn a lot, and undoubtedly make a lot of (unintentional) mistakes. We all know about the “busy season” expectations and that firms may jokingly compensate overtime hours with a slice of pepperoni pizza. But there are very few professions in which a young professional will have such a vast, global exposure to different business processes, technologies, and people. Furthermore, the training and educational opportunities most firms and companies offer their employees cannot have a price tag attached to them (jokes aside, they are incredibly valuable and non-taxable). On a personal note, I also remind my seniors that when work gets tough (e.g., busy season) it still super important to take a slice of time each day, even if just 5 minutes, to do something for themselves. Maybe a quick medication, a gym workout, getting their favorite coffee, or a dinner night with a close friend or loved one. Personal care and keeping grounded will keep life in context and balance.
What will help Tax 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 Tax 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 Tax 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.
What will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Rita Green Ed.D.: I would advise graduates to seriously consider their desired area of specialty in the accounting profession. Hopefully, graduates have had internships with companies, as students, and are in a better position to identify their interests. Like the medical field, there are specialty areas of accounting: financial, managerial, tax, nonprofit, forensic, governmental, and auditing. And this is not an exhaustive list. Opportunities abound in the accounting field because every business, including nonprofits that receive money, will need to have at least one or many accountants, depending on a company’s size.
Colin Reid
Associate Professor of AccountingWashington and Lee University
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Colin Reid: I think salary can be maximized by continuing to learn and develop expertise on the job. I would encourage graduates to think broadly about all of the possibilities within the field of accounting. Exploring various areas will help professionals find the areas of the field that they enjoy the most. Pursuing work that you find challenging and enjoy often leads to better performance, more opportunities, and eventually compensation will follow.
What Tax 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 will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Colin Reid: I would encourage graduates to continue to see the early portion of their career as a continued learning experience. Graduates often think that once we have graduated that the learning is over and the work begins. In fields like accounting, you really need to continue to learn and develop expertise over time. This learning should not only include building technical expertise but also include reflection on what part of the work that you enjoy. We can use this to guide our careers moving forward. The other piece of advice I would offer is consistency. Be consistent. A career is much longer than college or any other challenge you have faced. In order to be consistent though, we have to set a pace for ourselves that is reasonable.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Patrick O'Brien: There are a variety of fields in the accounting profession. Most accounting majors in college usually end up in public accounting working in either audit or tax. An audit professional will usually work for a public accounting firm, such as PwC or Deloitte, and will be assigned to various clients to perform audits of their client’s financial information. This could include tasks like reviewing the financial statements of the client he or she is working for, meeting with the client to discuss information and documentation needs, validating various transactions the company has recorded to ensure they are in compliance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), etc. A tax professional working at a public accounting firm will usually be working with his or her client to prepare income tax returns for the corporation, partnership, etc., as well as determining tax withholdings and liabilities. Some large public accounting firms will even work with high net worth individuals to assist them with their taxes given the complexity. Medium-sized and smaller accounting firms would work with individuals to have their taxes done and filed annually. There are other fields of accounting, such as forensic accounting, which becomes necessary when there is potential financial fraud occurring within a business. Additionally, there are always needs for accountants within the government on the local, state, and federal levels. These accountants would be responsible for providing financial information to the taxpayers and the general public. There are also accountants that work within companies and other organizations that are responsible for gathering, recording, analyzing, and summarizing financial data both inside and outside of the organization.
What general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Amir Moeini Chaghervand PhD, CMA: I would advise a graduate beginning their career in the field to focus on continuous learning and skill development. The accounting field is constantly evolving, so staying up-to-date with industry trends and regulations is crucial for success.
What Tax 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 will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Amir Moeini Chaghervand PhD, CMA: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in accounting, I recommend gaining relevant certifications such as CPA or CMA, pursuing advanced degrees, and seeking opportunities for professional growth and development. Additionally, networking and building strong relationships within the industry can also help in negotiating better salary offers.
What general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Landri Ognowski MAcc, CPA: The accounting profession is currently experiencing a shortage. Per the TXCPA, the pipeline of licensed CPAs has been decreasing for the last decade nationally. This shortage creates opportunities for accountants and provides job security as the demand for accounting professionals exceeds the supply. I also attached a presentation prepared by the TXCPA for use in promoting the CPA license specifically. You can see on slide 10, that the salary ranges per the Robert Half, 2024 Accounting & Finance Salary guide are quite competitive, offering additional incentive to enter the accounting profession.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Landri Ognowski MAcc, CPA: I believe people like the stability that an accounting degree provides in terms of job security and salary. There are also a vide variety of things that one can do with an accounting degree, from public accounting to forensic accounting. The opportunities that come from an accounting degree provide additional incentive for choosing it as a profession. One of the hardest things about being an accountant in public accounting specifically, is the hours that are required during peak season (January – April); however, public accounting firms have worked to smooth out demand during this peak season by performing more “interim” prep work in the fall to help reduce the hours in the winter and spring.
What will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Landri Ognowski MAcc, CPA: The role of an accountant varies greatly based upon the industry in which the accountant works. Every company needs accountants; therefore, the possibilities are endless. Even for an accountant entering public accounting, there’s a wide range of opportunities to serve clients through either tax or assurance and advisory services. A new accountant can expect to work on a variety of clients in different industries at the start of their career in public accounting. As a staff auditor many years ago, I did everything from evaluating client internal controls to sampling transactions and testing account balances. I had the opportunity to work on clients in the healthcare, oil and gas, not-for-profit and manufacturing industries. Auditors work in teams, so I was constantly surrounded by and learning from individuals who were further along in their careers than me. The experience and knowledge I gained from them were invaluable.
Dr. KC Rakow Ph.D., CPA
Associate Professor of AccountingLoyola University Chicago
Business/Managerial Economics
What general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Dr. KC Rakow Ph.D., CPA: My advice to a graduate beginning their career in the field of Accounting would be to focus on building a strong foundation of technical knowledge, continuously develop their skills through professional certifications and training, network with professionals in the industry, and always stay updated with the latest trends and regulations.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. KC Rakow Ph.D., CPA: To maximize salary potential when starting a career in Accounting, individuals should focus on obtaining relevant certifications, gaining practical experience through internships or entry-level positions, negotiating their salary based on market research, and continuously improving their skills and knowledge.
What will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Dr. KC Rakow Ph.D., CPA: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as data analysis, technology proficiency, critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication will become more important and prevalent in the field of Accounting.
Prof James Holland
Professor of AccountingVirginia Commonwealth University
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Prof James Holland: First, complete the CPA Exam and become licensed. Seek various job experiences/opportunities.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Prof James Holland: Communication, Excel, and problem solving skills.
What will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Prof James Holland: Listen and learn all you can, focus on improving with a goal toward excellence. Always be willing to help others.
What general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
James Lawson: Learn as much as possible. At many large accounting firms, the salary is relatively fixed for the first few years. However, if you spend those years truly learning then you will be able to leverage that knowledge into a higher salary, either within your current firm or elsewhere.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
James Lawson: I would encourage students to approach the new job with an attitude of engagement. Engaging with your teammates, clients, and job responsibilities will help you stand out from the beginning.
What will help Tax 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 Tax Accountant?
Andrew Brajcich: Tax technical skills will always be important. But now those are just table stakes. To be a value-adding advisor to your client or team, you need technological skills including some coding and database management skills. And it has to be more than Excel. I don’t care if it’s exposure to Python or SQL or Tableau or Alteryx or something else. You need to understand how technologies work because they will change but the fundamental concepts behind the tools remain.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Andrew Brajcich: Ask yourself, “What can I do to make the job of the person above me easier.” That should be your guiding light. If you approach every workday with that, you’ll soon find yourself on better clients, working with better teams, and moving up in the organization.
What will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Andrew Brajcich: 1) Be open to anything. You might be surprised at what you discover. 2) Be nimble. Most career paths are a zig zag. Few are direct. 3) Learn how to leverage AI without being over reliant. In tax, it has a long ways to go so hop on for the ride but double check every aspect of the work product. You can learn with it. And of course get permission before using any tools.
What general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Cynthia Bolt-Lee: At the beginning of your accounting career, you’ll find there is a lot to learn and therefore an open-minded approach involving active listening, asking solid questions, doing research at night, and approaching each day with professionalism will go far. Accounting is a wide-open career path, and while one day may be spent with a client on-site, the next day might require data analysis or research skills to apply appropriate accounting standards. Being a learner with a growth mindset will be crucial; adhering to ethical standards and ensuring integrity is at the forefront of each engagement will also go far. Communication, time management, attention to detail…all the things an individual learns during college will be invaluable at the beginning and throughout your career.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Cynthia Bolt-Lee: With data analysis, generative AI, machine learning, and other technologies, along with the retirement of many professionals expected in the next ten years, new graduates have so much opportunity! The foundation is an understanding and appreciation of cybersecurity and strong technology proficiency. Ethical decision-making combined with strategic thinking and an adaptable willingness to change will propel your career forward. All of this needs to be centered around effective communication skills as the accounting professional works with the entire team in a business.
What will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Cynthia Bolt-Lee: Licensure has to be at the top of the list, as credentialing validates one's competency. Don’t wait! Your mind is strong right after graduation, and your ability to learn should be leveraged. Whether it’s the Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or other certifications, your marketability will be enhanced. Continuing education will be required with licensure, but it also demonstrates your commitment to professional growth when strategically chosen to enhance a specialty. Ten years ago, the advances in AI were not even considered and no doubt the future will expand exponentially as AI is adapted in the workplace. Finally, networking provides professionals with career advancement opportunities. Never discount the value of a strong, trustworthy mentor.
What general advice would you give to a Tax 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 Tax 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 Tax 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 general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Dr. Amber Lawson CPA: One of the most frustrating things as an accountant is the misconception of what our jobs entail. Simple data entry and bookkeeping is a thing of the past that are almost completely automated now and accounting is so much more than sitting at a desk reconciling ledgers all day. It may be our little secret that the job opportunities of an accountant are endless, but it can be unfortunate when we're written off as 'bean counters' rather than viewed as 'trusted business advisors'. As far as the thing that most accountants like the most, I would imagine it's the variety and the knowledge that we can do just about anything with our degree and experience. Knowing that you could start out as a staff auditor and end up as the CFO of a top corporation with a detour into consulting or private equity along the way is a huge incentive and incredible dream we get to hold.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Amber Lawson CPA: It really depends on what area of 'accounting' someone goes into when they enter the field. That's the beauty of having an accounting degree and, especially, a CPA license - Your possibilities are endless! If you'd like a more predictable schedule, you could enter the field as a staff accountant at a corporation, learning their internal financial processes and doing tasks like assisting with budgeting and reconciliations or perhaps tax compliance. If you'd enjoy a job with more variety, you could enter the field through public accounting specializing in auditing, tax, or consulting. An accountant in that role would be more client-facing and would have a different day-to-day set of responsibilities that are part of a large team effort to serve client needs.
What will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Dr. Amber Lawson CPA: Accounting isn't a fair-weather profession. There will always be the need for individuals with financial accounting or tax accounting knowledge, making it a great profession to enter now or always! Specifically, now, with the continued advancement in technology across all industries, accounting is a good career to pursue if you'd like to be a part of the exciting and changing environment. Although an accountant's role will never be obsolete, it will certainly continue to change and those who get in on that action now will be instrumental in what the profession will look like five years from now.
Amanuel Tadesse Ph.D., CISA
Associate ProfessorUniversity of New Orleans
Accounting And Related Services
What general advice would you give to a Tax Accountant?
Amanuel Tadesse Ph.D., CISA: Passing certification exams or earning professional certificates such as CPA, CIA, CISA, etc. can give you something that HR can input in salary determination models and justify higher starting salary offers. Given the relevance of technology in accounting, one simple certification that every graduate should consider is in Excel, for the type of spreadsheet the hiring organization uses (for example, if the hiring organization uses Google sheets, the certification in that tool will be best). Other certificates in the enterprise resource planning or accounting system, analytic tools, and other areas that employers list in their job advertisements can be potential areas to increase the chances of getting hired as well as getting higher offers. Having internships and relevant work experience will also bump initial offers. Once hired, creating a brand, networking, communicating well, building relationships, and participating in professional associations can all help new hires develop professionally and will be essential for career success.
What Tax Accountant skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Amanuel Tadesse Ph.D., CISA: I think Excel spreadsheet skills will remain to be important due to the simplicity, ubiquity, and heavy usage of the tool among senior accounting professionals and the continuous integration of new capabilities to manage, analyze, and visualize data with Excel. I imagine that Data analytic tools such as Alteryx, Tableau, and Power BI will also be essential skills. Critical thinking, analytical thinking, communication skills, and continuous learning/ self-learning skills can help graduates keep up with changes in technology. Finally, learning how to work with artificial intelligence (AI) will be invaluable as most professions will be impacted by AI. The ability of the human to detect when the AI has made mistakes will depend on their domain knowledge, their ability to detect data input quality issues, and analytic mindset to determine the reasonableness of the output provided by the AI.
What will help Tax Accountants increase their earning potential?
Amanuel Tadesse Ph.D., CISA: I advise new grads to be humble, take notes, read up and prepare to show their employer that they take direction well. I also advise new graduates to sit for the CPA or another relevant professional certification exams as soon as possible once they become eligible to take the exam, even if they don't have the requisite number of credits to become certified. This will help graduates to review and catch up on the core accounting knowledge / concepts.