Information Provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook
Career Profile:
Accountants and Auditors See More Careers
Most jobs require at least a bachelors degree in accounting or a related field. Overall job opportunities should be favorable; job seekers who obtain professional recognition through certification or licensure, a masters degree, proficiency in accounting and auditing computer software, or specialized expertise will have the best opportunities. An increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations, and greater scrutiny of company finances will drive faster-than-average growth of accountants and auditors.
Career Salary:
On average, Accountants and Auditors earn $ 57,060 per year.
Number of People in Profession:
1,274,000Job Outlook:
Job Opportunities for Accountants and Auditors are expected to:
Increase faster than average.
Recommended Education Level:
- Master's Degree
- Bachelor's Degree
- Associate Degree
- Professional Certificate
Nature of the Job
Accountants and auditors help to ensure that the Nations firms are run efficiently, its public records kept accurately, and its taxes paid properly and on time. They analyze and communicate financial information for various entities such as companies, individual clients, and government.
Training
Most accountant and auditor positions require at least a bachelors degree in accounting or a related field. Beginning accounting and auditing positions in the Federal Government, for example, usually require 4 years of college (including 24 semester hours in accounting or auditing) or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some employers prefer applicants with a masters degree in accounting, or with a masters degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting.
Employment Opportunities
Accountants and auditors held about 1.3 million jobs in 2006. They worked throughout private industry and government, but 21 percent of wage and salary accountants worked for accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services firms. Approximately 10 percent of accountants or auditors was self-employed.
Additional Resources:
- AACSB InternationalAssociation to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business
- Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation
- American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
- Institute of Management Accountants
- National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
- The Uniform CPA Examination