Accountant Job Description – Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming an Accountant

Because careful monitoring of finances is an essential part of running a cost-effective business, companies and institutions of all types and sizes require accounting services.

Accountants are responsible for tracking the expenses, earnings, investments and other financial dealings for their clients or employer. They might prepare tax documents, prepare and review financial statements or audit the financial records of an outside corporation. Some accountants internally audit their own employer’s records.

 

Accountants generally work in an office setting and spend a significant amount of time at the computer using financial software to create balance sheets and other financial documents.

 

Accountants in different fields have somewhat different job responsibilities. Accountants working for private corporations (called general accountants) perform the in-house accounting duties for that corporation. Many larger corporations employ several general accountants who vary in how much experience they bring to the job. Employees with entry-level accountant jobs have less responsibility than senior members, but they also have the opportunity to learn from more experienced colleagues.

 

Accountants employed by an accounting firm (called public accountants) perform accounting duties for the corporate or individual clients of that firm. Compared to general corporate accountants, public accountants may spend a significant amount of time traveling to meet with their clients. They often have an increased workload during the tax season, and many firms employ people in temporary accountant jobs through this busy time of year.

 

Government institutions hire accountants to manage their finances and audit businesses that are subject to government regulations. A relatively small proportion of accountants are self-employed, working for clients of their own.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for an accountant in 2007 was $63,180, while the top 10 percent earned over $98,000 annually. Entry level accountant jobs in the federal government paid $28,862 in 2007. Corporate accountants with up to one year of experience earned $31,500 to $48,250.

To get an entry level accountant job, most employers require that applicants have a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance or a similar major, especially if the candidate has no previous work experience in the accounting field. A master’s degree in accounting, finance or business is helpful.

 

If you are wondering how to become an accountant, certification as a state-licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA) can greatly enhance job prospects. Becoming certified can be particularly helpful for accountants looking for temporary accountant jobs during the tax season or with an accounting firm.

 

To become a CPA, accountants must pass the CPA exam in their state. All states require that candidates have a bachelor’s degree before taking the CPA exam and many are now requiring additional graduate class work.

Even for entry level accounting jobs, experience working at an accounting firm or in the accounting department at a business is considered valuable to employers. Many universities have developed partnerships with local firms and businesses to create internships for accounting students so they can gain this experience. Additionally, many employers view any prior work experience with computer programs favorably.

At an accounting firm, entry-level accountants can typically advance to senior positions within a few years. Some eventually move into management positions. General accountants at a corporation can be promoted to budget director, accounting manger, controller or chief financial officer. In many businesses, some of the senior executives started their careers as accountants.

Several groups and associations are available to professionals in the accounting field, including the following: