Accountant/Auditor

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Work Tasks

ACCOUNTANTS/AUDITORS help to make sure that the nation's firms are run more efficiently, its public records kept more accurately, and its taxes paid properly and on time. They perform these functions by offering a wide array of business and accounting services to their clients. Beyond the basic tasks of preparing, analyzing, and verifying financial documents in order to provide information to clients, accountants and auditors are broadening these services to include budget analysis, financial and investment planning, information technology consulting, and limited legal services.

Salary, Size & Growth

• $54,000 average per year ($26.00 per hour)
• A very large occupation (1,141,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.1% per year)

Entry Requirements

Most public accounting and business firms require applicants for ACCOUNTANT/AUDITOR positions to have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers prefer those with a master's degree in accounting or a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Most employers also prefer applicants who are familiar with computers and their applications in accounting and internal auditing.