Accountant

Your Fit

Income

$82K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

4.4%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Accountant?

An Accountant is a professional responsible for preparing and examining financial records, ensuring their accuracy, and ensuring that taxes are paid properly and on time. They assess financial operations and work to help ensure that organizations run efficiently.

Sample job titles:

Accountant, Auditor, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Financial Auditor

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Accountant.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Accountant earn

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, typical income (in USD) in 2024 was...

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$53K per year	$65K per year	$82K per year	$106K per year	$141K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $32K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Accountant do?

Work environment

Accountants typically work in offices, which can be in accounting firms, corporate finance departments, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. The role often involves regular full-time hours, although longer hours can be common during tax season or at the end of the fiscal year.

Quick task list

Prepares and examines financial records to ensure accuracy.
Ensures that financial statements and records comply with laws and regulations.
Computes taxes owed, prepares tax returns, and ensures prompt payment.
Inspects account books and accounting systems for efficiency and use of accepted accounting procedures.
Organizes and maintains financial records.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Public Accounting: Involves providing services such as tax preparation, external auditing, and consulting to clients.
Management Accounting: Focuses on analyzing and presenting financial information for internal use by management.
Government Accounting: Specializes in managing and auditing public funds within government agencies.
Forensic Accounting: Involves investigating financial discrepancies and fraud.
Tax Accounting: Specializes in preparing and planning for tax-related matters for individuals or organizations.

Description

Accountants are crucial in helping organizations maintain financial health. They play a key role in ensuring that financial records are accurate and that taxes are paid properly. This involves a deep understanding of accounting principles and practices, as well as attention to detail to identify any discrepancies in financial records.

The work of an accountant is not just limited to number crunching. They also provide strategic advice and help companies and individuals plan for their financial future. This requires strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex financial data to make informed decisions.

In addition to technical skills, accountants must have strong ethics, as they are trusted with sensitive financial information. They must also stay current with changes in tax laws and regulations, as well as advancements in accounting software and technologies.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

The intellectual challenge of solving financial puzzles and ensuring financial integrity.
The ability to provide valuable insights that can influence business decisions and personal finances.
A stable and respected profession with opportunities for steady career growth.

You might make a good Accountant if you are...

Detail-oriented, with a knack for spotting discrepancies and anomalies in financial data.
Ethical and trustworthy, as you will handle confidential financial information.
Analytical, enjoying the process of interpreting and working with numbers.
Adaptable, able to keep up with changing financial laws and accounting technologies.
Good at communicating, capable of explaining complex financial information clearly.

Pros:

High demand for accounting services across various industries.
Opportunities for specialization in areas of personal interest.
Potential for a stable and lucrative career.

Cons:

Can involve long hours, especially during tax season or end-of-year reporting.
Requires continuous learning to stay updated with changing regulations and standards.
The work can be perceived as repetitive and detail-oriented.

How to become an Accountant

Typical education

Becoming an accountant usually requires at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, which is typically a 4-year program. Some positions may require a master's degree or professional certification.

High school preparation

Courses:

Mathematics, especially courses in statistics and algebra, to build strong numerical skills.
Business Studies to understand the basics of business operations and finance.
Computer Science to become proficient in using accounting software and spreadsheets.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a business or economics club to gain early insights into financial management.
Participating in math competitions or clubs to strengthen analytical skills.
Volunteering to manage finances for school clubs or events to gain practical experience.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.
Consider internships in accounting firms or finance departments for hands-on experience.
Pursue certification as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or similar credentials.

More resources

American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) - Provides resources and information on the CPA certification.
AccountingCoach - Offers free online accounting courses and materials.
The National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) - Offers information on the CPA exam and licensing requirements.
Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) - Provides updates on accounting standards and practices.

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Similarity is based on what people in the careers do, what they know, and what they are called. The process of establishing similarity lists is described in this white paper.