Quick Search


college advanced search

Accountants

Did You Know:*

  • Most jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field.
  • Job opportunities should be favorable; those who have earned professional recognition through certification or licensure, especially a CPA, should enjoy the best prospects.
  • Much faster than average employment growth will result from an increase in the number of businesses, changing financial laws and regulations and greater scrutiny of company finances.

Industry Areas

  • Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services
  • Management of Companies and Enterprises
  • Local Government (excluding schools and hospitals)

Day-to-Day Tasks*

  • Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
  • Report to management regarding the finances of establishment.
  • Establish tables of accounts and assign entries to proper accounts.

+ Expand Section

Overall Kind of Work*

Accountants and auditors help to ensure that firms are run efficiently, public records kept accurately and taxes paid properly and on time. They analyze and communicate financial information for v...

+ Expand Section

Work Environment*

Civilian

Most accountants and auditors work in a typical office setting. Some may be able to do part of their work at home. Accountants and auditors employed by public accounting firms, government agencies...

+ Expand Section

Military

Finance and accounting managers work primarily in offices.

Workweek Breakdown

The hours worked per week by people currently pursuing this career.

Pie Chart Representing the section data
  • 5.25% (0-20 Hours)
  • 4.28% (21-34 Hours)
  • 3.28% (35-39 Hours)
  • 63.17% (40 Hours)
  • 10.82% (41-49 Hours)
  • 13.20% (Over 50 Hours)

This data also pertains to Accountants(13-2011)

Type of Work

The level of day-to-day involvement with data, people or things.

Data: Medium
People: Medium
Things: Low

Skills at a Glance

The levels of different skills helpful in this career.

Verbal skills: High
Critical Thinking & Problem Solving: Medium
Equipment Operation & Maintenance: Low
Math & Science Skills: High
Technology Design & Control: Low
Leadership: Medium

Workplace at a Glance

The level of different environmental factors you would experience on the job.

Responsibility: Low
Exposure to Job Hazards: Low
Physical Activity: Low
Decision Making: Medium
Repetitiveness: High
Level of Competition: Medium
Time Pressure: Medium

Business Breakdown

The different sectors people in this career currently work in.

Pie Chart Representing the section data
  • 70.47% (Private For-Profit)
  • 7.43% (Private Not For-Profit)
  • 9.17% (State and Local Govt)
  • 3.96% (Federal Government)
  • 8.98% (Self-Employed)

This data also pertains to Accountants And Auditors

Military Breakdown

The number of people who currently hold this career in the Military.

52 Accountants in the military

*Did You know, Day to Day Tasks, Overall Kind of Work, and Work Environment relate to Accountants, which includes Accountants and Auditors; Accountants; Auditors.
Data supplied by: Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center
All data supporting myfuture.com is updated regularly. View our update schedule.