Government accountants: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Government accountants maintain and examine the records of government agencies and audit private businesses and individuals whose activities are subject to government regulations or taxation. Accountants employed by federal, state, and local governments ensure that revenues are received and spent in accordance with laws and regulations.
- Education Required
- Most accountant and auditor positions require at least a bachelors degree in accounting or a related field. Some employers prefer to hire applicants who have a masters degree, either in accounting or in business administration with a concentration in accounting.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 10% (Faster than average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- Some top executives and financial managers have a background in accounting, internal auditing, or finance.
- Licenses/Certifications
- Every accountant filing a report with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is required by law to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Many other accountants choose to become a CPA to enhance their job prospects or to gain clients. Many employers will pay the costs associated with the CPA exam.
- Median pay: How much do Accountants and Auditors make?
- $68,150 Annual Salary
- $32.76 per hour
Careers for Accountants and Auditors
- Account auditors
- Accountants
- Auditors
- Auditors-in-charge
- CPAs
- Certified public accountants
- Compliance auditors
- Corporate accountants
- Cost accountants
- Environmental auditors
- External auditors
- Field auditors
- Financial accountants
- Financial auditors
- Forensic accountants
- Fund accountants
- Government accountants and auditors
- Industrial accountants
- Information technology auditors
- Internal auditors
- Management accountants
- Payroll auditors
- Private accountants
- Public accountants
- Tax accountants