| Quick Facts: Accountants and Auditors | |
|---|---|
| 2019 Median Pay | $71,550 per year $34.40 per hour |
| Typical Entry-Level Education | Bachelor's degree |
| Work Experience in a Related Occupation | None |
| On-the-job Training | None |
| Number of Jobs, 2019 | 1,436,100 |
| Job Outlook, 2019-29 | 4% (As fast as average) |
| Employment Change, 2019-29 | 61,700 |
Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records.
Most accountants and auditors work full time. Overtime hours are typical at certain periods of the year, such as for quarterly audits or during tax season.
A bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is typically required to become an accountant or auditor. Completing certification in a specific field of accounting, such as becoming a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA), may improve job prospects.
The median annual wage for accountants and auditors was $71,550 in May 2019.
Employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations. In general, employment growth of accountants and auditors is expected to be closely tied to the health of the overall economy. As the economy grows, more workers should be needed to prepare and examine financial records.
For additional information go to the Occupational Outlook Handbook
Professional Associations and Organizations can be a great source for professional development opportunities, job listings, and contacts.
American Accounting Association
The American Accounting Association promotes worldwide excellence in accounting education, research and practice. The Association is a voluntary organization of persons interested in accounting education and research.
American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is the world's largest association representing the accounting profession, with nearly 370,000 members in 128 countries. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting; membership is also available to accounting students and CPA candidates. The AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession and U.S. auditing standards for audits of private companies, non-profit organizations, federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination.
American Society of Women Accountants
The American Society of Women Accountants (ASWA) was formed in 1938 to increase the opportunities for women in all fields of accounting and finance.
An honorary organization for Financial Information students and professionals. The primary objective of Beta Alpha Psi is to encourage and give recognition to scholastic and professional excellence in the business information field. This includes promoting the study and practice of accounting, finance, and information systems; providing opportunities for self-development, service, and association among members and practicing professionals, and encouraging a sense of ethical, social, and public responsibility.
Institute of Management Accountants (IMA)
A resource for developing, certifying, and connecting the world's best accountants and financial professionals working in the Accounting industry.
From Wiley publishers, a list of Student, Academic, Professional, International, and State-level accounting associations.
Careers in Accounting - In this regularly update section, you will be made aware of the different types of accounting professionals in demand. There is also information about the difference between private and public banking, the best global accounting firms, and other emerging areas of accounting, such as budget analyst and forensic accounting. Not to mention our basic and advanced level courses designed to assist you in choosing a career in accounting.