Public Accountant
Business & Management
CIP Name: Accountant|CIP Code: 52.0301
SOC Codes: 25-1011, 13-2011, 13-2031, 13-2041, 13-2054, 13-2061, 13-2081, 13-2082
Practice the profession of accounting and to perform related business functions.
$85K
Median Salary
+4.55%
Job Growth
6mo-2yr
Training
5.3K
Jobs/Year
What Public Accountants Do
Practice the profession of accounting and to perform related business functions.
Common Tasks
Business Teachers, Postsecondary
- 1Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as financial accounting, principles of marketing, and operations management.
- 2Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
- 3Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- 4Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- 5Keep abreast of developments in the field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional organizations and conferences.
What You'll Learn
accounting principles and theoryfinancial accountingmanagerial accountingcost accountingbudget controltax accountinglegal aspects of accountingauditingreporting proceduresstatement analysisplanning and consultingbusiness information systemsaccounting research methodsprofessional standards and ethicsapplications to specific for-profitpublicnon-profit organizations
Types of Public Accountants
Accounting InstructorAccounting ProfessorAssociate ProfessorBusiness Administration ProfessorBusiness InstructorBusiness ProfessorInstructorManagement ProfessorMarketing ProfessorProfessorAccountantAccounting OfficerAudit PartnerAuditorCertified Public Accountant (CPA)Cost AccountantFinancial AuditorGeneral AccountantInternal AuditorRevenue Tax SpecialistBudget AnalystBudget CoordinatorBudget OfficerBudget Planning AnalystBudget and Policy AnalystCost AnalystFinancial Services OfficerFiscal AnalystFiscal Budget AnalystCredit AdministratorCredit AnalystCredit OfficerCredit RepresentativeCredit Risk AnalystCredit and Collections AnalystMunicipal Fixed Income AnalystAnalystEquity Research AnalystRisk AnalystRisk ManagerRisk SpecialistSecurities AnalystBank ExaminerBank Secrecy Act Anti-Money Laundering Officer (BSA/AML Officer)Community Reinvestment Act Officer (CRA Officer)Compliance AnalystCompliance SpecialistCredit Union ExaminerCredit Union Field ExaminerExamining OfficerCity Tax AuditorCollections SpecialistRevenue AgentRevenue CollectorRevenue OfficerRevenue SpecialistTax CollectorTax Compliance OfficerTax ExaminerTax Examining TechnicianCPA (Certified Public Accountant)Enrolled AgentIncome Tax PreparerTax AccountantTax AdvisorTax AssociateTax ConsultantTax PreparerTax ProfessionalTax Specialist
Work Environment
Locations
- • Public accounting firms
- • Corporate finance and accounting departments
- • Government agencies
- • Banks and financial institutions
- • Tax preparation offices
Schedule
Most roles follow a weekday office schedule, with longer hours and higher time pressure during month-end/quarter-end closes, audits, and tax season.
Physical Demands
Work is primarily sedentary with long periods of sitting and computer use. Repetitive keyboard/mouse work is common, with minimal lifting or physical exertion.
Salary & Job Outlook
Median $84,805
$52,863$155,126+
Entry Level
10th percentile
$52,863
Early Career
25th percentile
$64,262
Median
50th percentile
$84,805
Experienced
75th percentile
$112,122
Top Earners
90th percentile
$155,126+
National Employment: 2,074,899 jobs
Top Paying States
Why Demand May Grow
Businesses and governments continue to need accurate financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance support as regulations and reporting requirements evolve. Growth in risk management and financial oversight roles can also increase demand for accounting and audit skills.
Skills You'll Need
Attention to detail and accuracyFinancial statement analysisSpreadsheet skills (Excel) and accounting software proficiencyKnowledge of tax rules and compliance basicsAnalytical and problem-solving skillsClear written and verbal communicationTime management under deadlinesProfessional ethics and confidentiality
Pros & Cons
Pros
- • Strong, transferable skills across many industries
- • Clear advancement paths (senior, manager, controller, partner)
- • Opportunities to specialize (tax, audit, cost, risk, compliance)
- • Generally stable office-based work
- • Competitive pay, especially with experience and credentials
Cons
- • Busy seasons can require long hours and tight deadlines
- • High responsibility and pressure due to compliance and accuracy needs
- • Work can be repetitive and screen-intensive
- • Ongoing rule changes require continuous learning
- • Some roles face automation and outsourcing pressure
FAQ
Common Questions About the Public Accountant Trade
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