Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Accountants and Auditors
SOC: 13-2011 O*NET: 13-2011.00
Median Salary
$81,680
per year
Job Growth
📈 4.6%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
124.2
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
What does a Accountants and Auditors do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$52,780
10th percentile
Early Career
$64,660
25th percentile
Median
$81,680
50th percentile
Experienced
$106,450
75th percentile
Top Earners
$141,420
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$52,780
25th
$64,660
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$81,680
Mean: $93,520
75th
$106,450
90th
$141,420
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $88,640 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $64,660 and $106,450
- •Salary spread is 51.2% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 1,448,290 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:1,579,800
Top Industries
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services33.4%
Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services33.4%
Accounting, Tax Preparation, Bookkeeping, and Payroll Services24%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+4.6%
Annual Openings:124,200
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)1,579,800
Current
2034 (Projected)1,652,600
+4.6%
+72,800
Employment Change
+4.6%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Accountants and Auditors professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 50 locations
California
173,370 jobs$96,3601.02x
New York
111,860 jobs$101,7801.25x
Texas
109,530 jobs$80,0000.84x
Florida
90,880 jobs$78,4700.99x
Illinois
54,690 jobs$79,3000.96x
Pennsylvania
54,440 jobs$77,3300.96x
Ohio
51,840 jobs$77,6401.00x
Virginia
50,220 jobs$84,1901.32x
North Carolina
46,420 jobs$80,4901.01x
Massachusetts
45,520 jobs$96,5801.33x
Georgia
45,000 jobs$80,1000.99x
Michigan
43,910 jobs$77,7201.06x
New Jersey
43,540 jobs$101,3401.09x
Washington
37,400 jobs$96,1801.13x
Colorado
35,580 jobs$90,0301.31x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Reading Comprehension
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
94%
#3
Active Listening
86%
#4
Speaking
80%
#5
Writing
74%
#6
Judgment and Decision Making
66%
#7
Monitoring
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Coordination
46%
#10
Mathematics
40%
Skills Overview
Reading Comprehension
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced4.7
94%
Active Listening
intermediate4.3
86%
Speaking
intermediate4.0
80%
Writing
intermediate3.7
74%
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediate3.3
66%
Monitoring
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance86%
skills
4.3/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
intermediateImportance66%
abilities
3.3/5.0
Monitoring
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Coordination
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Mathematics
basicImportance40%
skills
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians100%
5 shared skills
Precision Agriculture Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Airfield Operations Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Quality Control Systems Managers82%
5 shared skills
Sustainability Specialists82%
5 shared skills
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
Learn on the Job:
- →Monitoring
- →Judgment and Decision Making
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Active Listening
- ✓Speaking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Critical Thinking
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Active Listening
- ★Speaking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Writing
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Accountants and Auditors
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Intuit QuickBooks
🔥 Hot TechSAP Concur
🔥 Hot TechIBM SPSS Statistics
🔥 Hot TechSAS
🔥 Hot TechAlteryx software
🔥 Hot TechTableau
🔥 Hot TechSalesforce software
🔥 Hot TechTeradata Database
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Intuit QuickBooks
SAP Concur
IBM SPSS Statistics
SAS
Alteryx software
Tableau
Salesforce software
Teradata Database
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Oracle Database
Structured query language SQL
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏗️
Location
Varies
💪
Physical Demand
LOW
👥
Team Orientation
Varies
🤝
Customer Interaction
NONE
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in varies environments?
- •Can you meet low physical demands?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
21
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (6)Management & Supervision (4)Analysis & Evaluation (5)General Responsibilities (5)Planning & Development (1)
1
Prepare detailed reports on audit findings.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Report to management about asset utilization and audit results, and recommend changes in operations and financial activities.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision97% perform98%
3
Collect and analyze data to detect deficient controls, duplicated effort, extravagance, fraud, or non-compliance with laws, regulations, and management policies.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation94% perform96%
4
Inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency, effectiveness, and use of accepted accounting procedures to record transactions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping91% perform94%
5
Supervise auditing of establishments, and determine scope of investigation required.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision88% perform92%
6
Confer with company officials about financial and regulatory matters.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities85% perform90%
7
Examine and evaluate financial and information systems, recommending controls to ensure system reliability and data integrity.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation82% perform88%
8
Inspect cash on hand, notes receivable and payable, negotiable securities, and canceled checks to confirm records are accurate.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Examine records and interview workers to ensure recording of transactions and compliance with laws and regulations.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping76% perform84%
10
Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •33% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Accountants and Auditors
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Accountants and Auditors professionals typically have a CEI Holland code and highly value achievement
CConventional
EEnterprising
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Accountants and Auditors
Integrity
CriticalIntegrity
Importance Level4.89
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.88
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.67
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.44
Cooperation
Very ImportantCooperation
Importance Level4.17
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.10
Complete Work Styles Profile
Integrity
4.9
Attention to Detail
4.9
Dependability
4.7
Analytical Thinking
4.4
Cooperation
4.2
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Initiative
4.1
Persistence
4.1
Self-Control
3.9
Achievement/Effort
3.9
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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