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Accountant Job Description

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Overview

accountant
297
The number of occurrences in our database.
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Accountants oversee the management and reporting of financial data of an organization focusing on the accuracy of the financial statements in accordance with accepted accounting principles. Accountants are tasked with preparing, examining and analyzing a company's financial records to ensure all financial obligations are properly reported.

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Steps to take to start your career as an Accountant and other jobs like it

  • Accounting requires a strong foundation in mathematics and analytical abilities. You don’t need more advanced math like calculus but having precision in your mathematical ability is important (the math you do needs to be consistently correct).
  • If you want to progress past being an accounting clerk or bookkeeper, a bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for many entry level accounting positions. Common majors include accounting, finance, or a related field from an accredited university or college. Some employers may also accept degrees in business administration with a concentration in accounting. Pursuing a master's degree in accounting can open up additional opportunities but isn’t required.
  • Seek internships or entry-level positions in accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, or non-profit organizations to gain practical experience in the field. This hands-on experience will help you apply your academic knowledge and develop essential skills. Start building practical knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Obtaining a professional certification can enhance your credibility and job prospects in the field of accounting and is a requirement to progress in many accounting jobs. The most common certification for accountants in the United States is the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential, which is administered by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). Other certifications include the Certified Management Accountant (CMA), Certified Internal Auditor (CIA), and others, depending on your career goals and specialization.
  • Consider specializing in a particular area of accounting, such as tax accounting, forensic accounting, auditing, or managerial accounting, based on your interests and career goals. Specialization can help you stand out in the job market and advance your career.
Hear from someone who’s had the job or one like it
"Accounting can expose you to unique businesses. Learn about the busy season and what a CPA license can do for you."
Career Video Transcript
Examples of Current Open Accountant Positions
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indeedImg
Avg Pay: $63K
Jobs: 0
glassdoor
Avg Pay: $59K
Jobs: 46,253

Education you need to become an Accountant

These are the most common degrees or certificates earned by Jobtrees users prior to becoming an Accountant

There may be other required degrees or certifications needed for this job. The below info shows you the most commonly desired education level from employers when hiring for this job.

  • Bachelor Degree in Accounting
    The number of occurrences matches with Accountant in our database.
    Avg. Duration:48 monthsAvg. Fees:$30,438Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Bachelor of Science (b.sc.) in Accounting
    The number of occurrences matches with Accountant in our database.
    Avg. Duration:48 monthsAvg. Fees:$30,438Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Bachelor of Business Administration (b.b.a.) in Accounting
    The number of occurrences matches with Accountant in our database.
    Avg. Duration:48 monthsAvg. Fees:$26,771Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
  • Master Degree in Accounting
    The number of occurrences matches with Accountant in our database.
    Avg. Duration:14 monthsAvg. Fees:$29,978Type:Mostly full timeView more on Studyportals
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Annual Pay Estimate for Accountant and Other Important Info

See how many years Accountant's are in their job, how much they make, how long it took to get there and how available this job is in terms of open positions.

3.8 years
$61K
The average years of experience in the workforce prior to having this role
3.00 years
Entry
The average number of roles it took our users to get to this one
3
239 out of 4016

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Career Paths for Accountant

Find data driven insights on the path to get to this role and where it can lead

Jobs to start your career in becoming an Accountant

These are the most common roles Jobtrees users had to start their career that eventually lead them to Accountant. If you’re looking to get into this career these are jobs to consider to get your start. We’ve included below some current open job postings that match those roles. Click to search for more.