Accounting Careers: What to Expect from Responsibilities to Salary and More

Accounting is an essential field for any business looking to properly manage their finances. Understanding the different roles available and the salaries associated with them is an important step in finding a great accounting job. Here, we’ll discuss some of the most common roles within the field of accounting, how becoming a certified public accountant can be beneficial, and what kind of pay rate you can expect from each one.

Public Accountant

Public accountants, also known as external auditors, provide financial services to the public. These services can include tax prep and planning, audits and assurance, consulting, and litigation support. The pay range for a public accountant salary can range from $60k to over $100k depending on their experience level and location

Internal Auditor

Internal auditors are tasked with assessing an organization’s risk management, internal systems, financial statements, and operations. An internal auditor typically works onsite at a company or business to review sensitive documents and offer advice on compliance and other financial matters. The salary for this accounting job can range between $60k to $150k depending on the size and industry of the organization.

Accountant

Accountants handle the day-to-day financial operations of an organization like accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll management, and budgeting. They are typically in charge of preparing and reviewing financial statements as well. An accountant salary can range from $60k to $100k depending on experience and the size of the company.

For more Accountant salary information as well as a range of other positions across different geographic locations, see our 2023 Metro Area Salary Guides here.

Tools Used in Accounting

Accountants use a variety of tools to help with their work, such as accounting software, spreadsheets, and databases. Commonly used accounting software includes QuickBooks Online, Xero, Freshbooks, and Sage 50Cloud. Spreadsheets are another helpful tool for managing data and presenting financial information in an organized way. Examples of spreadsheet programs include Microsoft Excel and Google Sheets. Databases such as Microsoft Access are used to store large amounts of data that is organized efficiently for quick retrieval.

Certification

The Certified Public Accountant Exam is one of the most important tests for those interested in having a successful accounting career. It requires a solid understanding of accounting concepts, business law and regulations, as well as knowledge on financial reporting and auditing standards. By studying for the Certified Public Accountant exam, you will have a strong foundation to work from as you seek your career in accounting. You can find plenty of online resources and courses that offer prep materials specifically for the CPA exam. Additionally, many universities offer classes or degree programs focused on preparing individuals for this exam. Taking the time to study and become informed on what is expected on the CPA exam will help you achieve success in your accounting career.

In Closing

As you can see, there are many different roles available with varying levels of accounting salary and responsibilities. It’s important to understand each position thoroughly before applying to have an idea of what  you can expect. Having a good idea of the common tools used in accounting can also give you an edge in landing a great role.

With these tips and the information provided in this blog post, you should be well on your way to finding a great accounting job that will provide financial stability and personal satisfaction!