Accountants and Auditors
Accountants and auditors examine financial records, prepare statements, and evaluate accounting practices for organizations. They work in private companies, government agencies, nonprofits, and public accounting firms, analyzing data to ensure accuracy and compliance while advising on financial systems and cost management.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against accountants and auditors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves reviewing transaction records, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial reports. Accountants may analyze budget variances, conduct internal audits, or assist clients with tax planning. Tasks range from detailed spreadsheet work and data verification to meetings with managers and stakeholders to discuss financial performance and recommend process improvements.
Who this work suits
Holland code CEI. Conventional work is organized, detail-oriented work with clear procedures. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to do well in this work if you're detail-oriented and enjoy solving problems systematically. Success comes naturally if you're comfortable with responsibility, respect rules and procedures, and like finding ways to improve business operations—balancing analytical rigor with strategic thinking.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Supervisory Accountant · Environmental Protection Agency · Chicago, Illinois · $118984–$182790
- Supervisory Accountant · Veterans Health Administration · Fort Bliss, Texas · $89508–$116362
- Lead Accountant · Veterans Health Administration · Location Negotiable After Selection · $89508–$116362
- Supervisory Accountant · Small Business Administration · Denver County, Colorado · $164956–$197200
- Supervisory Accountant (Revenue Accounting Manager) · Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration · Las Vegas, Nevada · $91427–$118857
- Supervisory Accountant · Immediate Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration · Asheville, North Carolina · $89508–$116362
- Accountant · Western Area Power Administration · Multiple Locations · $83265–$129742
- Senior Technical Revenue Accountant · AlertMedia · USA · Remote
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $83,050 | $111,530 | $156,730 | 9,810 |
| New York | $79,760 | $102,640 | $134,820 | 109,830 |
| New Jersey | $80,320 | $100,830 | $129,280 | 42,250 |
| Massachusetts | $79,370 | $99,460 | $128,560 | 46,230 |
| Connecticut | $78,020 | $97,550 | $123,670 | 16,770 |
| California | $75,810 | $97,050 | $125,850 | 175,360 |
| Colorado | $74,900 | $97,030 | $127,270 | 35,410 |
| Washington | $79,180 | $96,550 | $122,480 | 34,740 |
| Rhode Island | $76,400 | $95,820 | $120,280 | 6,570 |
| Delaware | $74,270 | $95,020 | $120,450 | 6,570 |
| Virginia | $74,250 | $93,290 | $123,510 | 47,100 |
| Maryland | $73,100 | $89,370 | $116,420 | 26,170 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA) — The Association of Accountants and Financial Professionals in Business
- Internal Auditor Q2 (API) — American Petroleum Institute
- Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) — National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) — Institute of Internal Auditors
- Food Safety and Quality Auditor Certification (CFSQA) — American Society for Quality
- Accredited Business Accountant/Advisor (ABA) — Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
and 80 more
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against accountants and auditors and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 13-2011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.