Top Accounting Schools
- Strayer University Online Click for Recommended Degree Program
- Post University Click for Recommended Degree Program
- Liberty University Click for Recommended Degree Program
Certified Public Accountant Job Description
A Certified public accountant job description includes performing vital roles for businesses, such as accounting, auditing and preparing taxes. They work extensively with software and numbers to ensure companies are in compliance with tax laws. Certified public accountants can work for companies, accounting firms, or themselves as contractors.
The certified public accountant job description may vary, depending on the company, type of accountant, and duties required. Most accountants work with tax returns and analyze financial information to ensure taxes are paid timely. They also audit accounts to check for misinformation or fraud and report financial information to companies. Many accountants also create and analyze budgets, perform consulting work, or offer legal services. Some accountants have a specialization, such as compensation, benefits, financial planning, or even forensics.
Technology is a big part of a certified public accountant’s job description. Specialized software is used to organize data and create reports. The Internet and databases are also used to extract financial information and other data. Some technically-inclined accountants also implement and manage computer systems and create technology plans.
Required Education
A bachelor’s degree in accounting is required for most certified public accountant jobs, although some positions may require a master’s degree. Some universities offer specialty programs in the accounting field, such as auditing. College graduates are required to pass an exam and meet state requirements before they can practice as an accountant.
Most states require 150 semester hours of coursework. Since bachelor’s degrees require only 120 hours, some universities now offer a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree that takes five years to complete.
A certified public accountant job description requires excellent computer and math skills. They should be able to communicate and work well with others. They also need to be able to quickly analyze facts and figures and operate at the highest level of integrity.
Employment Outlook
Faster than average growth is expected for accountants. Those with professional certifications or master’s degrees will be in high demand. However, there will be competition for high-level positions with larger corporations.
Salaries range from *$45,900 to $78,210, with the average at *$59,430. The highest salaries are offered by companies that specialize in bookkeeping and payroll services.
