Accountants and financial professionals are in demand. There is no shortage of companies that require the services of a qualified accountant. While your specific role will be defined by employer needs, common tasks include preparing financial documents, consulting on finance topics, budgeting, preparing taxes, updating financial records and ensuring companies are in compliance with financial regulations.
As an accountant, you will spend a large portion of your day working with accounting programs. You will meet with stakeholders and clients occasionally. Most accountants work 9-5, Monday to Friday. You can expect to work longer hours during busy times of the year, such as tax season. It may be possible to work from home if your employer has a remote work policy.
Accountants have a lot of career options. It usually comes down to your area of interest and where you want to specialize within the accounting industry. You can pursue your professional designation. You can also work as an internal auditor, financial auditor, specialize in taxation or other areas.
Working as an accountant is a well paying career. You can make up to about $80,000 or more in a senior role. Salaries start at about $58,000 annually. Learn more about the salary scale here:
annual: $68,300
monthly: $5,692
weekly: $1,423
hourly: $35.58
lowest salary: $58,800 per year
average salary: $68,300 per year
highest salary: $78,500 per year
junior salary: $58,800-$70,600 per year
intermediate salary: $62,100-$74,600 per year
senior salary: $65,400-$78,500 per year
Accountant roles are diverse. The tasks you are to complete vary based on your organization and how your position is defined. Here are some of the responsibilities and daily duties you are expected to perform:
Accountants are needed by companies that span across many industries – public and private. You can work for large corporations, the government, and academic institutions. You can also get work with accounting and finance firms.
Employers are looking for accountant candidates who have a strong combination of accounting and business acumen. They want people with these skills:
To work as an accountant you will need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. A Masters degree may be preferred by some companies. Having your CPA will open the door to more opportunities as a public accountant, management accountant, government accountant, or internal auditor.