Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.

SOC: 13-2011.00

Common Job Titles

AccountantAuditorCertified Public Accountant (CPA)Financial Auditor

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

  • KnowledgeDesign financial reporting systems and budgetary data recording processes for organizational clients, integrating regulatory requirements and business needs.
  • KnowledgeSynthesize financial data from multiple sources using ERP systems and data analytics tools to prepare comprehensive management reports.
  • KnowledgeAnalyze financial statements and accounting records to identify discrepancies and ensure compliance with GAAP and regulatory standards.
  • KnowledgeEvaluate internal controls and audit evidence independently during financial audits to determine compliance with established standards.
  • KnowledgeInterpret tax regulations and accounting principles to provide advisory services to clients on complex financial matters.
  • KnowledgeApply mathematical and statistical methods to forecast financial trends and assess organizational performance.
  • MindsetAdvocate ethical accounting practices and professional standards when advising clients and training team members on regulatory compliance.
  • MindsetIntegrate client service principles with technical accounting expertise when resolving conflicts and negotiating financial reporting issues.
  • KnowledgeOperate financial software platforms including QuickBooks, SAP, and Microsoft Excel to document transactions, generate reports, and maintain general ledgers.
  • MindsetEngage with clients and stakeholders to understand their financial needs and deliver tailored accounting solutions.
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Accountants and Auditors (2024)

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

1,448,290

Wage Distribution by Percentile

MetricU.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less$52,780
10% of workers earn the following or more$141,420
Workers on average earn$93,520

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

  • Economics and Accounting4.7/5
  • English Language4.0/5
  • Mathematics3.9/5
  • Administration and Management3.5/5
  • Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Adobe AcrobatAlteryx softwareEpic SystemsGoogle DocsGoogle SheetsIBM SPSS StatisticsIntuit QuickBooksMEDITECH softwareMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft DynamicsMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft ProjectMicrosoft SQL ServerMicrosoft SharePointMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft Visual Basic for Applications VBAMicrosoft WindowsMicrosoft WordOracle DatabaseOracle PeopleSoftOracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio ManagementRSAP ConcurSAP softwareSASSalesforce softwareStructured query language SQLSwiftTableauTeradata DatabaseUNIXWorkday softwareYardi software

Technology Skills

1099 ProsSoftwareACCUCertACL Audit ExchangeACL Business Assurance AnalyticsADP Super Report WriterADP Workforce NowATX Total Accounting OfficeATX Total Engagement Office

Tools & Equipment

10-key calculatorsComputer data input scannersDesktop computersLaptop computersLaser facsimile machinesNotebook computersPersonal computersPersonal digital assistants PDA