What does an accountant do? Duties, pay, education and outlook
Accountants and auditors prepare and examine financial records, check that they are accurate and follow the law, and compute taxes owed. Most US employers want a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. BLS reports a median pay of $83,680 per year (May 2025).
At a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| SOC code | 13-2011 (Accountants and Auditors) |
| O*NET code | 13-2011.00 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree |
| Licensing | CPA license optional (required to file reports with the SEC) |
| Median annual wage | $83,680 per year (May 2025) |
| Projected growth | 5 percent, 2025 to 2035 |
| Number of jobs | 1,595,200 (2025) |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, accessed 31 October 2026.
What does an accountant do?
Accountants and auditors examine financial statements for accuracy and compliance with laws and regulations. They compute taxes owed, prepare returns and make sure taxes are paid correctly and on time. They inspect account books and accounting systems for efficiency, proper procedures and fraud risk, and they organize, analyze and maintain financial records.
They also assess financial operations, recommend best practices to management, and suggest ways to cut costs, boost revenue and improve profits. BLS describes specialties including public, management, government, internal, external and information technology accountants and auditors.
Work environment
BLS counts about 1.6 million jobs in 2025. The largest employers are accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (21 percent), finance and insurance (8 percent) and government (8 percent). Most work full time, with longer hours during periods such as quarterly audits or tax season. Most work in offices, some work from home, and some travel to clients.
Education, training and licensing
BLS says accountants and auditors typically need a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field such as business. Some employers prefer a master's degree, and some people with an associate's degree start in junior accounting roles.
Any accountant who files reports with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) must be a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Others pursue the CPA to improve job prospects. Licensing requires passing a national exam and meeting state requirements, including 150 semester hours of college coursework, though a few states accept public accounting experience in place of a degree. Your state board of accountancy sets the final rules. Certifications from professional societies can also show specialized competence.
Skills that matter
BLS lists analytical and critical-thinking skills, communication, attention to detail, math skills and organizational skills as important qualities. O*NET ranks reading comprehension, active listening, critical thinking, writing and mathematics among the top skills for accountants and auditors, and lists accounting and compliance software among the tools used.
How much does an accountant make?
BLS reports a median annual wage of $83,680 (May 2025) for accountants and auditors. BLS also prints that the lowest 10 percent earned less than $56,020 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $144,090 (May 2025). By industry, BLS reports a median of $93,290 in finance and insurance and $81,490 in accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping and payroll services (May 2025).
See the OOH pay tab and the OEWS data for your area. Our guide to researching pay explains how to read the figures.
Job outlook
BLS projects employment to grow 5 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the 3 percent average for all occupations, with about 115,300 openings per year on average. Most openings come from replacing workers who change occupations or leave the labor force, for example to retire.
How to get hired
- Decide early whether you will pursue the CPA, and check your state board of accountancy for education and exam requirements.
- Show results on your resume: the systems you used, the volume you handled and the process you improved, without confidential client details.
- If you lack experience, see the no-experience resume guide and look for internships.
- Practice with the interview prep hub.
When you are ready, search jobs on LiveRec.
Related occupations
Bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks, financial analysts, budget analysts, management analysts, and tax examiners and collectors.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CPA to be an accountant? No. BLS says any accountant who files reports with the SEC must be a licensed CPA, and others pursue the CPA to improve job prospects. Many accounting jobs do not require it.
What degree do accountants need? BLS says the typical entry-level education is a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field such as business. Some employers prefer a master's degree.
What is the difference between an accountant and an auditor? Accountants prepare and maintain financial records and returns. Auditors examine those records for accuracy and compliance. BLS covers both in one profile.
Is accounting a growing field? BLS projects 5 percent growth from 2025 to 2035, faster than average, with about 115,300 openings per year.
Related guides
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and auditors: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (accessed 31 October 2026)
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ (accessed 31 October 2026)
- O*NET OnLine, 13-2011.00: https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/13-2011.00 (accessed 31 October 2026)
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.