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

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

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Accountants and Auditors (2024)

Region

Compare with Region

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

1,448,290

Wage Distribution by Percentile

U.S.

Metric	U.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 Acrobat
Alteryx software
Epic Systems
Google Docs
Google Sheets
IBM SPSS Statistics
Intuit QuickBooks
MEDITECH software
Microsoft Access
Microsoft Dynamics
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Project
Microsoft SQL Server
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications VBA
Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Word
Oracle Database
Oracle PeopleSoft
Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
R
SAP Concur
SAP software
SAS
Salesforce software
Structured query language SQL
Swift
Tableau
Teradata Database
UNIX
Workday software
Yardi software

Technology Skills

1099 ProsSoftware
ACCUCert
ACL Audit Exchange
ACL Business Assurance Analytics
ADP Super Report Writer
ADP Workforce Now
ATX Total Accounting Office
ATX Total Engagement Office

Tools & Equipment

10-key calculators
Computer data input scanners
Desktop computers
Laptop computers
Laser facsimile machines
Notebook computers
Personal computers
Personal digital assistants PDA