Accountant/Auditor

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Work Tasks

• Keep money records for people, businesses, or the government
• Suggest the best ways a business should make or spend money
• Plan and prepare income tax returns
• Work in offices and may travel to meet customers
• Work with financial reports, contracts, payroll systems, computers, and government rules and laws

Salary, Size & Growth

• $54,000 average per year ($26.00 per hour)
• A very large occupation (1,141,000 workers in 2010)
• Expected to grow rapidly (2.1% per year)

Education/Training

• Minimum for Entry: A 4-year degree in accounting
• Employers Prefer: A master's degree in accounting or related field; certification as a CPA; experience using accounting software
• Skills/Courses: College courses include accounting, computerized accounting programs, and internal auditing.
• Licensing/Certification: Self-employed accountants need to be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), which requires a master's degree and passing an exam.