A job as an accountant is a stable position with busy seasons at different times of year. Accountants are responsible for working with financials, monitoring income and/or expenses, and helping businesses stay in compliance with regulations.
The job outlook for accountants and auditors in the U.S. is growing faster than average. It’s projected that 124,200 jobs are needed each year on average until 2034. Financial auditors and accountant job openings in Canada are expected to total 83,100 by 2033.
Courtesy of Joules Garcia / Investopedia
What Accountants Do
Accountants handle a variety of responsibilities, from analyzing trends to preparing statements and summarizing information. A typical workday, depending on experience level and the type of accounting, can include:
- Business analysis of trends, alternative investment planning, return analysis and reporting, and executive briefings
- Using accounting principles to manage operations
- Collecting, analyzing, and summarizing account information
- Preparing budget and financial forecasts
- Publishing financial statements on time
- Conducting month-end and year-end closing processes
- Ensuring regulatory compliance
A Day in the Life of an Accountant—Indeed
Accounting Types and Job Titles
Accounting has several specializations, including:
Holding an accounting degree doesn’t lock you into being an accountant. The skills and qualifications you earn can be transferred to other areas of accounting, like:
- Auditor
- Financial Advisor
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Manager
What Companies Look for in Accountants
Every position is different, but many companies may need the following skills and qualifications:
- Ability to research, write financial reports, and use spreadsheets
- Accounting software experience
- Adherence to confidentiality and financial laws and regulations
- Critical thinking, communication, and math skills are beneficial
- Excellent attention to detail
- Experience as an accountant or in a field like project management or data analytics
- Knowledge of accounting and finance principles and procedures
- Traits like being curious, organized, and adaptable
Advance to Become a Mid-Level Accountant
If advancement is your goal after starting a career as an accountant, striving for a role as a mid-level accountant can be a natural progression. Mid-level accountants have experience beyond entry-level jobs, and the titles may include Accounting Manager, Supervisor, or Staff Accountant.
Coursera lists areas mid-level accountants may need to further develop their skills to succeed:
- Regulatory requirements compliance
- Advanced reporting, particularly with an emphasis on financial modeling
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities
- Ability to lead teams and oversee projects
Grow Your Career with Certifications
Accountants generally hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting, business, or another related field, and some pursue master’s degrees in accounting or business administration. Education lays a strong foundation for starting an accounting career. Certifications and industry memberships support long-term career development.
Count the Benefits of an Accounting Career
From entry-level to mid-level roles and specialty areas, accounting offers many ways to grow a long-term career. Developing technical skills, staying up to date on industry trends and tools, and pursuing certifications that support your goals, you can prepare for a stable accounting career.
About Express Employment Professionals
At Express Employment Professionals, we’re in the business of people. From job seekers to client companies, Express helps people thrive and businesses grow. Our international network of franchises offers localized staffing solutions to the communities they serve across the U.S., Canada, South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand, employing more than 11 million since its inception. For assistance with your job search, visit ExpressPros.com/Job-Seekers or ExpressPros.ca/Job-Seekers.
