Synonyms: Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Financial Accountant

Table of Contents

• Quick Facts
• Day in the Life
• Common Characteristics
• How to Become a Public Accountant
• Career Path
• Specialties and Similar Career Paths
• Advice from Kevin

Quick Facts

What public accountants do:

Public accountants provide a variety of financial services, including auditing, tax preparation, financial consulting, and advising businesses and individuals on financial matters. They ensure that financial records are accurate, taxes are paid properly, and businesses operate efficiently.

Median income:

$79,880 annually or $38.41 per hour.

Lifestyle:

Public accountants typically work regular business hours but may work longer hours during tax season or audits. They often balance multiple clients and may travel to client locations.

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance is typically required, along with passing the CPA exam to become a Certified Public Accountant.

Job Outlook

The future for public accountants is bright, with the profession expected to grow 6% from 2022 to 2032, faster than average for all occupations.

This is perfect for you if:

• You enjoy working with a lot of numbers
• You have a strong attention to detail and prefer working in structured environments
• You are okay working in a client-facing role, providing advice to make sound financial decisions

If that sounds like you, definitely watch our interview with Kevin Reich to learn more about being a public accountant here!

Day in the Life

Schedule:

Typically works during regular office hours, but may work longer hours, especially during tax season or financial audits.

Setting:

Works in accounting firms, corporate offices, or government agencies, with some traveling to client sites for audits or consultations.

Tasks:

Prepare and examine financial statements, ensure compliance with tax laws, conduct audits, advise clients on financial strategies, and help with tax planning and preparation.

Topics:

Tax law, financial reporting, auditing, accounting standards, budgeting, financial analysis, business strategy, risk management, tax preparation, and compliance.

Skills:

Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, knowledge of tax laws and accounting principles, excellent communication, and time management.

Tools:

Accounting software (QuickBooks, SAP), tax preparation software, financial management tools, spreadsheets, and audit tools.

Common Characteristics

Natural Talents (strengths):

Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, problem-solving skills, ability to work under pressure, excellent organizational skills, and effective communication.

Interests:

Enjoys working with numbers, analyzing financial data, helping businesses improve their finances, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.

Personality:

Typically have conventional, investigative, and enterprising personality types, with a strong focus on structure, accuracy, and strategic thinking.

Values:

Integrity, accuracy, professionalism, client-focused solutions, and continuous learning to stay up-to-date with financial regulations.

*Terms used to describe interests and personality are based on the Holland Framework.

How to Become a Public Accountant

Education Requirements:

A bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field is required, along with passing the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Some public accountants may also pursue a master’s degree in accounting or business administration for career advancement.

Preferred Majors

Pursuing majors in accounting, finance, business administration, economics, auditing, taxation, and financial management can be helpful.

Career Path

Specialties and Similar Career Paths

Advice from Kevin

Job hunt tips to set yourself apart:

Keep learning and stay current on tax laws and accounting standards — clients rely on your expertise to make sound financial decisions. It’s also crucial to ​​earn your CPA certification, build a strong network within the accounting field, and develop specialized knowledge in tax law or auditing.

Fastest way to get your foot in the door:

Complete internships at accounting firms or work as an accounting assistant while studying for the CPA exam.

Recommended resources:

Kevin recommends looking into:

1. The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) for staying informed on accounting standards and certifications.
2. IRS tax resources for keeping up with tax laws.
3. CPA review courses like Becker CPA Review for exam preparation.
4. QuickBooks Certification to enhance accounting software skills.

What Kevin would tell his younger self if he was just getting started:

When I started at Deloitte, one of our experienced partners, who I still keep in touch with, gave us three key pieces of advice. First, you’ll work harder than you ever thought possible. Second, you’ll learn more than you ever imagined. And third, you’ll find a lifelong friend because when you’re working with your team for 60 hours a week or more for much of the year, you get to know your coworkers really well, creating a strong team culture.

Watch the full interview with Kevin:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/4elyZgY3Ti1Td91fBSAQOf?si=Xik36VrtQx666irUDVWunw

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Data on job profiles is based on information supplied by the Occupational Outlook Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, My Next Move from the National Center for O*NET Development, and the O*NET Program, sponsored by U.S. Department of Labor, Employment, and Training Administration. Accessed 25 September 2024.

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