Career overview

Accountants and Auditors

O*NET-SOC 13-2011.00

Median pay / yr$81,680

OutlookRapid Growth; Numerous Job Openings

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.

What it takes

The skills, knowledge, and credentials employers look for in Accountants and Auditors.

Skills employers look for

Reading ComprehensionUnderstanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
Active ListeningGiving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical ThinkingUsing logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
SpeakingTalking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision MakingConsidering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Knowledge areas

Economics and AccountingKnowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking, and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
English LanguageKnowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
MathematicsKnowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Administration and ManagementKnowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
Customer and Personal ServiceKnowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.