Career profile · SOC 13-2011

Accountants and Auditors

Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records to prepare financial statements, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others.

Median salary
$81,680
per year
Growth outlook
Average
BLS 10-yr
Education
Bachelor's degree
AI exposure
8.1/10
automation risk

Salary distribution (US)

Real salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The p10–p90 spread tells you more than the median alone.

Bottom 10%
$50,440
25th %ile
$62,200
Median
$81,680
75th %ile
$101,360
Top 10%
$132,690

Top skills

Active Listening Reading Comprehension Critical Thinking Writing Mathematics Speaking Judgment and Decision Making Complex Problem Solving Active Learning Time Management

Knowledge you'll build

  • Economics and Accounting
  • English Language
  • Mathematics
  • Administration and Management
  • Law and Government
  • Customer and Personal Service
  • Computers and Electronics
  • Personnel and Human Resources

A day in the life

You start your morning logging into accounting software like QuickBooks or SAP, reviewing journal entries, and reconciling accounts before the daily requests start rolling in from managers and clients. A large portion of your day is spent analyzing financial statements, preparing tax filings, or auditing transaction records for accuracy and compliance, often cross-referencing regulations and internal policies. You interact with clients, CFOs, and department leads to clarify discrepancies, explain tax implications, or present audit findings, toggling between spreadsheets, ERP systems, and regulatory databases. The work is deeply satisfying during busy season when everything balances perfectly, but the pressure of deadlines, especially around quarterly closes and tax season, demands meticulous attention and long hours.

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