What Do Accountants Do? Career Guide

Q: What are the different types of accounting?

The primary types of accounting include financial accounting, management accounting, public accounting, tax accounting, forensic accounting, cost accounting and internal and external auditing. Each specialty serves a different purpose, such as preparing financial statements, supporting business decisions, investigating financial crimes, managing costs or ensuring regulatory compliance. Accounting professionals may also specialize in nonprofit accounting or other industries based on their interests and career goals.

Q: What are the current trends in accounting?

Current accounting trends include artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), cloud accounting software, data analytics and continuous auditing. These technologies help automate repetitive tasks, improve accuracy and provide real-time financial insights, allowing accountants to spend more time on strategic planning, financial analysis and business advising. As technology continues to evolve, accountants increasingly combine technical expertise with analytical and problem-solving skills.

Q: Do you need a CPA license to be an accountant?

You do not need a CPA license to work as an accountant. All CPAs are accountants, but not all accountants are CPAs. Becoming a CPA can be advantageous for those looking to explore public accounting, advancement opportunities or specialized roles.

Job Description

What Is an Accountant?

An accountant is a financial professional who prepares, analyzes and maintains financial records, ensures regulatory compliance, prepares tax returns and helps individuals and organizations make informed financial decisions. Accountants can also identify risks and opportunities for organizations interested in raising profits and reducing costs. Accounting professionals can specialize in areas such as public accounting, management accounting, government accounting, forensic accounting or tax accounting.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Becoming an accounting professional starts with earning a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Those who wish to become a certified public accountant (CPA) must meet specific education requirements, pass the CPA Exam and fulfill other licensure requirements established by their jurisdiction.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Accountant Career Overview

Accounting professionals provide financial solutions for individuals, businesses and other organizations while making sure they are in compliance with all finance-related laws. They may also provide suggestions for growth to upper management. These professionals have a pathway to advancement through specializing, becoming a CPA or by pursuing supervisory or managerial roles in accounting.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Career Topic

What To Know

Financial Accounting

Focuses on preparing financial statements, including balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements, to communicate an organization's financial performance to investors, lenders and other external stakeholders

Management Accounting

Uses financial data, budgets and performance reports to help business leaders make informed operational and strategic decisions, supporting planning, forecasting and improving organizational efficiency

Tax Accounting

Centers on preparing tax returns, ensuring compliance with federal, state and local tax laws, and identifying tax planning opportunities for individuals and organizations

Cost Accounting

Tracks, analyzes and manages the costs associated with producing goods or delivering services; businesses use this information to improve efficiency, set prices and increase profitability

Forensic Accounting

Examines financial records and internal processes to identify potential fraud, embezzlement or other types of financial misconduct

Role

What Do Accountants Do?

Accountant duties include ensuring financial compliance for an individual’s or organization’s financial records and tax returns. They review financial records, prepare financial statements and identify finance-related risks and opportunities, such as by providing tax guidance.

Three main tasks of an accountant include:^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Preparing documents

Accountants prepare financial statements and other documents, such as tax returns.

Reviewing records

These professionals may review financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Identifying risk and opportunities

They assess the fiscal operations of a business to analyze potential risks and identify growth opportunities.

Outlook

Accountant Salary and Career Opportunities

Accounting can offer a stable career path for professionals who enjoy analyzing financial information, solving business challenges and helping organizations make informed financial decisions. Because businesses, government agencies and nonprofit organizations all rely on accountants for financial reporting, tax compliance, auditing and strategic planning, accounting skills remain needed across a variety of industries and career paths. As professionals gain experience, they may also pursue specialized roles or leadership positions.

According to the BLS, accountants and auditors made a median annual salary of $83,680 as of May 2025.^{(See disclaimer 3)} The BLS estimates that accountants and auditors will have a 5% job growth rate from 2025 to 2035, faster than average, accounting for 115,300 job openings each year throughout the decade. Some factors contributing to the increased need for accounting professionals include globalization, which may create opportunities in international organizations and the complex tax and regulatory requirements for organizations and individuals.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Jobs

1,675,600

Projected employment of accountants and auditors in 2035^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Salary

$83,680

Median annual salary of accountants and auditors in May 2025^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Growth

5%

Projected job growth rate for accountants and auditors from 2025 to 2035^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Workplace

Where Do Accountants Work?

Accounting professionals may work in a variety of office settings, including at accounting services companies, in government agencies and in private businesses.^{(See disclaimer 5)} Some work from home offices. CPAs may sometimes travel to their clients’ businesses. Overtime is typical during busy times of the year, such as during quarterly audits and tax season.^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Some work settings for accounting professionals include:^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Financial services companies

About 21% of CPAs worked for accounting, tax preparation, payroll services and similar companies as of 2025.

Private enterprises

Many accountants work within private corporations and enterprises, providing in-house financial services.

Government agencies

Government CPAs may examine and maintain government agency records or audit private individuals or businesses.

Home offices

Some CPAs are self-employed and may work from home offices for a variety of clients.

Career Path

How To Become an Accountant

Some accountants begin by earning a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field before gaining professional experience in areas such as financial reporting, tax or auditing. While some employers prefer candidates with a master's degree, it is not required for every accounting role. Professionals who want to become certified public accountants (CPAs) must meet their state's education, examination and licensure requirements.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Follow these steps to further explore how to become an accountant:^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Earn a bachelor’s degree

Earn a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field to build foundational knowledge in financial reporting, taxation, auditing and business principles.

Consider a master’s degree

Depending on your career goals, earning a master's degree in accounting may strengthen your qualifications.

Obtain CPA licensure (optional for many roles)

If you plan to become a certified public accountant, pass the CPA examination and meet your state's licensure requirements. Although not required for every accounting position, CPA licensure may expand career opportunities and support advancement.

Types of Accounting Careers

Accounting professionals can specialize in many different areas, including public accounting, government accounting and management accounting.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Each career path serves a unique role, requires different skills and may benefit from professional certifications such as the certified public accountant (CPA) credential. Use this table to compare common accounting careers, their primary focus, typical responsibilities and common work environments.

Career Path

Primary Focus

Typical Responsibilities

Common Work Environment

Public Accountant

Audit, tax and consulting

Prepare financial statements, conduct audits, provide tax and advisory services to multiple clients

Corporations, governments, individuals and nonprofits^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Corporate (Private) Accountant

Internal financial management

Budgeting, financial reporting, forecasting, month-end close and internal controls

Private companies and corporations^{(See disclaimer 5)}

Tax Accountant

Tax planning and compliance

Prepare tax returns, minimize tax liability, advise on federal, state and local tax laws

CPA firms and corporations, according to Oracle NetSuite^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Cost Accountant

Manufacturing and operations

Analyze production costs, budgeting, inventory valuation and profitability analysis

Private businesses^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Management Accountant

Business strategy and performance

Budgeting, forecasting, KPI reporting and decision support for executives

Corporations across all industries^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Financial Accountant

External financial reporting

Prepare balance sheets, income statements and cash flow statements in accordance with GAAP

All types of organizations^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Internal Auditor

Risk management and compliance

Ensure compliance and alignment with accepted accounting practices

All types of organizations^{(See disclaimer 1)}

External Auditor

Independent financial audits

Examine financial statements for accuracy and regulatory compliance

Third-party organizations hired by other corporations^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Forensic Accountant

Fraud investigation

Investigate financial crimes, support litigation, trace assets and testify as an expert witness

Insurance companies, banks, public accounting firms and government agencies^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Government Accountant

Public finance and compliance

Manage public funds, ensure regulatory compliance and conduct governmental audits

Federal, state and local government^{(See disclaimer 1)}

Nonprofit Accountant

Fund accounting

Track grants, donations, restricted funds and nonprofit financial reporting

All types of nonprofit organizations, according to The Charity CFO^{(See disclaimer 7)}

Controller

Accounting leadership

High-level financial reporting and analysis, compliance and supervisory duties

All types of organizations^{(See disclaimer 6)}

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Executive financial strategy

Lead financial planning, capital management, investor relations and organizational strategy

Public and private companies, according to the BLS^{(See disclaimer 8)}

Education

What Degree Do You Need To Be an Accountant?

Aspiring accountants typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field; a master’s degree is often preferred.^{(See disclaimer 2)} According to a survey by the Journal of Accountancy, participating public accounting firms stated that 75% of their nearly 12,000 new graduate hires in 2024 had majored in accounting.^{(See disclaimer 9)}

55,152

Combined number of bachelor’s and master’s degrees in accounting awarded by U.S. institutions during the 2023-24 academic year^{(See disclaimer 9)}

Degrees for Aspiring Accountants

7 Matching Degrees

Skills

What Accountant Skills Do Employers Look For?

Accounting professionals need strong knowledge of financial records and reporting and government compliance standards and regulations, including those affecting taxation.^{(See disclaimer 1)} They combine their skills in accounting practices with a variety of soft skills.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Some of the essential skills for accounting professionals include:^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Math skills

Accounting professionals must be comfortable working with numbers and using advanced mathematics skills, such as algebra.

Attention to detail

CPAs must pay attention to every detail when examining financial records.

Communication skills

Accountants must communicate clearly with a variety of clients, managers and other stakeholders.

Organization

CPAs must keep financial documents well-organized.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions About Being an Accountant

Explore some common questions and answers to learn more about how to become an accountant.

What key skills do accountants need?

Accounting requires skills such as analytical thinking, attention to detail, communication, Excel/accounting software proficiency, organization and problem-solving.^{(See disclaimer 2)} This combination of both technical accounting skills and professional soft skills helps them prepare financial records, ensure regulatory compliance, analyze financial data and communicate insights effectively.^{(See disclaimer 1)} Accounting professionals can develop these skills during an accounting degree program and throughout their careers.

What are the basic principles of accounting?

Accounting principles are standardized guidelines used to record and report financial information consistently. These principles, known as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), govern how organizations record, classify and report financial transactions.^{(See disclaimer 10)} An example is the cost principle, which states that an asset, liability and equity investment record must reflect its original purchase price.^{(See disclaimer 10)}

What are the different types of accounting?

The primary types of accounting include financial accounting, management accounting, public accounting, tax accounting, forensic accounting, cost accounting and internal and external auditing.^{(See disclaimer 6)} Each specialty serves a different purpose, such as preparing financial statements, supporting business decisions, investigating financial crimes, managing costs or ensuring regulatory compliance. Accounting professionals may also specialize in nonprofit accounting or other industries based on their interests and career goals.^{(See disclaimer 7)}

What are the current trends in accounting?

Current accounting trends include artificial intelligence (AI), robotic process automation (RPA), cloud accounting software, data analytics and continuous auditing.^{(See disclaimer 11)} These technologies help automate repetitive tasks, improve accuracy and provide real-time financial insights, allowing accountants to spend more time on strategic planning, financial analysis and business advising. As technology continues to evolve, accountants increasingly combine technical expertise with analytical and problem-solving skills.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

What degree do you need to be an accountant?

Most accountants earn a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related business field, which provides the foundational knowledge needed for careers in financial reporting, auditing, taxation and managerial accounting.^{(See disclaimer 2)} A master's degree is an optional additional education that is not required for every accounting position, but can help you position yourself for potential career advancement.^{(See disclaimer 2)}

Do you need a CPA license to be an accountant?

Career Fit

Is Becoming an Accountant Right for Me?

Choosing a career in accounting involves more than meeting education requirements — it also means considering your interests, strengths and long-term career goals.

Becoming an accountant may be a good fit if you:
- Enjoy analyzing financial information and solving business problems
- Want to help individuals or organizations make informed financial decisions
- Like working with detailed records and maintaining accuracy
- Are interested in financial reporting, tax, auditing or other accounting specialties
- Want opportunities to develop specialized expertise or pursue leadership roles as your career grows
Becoming an accountant may not be the best fit if you:
- Prefer work that involves little analysis or documentation
- Don't enjoy working with numbers or financial information
- Struggle with organization or attention to detail
- Prefer careers with minimal regulatory or compliance responsibilities

Accounting offers a variety of career paths, from public accounting and tax to auditing, forensic accounting and corporate finance. Exploring different specialties can help you determine which area best aligns with your interests and talents.

Explore More on Accounting

Discover more about what you can expect from an accounting degree and the career pathway.

What Can You Do With an Accounting Degree?

What can I do with an accounting degree? Explore the different types of accounting careers and learn how to get started with an accounting degree from GCU.

06/03/2020

|

6 min read

Finance vs. Accounting Degree: Which Is Right for You?

What’s the difference between a finance degree and an accounting degree? What sort of careers can a degree in these areas lead to? Find out here.

05/15/2020

|

6 min read

Top Trends in Accounting and Technology

Discover current trends in accounting, from emerging technologies to industry shifts. Learn how an accounting degree from GCU can prepare you for the future.

09/16/2019

|

5 min read

Prepare for a Career in Accounting

Build foundational knowledge in accounting principles, financial reporting and business practices while preparing for careers in accounting and related fields. Explore GCU's accounting degree programs to take the next step toward your professional goals.

Request More Information

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). What Accountants and Auditors Do. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). How To Become an Accountant or Auditor. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 2026.
The earnings referenced were reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Accountants and Auditors as of May 2025, retrieved September 2026. BLS calculates the median using salaries of workers nationwide with varying levels of education and experience. It does not reflect the earnings of GCU graduates as accountants and auditors, nor does it reflect the earnings of workers in one city or region of the country or a typical entry-level salary. Median income is the statistical midpoint for the range of salaries in a specific occupation. It is very unlikely that a median salary will reflect an entry-level salary. It represents what you would earn if you were paid more money than half the workers in an occupation, and less than half the workers in an occupation. It may give you a basis to estimate what you might earn at some point if you enter this career. Grand Canyon University can make no guarantees on individual graduates’ salaries. Your employability will be determined by numerous factors over which GCU has no control, such as the employer the graduate chooses to apply to, the graduate’s experience level, individual characteristics, skills, etc. against a pool of candidates.
Data shown is effective August 2026, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Accountants and Auditors, retrieved September 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Accountants and Auditors: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 2026.
Beaver, S. (2022, March 6). 15 Types of Accountants & What They Do. Oracle NetSuite. Retrieved July 2026.
The Charity CFO. (n.d.). The Complete Guide to Nonprofit Accounting Careers. Retrieved July 2026.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2025, Aug. 28). Top Executives: Work Environment. Occupational Outlook Handbook. Retrieved July 2026.
Strickland, B. (2025, Oct. 27). The Accounting Graduate Pipeline: Where Do Things Stand? Journal of Accountancy. Retrieved July 2026.
Liberto, D. (2026, March 24). Accounting Principles: What They Are and How GAAP and IFRS Work. Investopedia. Retrieved July 2026.
Sexton, L. A., Brown, T. L., Hug, C., McDonough, R., Morrison, C., Romero, A., & Wellbrock, M. (2026, June). AI and the Changing Way of Working. AICPA & CIMA. Retrieved July 2026.

Approved and verified accurate by the Academic Program Coordinator of the Colangelo College of Business on Aug. 24, 2026.

Accountant Career Guide