Accountants
Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.
Tasks Include:
- Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
- Report to management regarding the finances of establishment.
- Establish tables of accounts and assign entries to proper accounts.
- Develop, implement, modify, and document recordkeeping and accounting systems, making use of current computer technology.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0; US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.
Projections Quick View:
Virginia: +25.0%
National: +15.7%
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Job Zone:
Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Income Range:
Highest ($50,000 and up)
Average Earnings:
National
$68,960.00
State
$74,340.00
Regional
Accountants
Description
| Career Cluster: | Business, Management & Administration
|
Analyze financial information and prepare financial reports to determine or maintain record of assets, liabilities, profit and loss, tax liability, or other financial activities within an organization.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Education
Required Level of Education
- Bachelor's Degree = 79.47%
- Master's Degree = 5.14%
- Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree) = 4.63%
- First Professional Degree - awarded for completion of a program that: requires at least 2 years of college work before entrance into the program, includes a total of at least 6 academic years of work to complete, and provides all remaining academic requirements to begin practice in a profession = 3.43%
- Post-Baccalaureate Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Baccalaureate degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees carrying the title of Master = 2.93%
- Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades) = 2.11%
- Some College Courses = 1.79%
- Post-Master's Certificate - awarded for completion of an organized program of study; designed for people who have completed a Master's degree, but do not meet the requirements of academic degrees at the doctoral level = 0.50%
Related Work Experience
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 37.60%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years = 34.13%
- None = 13.05%
- Over 6 years, up to and including 8 years = 5.64%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 4.69%
- Over 10 years = 2.22%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 2.10%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 0.56%
On-Site or In-Plant Training
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 30.34%
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 27.36%
- Up to and including 1 month = 16.89%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 11.95%
- None = 4.41%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 3.53%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 2.89%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 2.63%
On-the-Job Training
- Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months = 30.78%
- Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year = 27.61%
- Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months = 18.88%
- Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years = 7.69%
- Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month = 7.30%
- Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years = 3.78%
- Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years = 2.56%
- Over 10 years = 1.41%
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Tasks
Core Tasks Include:
- Prepare, examine, or analyze accounting records, financial statements, or other financial reports to assess accuracy, completeness, and conformance to reporting and procedural standards.
- Report to management regarding the finances of establishment.
- Establish tables of accounts and assign entries to proper accounts.
- Develop, implement, modify, and document recordkeeping and accounting systems, making use of current computer technology.
Supplemental Tasks Include:
- Compute taxes owed and prepare tax returns, ensuring compliance with payment, reporting or other tax requirements.
- Maintain or examine the records of government agencies.
- Advise clients in areas such as compensation, employee health care benefits, the design of accounting or data processing systems, or long-range tax or estate plans.
- Develop, maintain, and analyze budgets, preparing periodic reports that compare budgeted costs to actual costs.
- Provide internal and external auditing services for businesses or individuals.
- Analyze business operations, trends, costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations, to project future revenues and expenses or to provide advice.
- Advise management about issues such as resource utilization, tax strategies, and the assumptions underlying budget forecasts.
- Represent clients before taxing authorities and provide support during litigation involving financial issues.
- Prepare forms and manuals for accounting and bookkeeping personnel, and direct their work activities.
- Appraise, evaluate, and inventory real property and equipment, recording information such as the description, value and location of property.
- Survey operations to ascertain accounting needs and to recommend, develop, or maintain solutions to business and financial problems.
- Serve as bankruptcy trustees or business valuators.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Tools and Technology
Tools Include:
- Calculators or accessories (10-key calculators)
- Desktop computers
- Facsimile machines (Fax machines)
- Notebook computers
- Personal computers
- Personal digital assistant PDAs or organizers (Personal digital assistants PDA)
- Photocopiers (Photocopying equipment)
- Scanners
- Tablet computers
Technologies Include:
- Accounting software
- Accounts payable software
- Accounts receivable software
- Accurate NXG
- AcorynSystems Activity Based Costing/Management ABC/M
- AdaptaSoft CyberPay
- Asset management software
- ATX Total Accounting Office
- ATX Total Engagement Office
- Automation Counselors municiPAL
- Best MIP Fund Accounting
- Billing software
- CCIS AccountAbility
- Cost accounting software
- CYMA IV Accounting for Windows
- Evron Computer Systems SAGE PFW (Platinum For Windows)
- Financial reporting software
- Financial statement software
- FRx Software Microsoft FRx
- Fund accounting software
- General ledger software
- Heron CrossTie General Ledger
- Intuit QuickBooks Premier
- Intuit QuickBooks software
- Invoice software
- Lead Activity Analyzer
- Lead Business Analyzer
- Micronetics Xpert Write-up
- Multiview Accounts Receivable
- New Millennium Communications Genesis Accounting
- Pro Systems Client Write-Up System for Windows
- Profit Developers Electronic File Interchange
- PROPHIX Enterprise
- Roundtable Software Advantage Accounting System
- Sage BusinessWorks
- Sage CPAAccounts Payable
- Sage CPAAccounts Receivable
- Sage CPAClient Checkbook
- Sage Peachtree software
- Sage Timberline Office software
- Softrax Revenue Management
- Summit Software Summit Biofuels Accounting
- UA Business Software Professional Edition
- Compliance software
- Accounting compliance software
- ACCUCert software
- FLS eDP PAYROLLtax
- Intrax ProcedureNet
- Paisley Cardmap
- Paisley Focus Control Assurance
- Paisley RiskNavigator
- Tax compliance property tax management software
- Customer relationship management CRM software
- Blackbaud The Raiser's Edge
- Data base reporting software
- Business Objects Crystal Reports
- Data base user interface and query software
- Best Software CPAPayroll
- FileMaker Pro software
- Microsoft Access
- Practice management software PMS
- Development environment software
- eXtensible Business Reporting Language XBRL
- Document management software
- Accutrac software
- Document management system software
- OmniRIM software
- Sage CPADocument Manager
- Electronic mail software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Enterprise application integration software
- Business Objects Data Integrator
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Accountants Templates JAZZ-It!
- AcornSystems Corporate Performance Management
- Cartesis ES Magnitude
- Exact Software Macola ES
- Hyperion Solutions System 9
- Microsoft Dynamics GP
- Microsoft Dynamics NAV
- Microsoft Dynamics SL
- Microsoft Great Plains software
- Microsoft Great Plains Solomon
- NetSuite NetERP
- Sage ERP Accpac
- Sage MAS 200
- Sage MAS 90
- Sage Platinum for Windows PFW
- SAP software
- Financial analysis software
- Accounting fraud detection software
- AuditWare software
- Brentmark Estate Planning Quickview
- Cammack Computations Inter-Est
- Cartesis Magnitude iAnalysis
- Estate planning software
- Fixed-assets depreciation software
- MethodWare ProAudit Advisor
- Microsoft FRx
- OSI TrustWise
- Paisley AutoAudit
- Paisley IssueTrack
- Payables Tests Sets for ACL software
- Pentana audit work system PAWS
- RSM McGladrey Advanced Practice Solutions Paperless Audit
- RSM McGladrey Auditor Assistant
- Sage MAS 500
- Sync Essentials Trade Accountant
- Human resources software
- Sage Abra HRMS
- Inventory management software
- AIM Asset Management Software
- Office suite software
- Microsoft Office software
- Operating system software
- Microsoft Windows
- Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Project management software
- Sage CPAPractice Manager
- Spreadsheet software
- Microsoft Excel
- Tax preparation software
- 1099 ProsSoftware
- Abacus Tax Software
- Advanced Micro Systems 1099-Etc
- American Riviera Magtax
- ATX Total Tax Office
- Avalara AvaTax ST
- BNA Estate and Gift Tax Suite
- BNA Income Tax Planning Solutions
- BNA Sales and Use Tax Rates and Forms
- CCH ProSystem fx TAX
- Creative Solutions UltraTax 1040
- H&R Block TaxCut Software
- IDMS Account Ability
- Income tax return preparation software
- Intuit Lacerte
- Intuit ProSeries
- Intuit TurboTax
- KPB Associates TaxStream
- NewPortWave Year End Solutions
- Orrtax Software IntelliTax Business for Windows
- Orrtax Software IntelliTax Classic
- Thomson GoSystem Tax
- Universal Tax Systems TaxWise
- Time accounting software
- Payroll software
- Transaction server software
- Tumbleweed SecureTransport
- Word processing software
- Microsoft Word
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Special Requirements
Eligibility
-
Examination candidates must have obtained from one or more accredited institutions or from the National College at least 120 semester hours of education, a baccalaureate or higher degree, and an accounting concentration or equivalent prior to taking any part of the CPA examination.
For the purpose of complying with the Board of Accountancy’s Regulation 18 VAC 5-21-30 (subdivision B1) and with subsection A1a of § 54.1-4409.2 of the Code of Virginia, obtaining an accounting concentration or equivalent requires obtaining at a minimum:
- 24 semester hours of accounting courses, including courses in auditing, financial accounting, management accounting, and taxation; and
- 24 semester hours of business courses, no more than six semester hours of which could be considered accounting courses.
Principles or introductory accounting courses cannot be considered in determining whether a person has obtained the 48 minimum number of semester hours required for an accounting concentration or equivalent.
Candidates with foreign educational credentials may take the examination provided they have their credentials evaluated by a Foreign Credentials Evaluation Service.
Examination candidates must meet all of the educational requirements listed above at the time of application.
Note: Once a candidate has passed all 4 sections of the exam, CPA licensure requires at least 150 semester hours of education in accordance with the above provisions.
-
Examination candidates must provide a valid social security number or driver’s license number (required by Virginia State Law).
-
Examination candidates must be of good character (lack of a history of dishonest or felonious acts).
Examination Sections
The names and length of the examination sections are:
- Auditing and Attestation (AUD) – 4.5 hours
- Financial Accounting and Reporting (FAR) – 4 hours
- Regulation (REG) – 3 hours
- Business Environment and Concepts (BEC) – 2.5 hours
Testing Windows
The CPA Examination is offered the first two months of each calendar quarter. These months of testing are known as “testing windows”:
- January – February
- April – May
- July – August
- October - November
The exam is not given during the third month of each calendar quarter to allow for systems maintenance.
Exam candidates may take one or more sections of the exam during any testing window and in any order. However, a candidate may not take the same section more than once during any one testing window.
It is important that you plan accordingly; it is your responsibility to schedule the remaining unpassed sections of the exam within 18 months of passing one or more sections. In the event that all four sections of the exam are not passed within the 18-month period, credit for any section(s) passed outside of that 18-month period will expire and that section(s) must be retaken.
Scheduling and Scoring
After eligibility to take the examination is determined by Board of Accountancy staff, an Authorization to Test (ATT) will be sent to the National Candidate Database (NCD) at the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA). Once NASBA receives the ATT they will issue a payment coupon to the exam candidate with instructions on how to pay the examination fees.
NASBA will issue a Notice to Schedule (NTS) to the exam candidate following receipt of examination fees. Exam candidates typically receive their NTS within 1-2 business days of paying exam fees, depending upon how they selected to be contacted. Regular mail processing typically takes 7-10 business days.
Upon receipt of the NTS, exam candidates are required to contact Prometric at www.prometric.com/cpa or at 1-800-580-9648 to schedule their exam section(s). Exam candidates must ensure that all information on the NTS is correct. The name appearing on the NTS must match EXACTLY to the name on the identification documents that the exam candidate will use during check-in at the testing center. If the information does not match EXACTLY, contact the Board of Accountancy to request a correction. Please note: The Board of Accountancy does not control space availability or location of the test centers.
IMPORTANT NOTE TO ALL EXAM CANDIDATES: Once an NTS has been issued, a Virginia exam candidate has one year from the date of the NTS to schedule and take the approved examination section(s). If a candidate does not take all sections for which they registered before the NTS expires, the candidate will forfeit all exam fees. Once a NTS has expired, exam candidates will have to re-submit their application to take the exam, and will have to pay all examination fees again. Exam candidates should not apply to sit for a section of the examination until they are ready to take it. Exceptions to the one year rule may only be made in extreme circumstances (i.e., health, death in family, military). Exception requests must be submitted to the Virginia Board of Accountancy prior to the expiration of the NTS.
After an exam candidate has made an appointment for an examination section(s), a candidate may find it necessary to change an appointment. Exam candidates must contact Prometric at www.prometric.com/cpa or at 1-800-580-9648 to reschedule an appointment. Depending on when a candidate notifies Prometric of the change, rescheduling fees or a forfeiture of fees may occur. Exam candidates that cancel an exam section and do not reschedule prior to the NTS expiration date will forfeit all exam fees, will have to re-apply, and will be required to pay all examination fees again. Please reference the Uniform CPA Examination Candidate Bulletin for a Rescheduling/Cancellation Fee Schedule.
Exam candidates must bring their NTS with them to the examination testing center. The NTS contains an “examination password” that must be entered on the computer as part of the log-in process. Exam candidates will not be admitted into the test center without the NTS, nor will they be admitted if the name on the identification that is presented does not match EXACTLY to the name on the NTS, resulting in the forfeiture of all fees.
Exam candidates must arrive at the test center at least 30 minutes before the scheduled appointment time for their examination. This allows time to complete the sign-in process. Arriving anytime after the scheduled start time may result in the candidate being denied permission to test, resulting in the forfeiture of all fees.
A score of 75 on each examination section is required to pass the exam. No minimum score is required on a failed section(s) to retain a passing score. However, it is your responsibility to schedule the remaining unpassed sections of the exam within 18 months of passing one or more sections. In the event that all four sections of the exam are not passed within the 18-month period, credit for any section(s) passed outside of that 18-month period will expire and that section(s) must be retaken.
Examination scores are sent to NASBA by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) to be entered into the national candidate database. Following update of the exam scores, NASBA will forward the exam scores to the Virginia Board of Accountancy. Upon receipt, the Virginia Board of Accountancy will notify exam candidates of their score(s).
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Virginia Board of Accountancy (Board) complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. To ensure equal opportunity for all qualified persons, the Board will coordinate reasonable modifications in the administration of the exam for candidates establishing the need for accommodation due to a disability that limits one or more of his or her major life activities. If a candidate believes he or she has a specific disability which would require accommodation under the ADA, the candidate must provide the Board with appropriate information. The candidate must also submit documentation from an appropriately licensed health care professional that includes a diagnosis of the disability, along with a specific recommendation and justification for the requested modifications. The Board is not responsible for any costs necessary to obtain the required diagnosis, recommendation and documentation; however, the Board will be responsible for reasonable costs associated with necessary and reasonable accommodations.
It is in the exam candidates’ best interest to provide recent and appropriate documentation which clearly defines the extent and impact of the disability(s) on current levels of academic and physical functioning. Any information over three years old may have to be updated.
Additional requirements, if necessary, will be communicated to the exam candidate upon completion of the application process.
Reading Materials
It is recommended that exam candidates fully educate themselves on the CPA Examination process. The Virginia Board of Accountancy’s (Board) website (www.boa.virginia.gov) is an excellent resource and must be utilized in the application for exam and licensure processes. However, a comprehensive overview of each step in the process, to include those outside of the purview of the Board, can be found in the Uniform CPA Examination Candidate Bulletin that is prepared by the AICPA, NASBA and Prometric.
The Candidate Bulletin is the official handbook for individuals who plan to take the CPA Exam and provides an overview of the following steps to the exam process:
- Apply to take the Examination (request, complete and submit an application)
- Payment of Examination Fees
- Candidates are required to review the tutorial and sample tests
- Receive your Notice to Schedule (NTS)
- Schedule your Examination
- Take your Examination(s)
- Receive your Score Report(s)
Exam candidates should visit www.cpa-exam.org to download the Candidate Bulletin and to utilize an on-line tutorial, sample tests and additional reading materials in preparation for the exam. The AICPA (www.aicpa.org) and NASBA (www.nasba.org) websites offer additional materials as well.
The Uniform CPA Examination is one of the “Three E’s” – Education, Examination and Experience that are required for licensure as a CPA. Consequently, passing the examination is not, in itself, sufficient to meet the Virginia Board of Accountancy’s requirements for licensure as a CPA in Virginia.
Licensure requirements vary by jurisdiction and can be found on individual Boards of Accountancy websites. Information on Virginia CPA licensure may be found at www.boa.virginia.gov/cpalicensure.asp.
Required Fees:
Exam Fees
Welcome to the Board of Accountancy's (BOA) CPA Exam Fees. Initial CPA exam applicants are required to pay both an application processing fee and an examination fee. Reexam CPA exam candidates are not required to pay an application processing fee.
- All applicants are required to pay a one-time application processing fee of $120.00 upon submission of the online application.
- There is no provision for withdrawing from the examination. Application fees are NOT refundable. Examination fees may be partially refunded under the following extreme circumstances; medical emergency of candidate or candidate’s immediate family, or death in immediate family. Documentation of such circumstances must be submitted along with written request. Applicants who are deemed ineligible may be approved for a refund of examination fees only.
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Examination Fees (in addition to the Board’s Administration Fees)
|
||||
|
Fee Type
|
AUD
|
FAR
|
REG
|
BEC
|
|
AICPA (Development & Scoring)
|
95.00
|
95.00
|
95.00
|
95.00
|
|
Prometric
|
111.60
|
99.20
|
74.40
|
62.00
|
|
Digital Photograph
|
5.95
|
5.95
|
5.95
|
5.95
|
|
NASBA (Database & Reporting)
|
18.00
|
18.00
|
18.00
|
18.00
|
|
Totaling
|
$230.55
|
$218.15
|
$193.35
|
$180.95
|
For More Information, Contact:
National Association Of State Boards Of Accountancy
150 Fourth Ave.North, Suite 700
Nashville, Tennessee 37219-2417
Phone: 615.880.4200
Phone: 800.272.3926
Fax: 615.880.4290
http://www.nasba.org/
AICPA Examinations Team
201 Plaza Three
Harborside Financial Center
Jersey City, NJ 07311-3881
Phone: 800.272.3926
http://www.cpa-exam.org/
cpa-exam@aicpa.org
Accountants
Virginia Board of Accountancy
9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 402
Richmond, VA 23233
Phone: (80.4) .505
Fax: (80.4) .4409
http://www.boa.virginia.gov/
boa@boa.virginia.gov
The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
AICPA Member Service Center
220 Leigh Farm Road
Durham, NC 27707
Phone: 1 .(88.7077
http://www.aicpa.org/
service@aicpa.org.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.
Accountants
Internships
FBI Agency
ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES UNIT
FBI ACADEMY
QUANTICO, VA 22135
Phone: 703.632.3025
http://www.fbijobs.gov/23.asp
The FBI's Budget and Program Management Unit (BPMU) is offering full-time unpaid internships to qualifying students during Spring, Fall, and Summer semesters. The BPMU is located at the FBI Academy on the Marine Corps Base at Quantico, Virginia.
The Washington Center
2301 M Street, NW, 5th Floor
Washington, D.C.
Phone: 202.336.7570
Toll Free: a
TTY: b
Fax: 202.336.7609
http://www.twc.edu
The Washington Center works with 500 colleges and universities and has over 33,000 alumni in leadership positions throughout the U.S. and other countries. TWC guarantees all students furnished housing - typically in attractive and conveniently-located high-rise apartment buildings in Northern Virginia. Over 80% of students receive financial assistance which offsets in whole or part their tuition and housing costs for the program. The program operates year-round, with fall and spring semesters and a summer term, as well as quarter terms.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.
Accountants
Additional Resources
Information about careers in certified public accounting and CPA standards and examinations may be obtained from:
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
1211 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
http://www.aicpa.org
Information on CPA licensure requirements by State may be obtained from:
National Association of State Boards of Accountancy
150 Fourth Ave. North
Suite 700
Nashville, TN 37219-2417
http://www.nasba.org
Information on careers in management accounting and the CMA designation may be obtained from:
Institute of Management Accountants
10 Paragon Dr.
Montvale, NJ 07645-1760
http://www.imanet.org
Information on the Accredited in Accountancy, Accredited Business Accountant, Accredited Tax Advisor, or Accredited Tax Preparer designations may be obtained from:
Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation
1010 North Fairfax St.
Alexandria, VA 22314
http://www.acatcredentials.org
Information on careers in internal auditing and the CIA designation may be obtained from:
The Institute of Internal Auditors
249 Maitland Ave.
Altamonte Springs. FL 32701-4201
http://www.theiia.org
Information on careers in information systems auditing and the CISA designation may be obtained from:
The Information Systems Audit and Control Association
3701 Algonquin Rd.
Suite 1010
Rolling Meadows, IL 60008
http://www.isaca.org
Information on careers in government accounting and on the CGFM designation may be obtained from:
Association of Government Accountants
2208 Mount Vernon Ave.
Alexandria, VA 22301
http://www.agacgfm.org
Information on obtaining an accounting position with the Federal Government is available from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) through a telephone-based system. Consult your telephone directory under U.S. Government for a local number or call (912) 757-3000; Federal Relay Service: (800) 877-8339 The first number is not tollfree and charges may result.
Information also is available from the OPM Internet site:
http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/Standards/IORs/gs1900/1980b.htm
Virginia Accounting Job Search
http://jobs.monster.com/v-accounting-q-accountant-jobs-l-virginia.aspx
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Career VIEW Research.
Accountants
Knowledge
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 87.00 | Economics and Accounting | Knowledge of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data. |
| 76.75 | Mathematics | Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. |
| 64.75 | English Language | Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. |
| 64.25 | Computers and Electronics | Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming. |
| 64.00 | Clerical | Knowledge of administrative and clerical procedures and systems such as word processing, managing files and records, stenography and transcription, designing forms, and other office procedures and terminology. |
| 60.75 | Administration and Management | Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources. |
| 59.75 | Customer and Personal Service | Knowledge 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. |
| 51.75 | Law and Government | Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Skills
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 72.00 | Active Listening | Giving 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. |
| 72.00 | Mathematics | Using mathematics to solve problems. |
| 68.75 | Reading Comprehension | Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents. |
| 68.75 | Writing | Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience. |
| 65.50 | Speaking | Talking to others to convey information effectively. |
| 65.50 | Critical Thinking | Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems. |
| 62.50 | Judgment and Decision Making | Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one. |
| 59.50 | Complex Problem Solving | Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions. |
| 59.50 | Time Management | Managing one's own time and the time of others. |
| 56.25 | Active Learning | Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making. |
| 53.00 | Monitoring | Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action. |
| 53.00 | Coordination | Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions. |
| 53.00 | Systems Analysis | Determining how a system should work and how changes in conditions, operations, and the environment will affect outcomes. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Abilities
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 78.00 | Oral Comprehension | The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences. |
| 78.00 | Written Comprehension | The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing. |
| 78.00 | Mathematical Reasoning | The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem. |
| 75.00 | Number Facility | The ability to add, subtract, multiply, or divide quickly and correctly. |
| 68.75 | Deductive Reasoning | The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense. |
| 68.75 | Near Vision | The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer). |
| 68.75 | Oral Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand. |
| 65.50 | Written Expression | The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand. |
| 65.50 | Inductive Reasoning | The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events). |
| 65.50 | Problem Sensitivity | The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem. |
| 62.50 | Information Ordering | The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations). |
| 59.50 | Category Flexibility | The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways. |
| 56.25 | Speech Recognition | The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person. |
| 56.25 | Selective Attention | The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted. |
| 53.00 | Perceptual Speed | The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object. |
| 53.00 | Speech Clarity | The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you. |
| 50.00 | Flexibility of Closure | The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material. |
| 50.00 | Finger Dexterity | The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Work Activities
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 89.75 | Interacting With Computers | Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information. |
| 89.00 | Processing Information | Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data. |
| 85.50 | Getting Information | Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources. |
| 82.50 | Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards | Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards. |
| 75.00 | Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work | Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work. |
| 74.00 | Analyzing Data or Information | Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts. |
| 73.50 | Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates | Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person. |
| 70.00 | Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge | Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job. |
| 69.00 | Making Decisions and Solving Problems | Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems. |
| 67.50 | Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships | Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time. |
| 66.50 | Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events | Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events. |
| 66.25 | Documenting/Recording Information | Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form. |
| 64.00 | Communicating with Persons Outside Organization | Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail. |
| 62.00 | Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others | Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used. |
| 61.50 | Performing Administrative Activities | Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork. |
| 50.75 | Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others | Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks. |
| 49.75 | Scheduling Work and Activities | Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others. |
| 49.50 | Thinking Creatively | Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Work Styles
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 95.25 | Attention to Detail | Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks. |
| 93.50 | Integrity | Job requires being honest and ethical. |
| 84.75 | Dependability | Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations. |
| 83.75 | Analytical Thinking | Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems. |
| 81.25 | Cooperation | Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude. |
| 81.00 | Achievement/Effort | Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks. |
| 80.25 | Initiative | Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges. |
| 78.00 | Stress Tolerance | Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations. |
| 77.75 | Persistence | Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles. |
| 77.75 | Independence | Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done. |
| 74.25 | Self Control | Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations. |
| 70.25 | Adaptability/Flexibility | Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace. |
| 68.25 | Leadership | Job requires a willingness to lead, take charge, and offer opinions and direction. |
| 67.25 | Innovation | Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems. |
| 67.00 | Concern for Others | Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job. |
| 53.50 | Social Orientation | Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Work Values
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 72.17 | Achievement | Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. |
| 66.67 | Relationships | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. |
| 66.67 | Support | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. |
| 66.67 | Independence | Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. |
| 63.83 | Working Conditions | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. |
| 61.17 | Recognition | Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Work Context
| % | Subject | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 95.80 | Importance of Being Exact or Accurate | How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job? |
| 94.20 | Telephone | How often do you have telephone conversations in this job? |
| 93.40 | Electronic Mail | How often do you use electronic mail in this job? |
| 93.00 | Indoors, Environmentally Controlled | How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions? |
| 93.00 | Importance of Repeating Same Tasks | How important is repeating the same physical activities (e.g., key entry) or mental activities (e.g., checking entries in a ledger) over and over, without stopping, to performing this job? |
| 92.20 | Structured versus Unstructured Work | To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals? |
| 89.80 | Spend Time Sitting | How much does this job require sitting? |
| 87.40 | Face-to-Face Discussions | How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job? |
| 84.00 | Freedom to Make Decisions | How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer? |
| 83.00 | Work With Work Group or Team | How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job? |
| 77.40 | Contact With Others | How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it? |
| 76.80 | Frequency of Decision Making | How frequently is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization? |
| 75.20 | Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results | How do the decisions an employee makes impact the results of co-workers, clients or the company? |
| 75.00 | Letters and Memos | How often does the job require written letters and memos? |
| 74.60 | Time Pressure | How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines? |
| 65.40 | Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions | How much does this job require making repetitive motions? |
| 63.80 | Degree of Automation | How automated is the job? |
| 63.00 | Level of Competition | To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures? |
| 63.00 | Coordinate or Lead Others | How important is it to coordinate or lead others in accomplishing work activities in this job? |
| 61.40 | Responsibility for Outcomes and Results | How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers? |
| 58.60 | Deal With External Customers | How important is it to work with external customers or the public in this job? |
| 56.60 | Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls | How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls? |
| 55.40 | Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable | How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable? |
| 52.40 | Physical Proximity | To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks in close physical proximity to other people? |
| 50.80 | Responsible for Others' Health and Safety | How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job? |
| 50.00 | Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People | How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements? |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Overall Experience
- A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
- Job Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
- Examples
- Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include accountants, sales managers, database administrators, teachers, chemists, environmental engineers, criminal investigators, and special agents.
- Education
- Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Earnings Benefits
| Region | Entry Level | Average | Experienced |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | $39,640.00 | $70,130.00 | $109,870.00 |
| Virginia | $41,510.00 | $74,340.00 | $115,730.00 |
| Region | Entry Level | Average | Experienced |
| Bay Consortium | $38,396.24 | $64,059.14 | $101,621.86 |
| Capital Region Workforce Partnership | $40,453.72 | $67,190.88 | $104,984.24 |
| Central VA/Region2000 | $35,619.54 | $65,765.62 | $103,110.86 |
| Crater Area | $42,060.05 | $68,608.06 | $99,590.68 |
| Greater Peninsula | $40,496.20 | $65,698.86 | $96,444.77 |
| Hampton Roads | $34,253.96 | $60,729.13 | $92,318.68 |
| New River/Mt. Rogers | $34,572.60 | $56,387.58 | $85,909.53 |
| Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington | $48,702.87 | $83,795.40 | $125,858.49 |
| Piedmont Workforce | $40,282.77 | $63,784.00 | $95,643.63 |
| Shenandoah Valley | $35,148.16 | $59,582.04 | $94,746.39 |
| South Central | $30,954.30 | $59,879.44 | $97,650.54 |
| Southwestern Virginia | $32,187.37 | $53,844.56 | $82,444.99 |
| West Piedmont | $34,137.63 | $59,244.18 | $83,948.14 |
| Western Virginia | $36,410.57 | $63,266.09 | $96,299.11 |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: US Department of Labor (BLS); Virginia Workforce Connection.
Accountants
Employment Projections
| National | 2010 | 2020 | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 1,216,900 | 1,407,600 | + 15.7% |
| State | 2008 | 2018 | % Change |
| Virginia | 40,136 | 50,154 | + 25.0% |
| Region | 2008 | 2018 | % Change |
| Bay Consortium | 779 | 974 | + 25.0% |
| Capital Region Workforce Partnership | 7,781 | 9,441 | + 21.3% |
| Central VA/Region2000 | 608 | 703 | + 15.6% |
| Crater Area | 336 | 377 | + 12.2% |
| Greater Peninsula | 1,959 | 2,360 | + 20.5% |
| Hampton Roads | 4,236 | 5,174 | + 22.1% |
| New River/Mt. Rogers | 983 | 1,162 | + 18.2% |
| Northern Virginia and Alexandria/Arlington | 17,407 | 22,922 | + 31.7% |
| Piedmont Workforce | 1,315 | 1,600 | + 21.7% |
| Shenandoah Valley | 1,212 | 1,416 | + 16.8% |
| South Central | 260 | 297 | + 14.2% |
| Southwestern Virginia | 319 | 374 | + 17.2% |
| West Piedmont | 357 | 427 | + 19.6% |
| Western Virginia | 1,264 | 1,510 | + 19.5% |
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Virginia Workforce Connection.
Accountants
Related Occupations
Related Occupations
- Treasurers and Controllers
- Cost Estimators
- Auditors
- Budget Analysts
- Credit Analysts
- Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents
- Actuaries
- Economists
Careers in Business Financial Management and Accounting Pathway:
- Chief Executives
- Financial Managers
- Treasurers and Controllers
- Accountants and Auditors
- Accountants
- Auditors
- Statement Clerks
- Billing, Cost, and Rate Clerks
- Bookkeeping, Accounting, and Auditing Clerks
- Payroll and Timekeeping Clerks
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
View Videos
The following videos are available for this occupation:
- Business, Management and Administration (6.90 Mb)
- Accountants and Auditors (3.84 Mb)
Macromedia Flash is required for viewing the videos. If you do not have the Flash plugin, it is freely available for download.
En Español:
- Accountants and Auditors (2.65)
Quicktime 5 is required for viewing the Spanish videos. If you do not have the Quicktime plugin, it is freely available for download.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: New York State Department of Labor; New Jersey Department of Labor; California Occupational Information Coordinating Committee.
Accountants
Military Training
The following military job classifications are available for this occupation:
- Comptrollers and Fiscal
- Logistics, General
The data sources for the information displayed here include: Defense Manpower Data Center.
Accountants
Proficiency Ratings
These proficiencies are scored on a scale from 1 to 5 with 1 being not
important to the job and 5 being extremely important to the job.
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Titles
- Accountant
- Accountant Manager
- Accounting Bookkeeper
- Accounting Consultant
- Accounting Manager
- Accounting Methods Analyst
- Accounting Officer
- Accounting Supervisor
- Accounting Systems Analyst
- Accounting Technician
- Asset Analyst
- Bank Accountant
- Bookkeeper
- Budget Accountant
- Bursar
- Business Analyst
- Cash Accountant
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
- Chartered Accountant
- Chief Accountant
- Controller
- Corporate Accountant
- Cost Accountant
- Cost Accounting Manager
- Cost Controller
- Finance Director
- Financial Accountant
- Financial Adviser
- Financial Analyst
- Financial Reporting Accountant
- Financial Systems Analyst
- Fiscal Accountant
- Forensic Accountant
- Fund Accountant
- General Accountant
- Industrial Accountant
- Inventory Accountant
- Key Account Manager
- Medical Accountant
- Mutual Fund Accountant
- Non Profit Financial Controller
- Nonprofit Financial Controller
- Payroll Accountant
- Payroll Analyst
- Plant Controller
- Procurement Accountant
- Project Accountant
- Property Accountant
- Public Accountant
- Railroad Accountant
- Reporting Analyst
- Revenue Accountant
- Revenue Manager
- Staff Accountant
- Systems Accountant
- Tax Accountant
- Tax Analyst
- Tax Associate
- Tax Expert
- Tax Preparer
- Traveling Accountant
- Traveling Repair Accountant
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
Accountants
Related Schools
- Averett University
- Averett University-Non-Traditional Programs
- Bluefield College
- Bryant & Stratton College-Hampton
- Bryant and Stratton College-Richmond
- Bryant and Stratton College-Virginia Beach
- College of William and Mary
- DeVry University's Keller Graduate School of Management-Virginia
- Eastern Mennonite University
- Emory and Henry College
- Ferrum College
- George Mason University
- Hampton University
- James Madison University
- Liberty University
- Lynchburg College
- Norfolk State University
- Old Dominion University
- Potomac College-Herndon
- Radford University
- Randolph-Macon College
- Saint Pauls College
- Strayer University-Virginia
- University of Mary Washington
- University of Richmond
- University of Virginia-Main Campus
- Virginia Commonwealth University
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
- Virginia State University
- Virginia Union University
- Washington and Lee University
The data sources for the information displayed here include: O*NET™ 16.0.
