SOC: 13-2011 Accountants and Auditors


Examine, analyze, and interpret accounting records for the purpose of giving advice or preparing statements. Install or advise on systems of recording costs or other financial and budgetary data.
Career Exploration Guide Index
Education:
Most accountant and auditor positions require at least a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field. Beginning accounting and auditing positions in the Federal Government, for example, usually require 4 years of college (including 24 semester hours in accounting or auditing) or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Some employers prefer applicants with a master’s degree in accounting, or with a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting.
Conditions:
Most accountants and auditors work a typical 40-hour week, but many work longer hours in an office setting. Tax accountants usually work long hours during tax season.
Outlook:
Employment in this field is expected to grow faster than average over the period. Replacement needs for people who retire or transfer to other occupations will provide almost as many openings as openings due to growth in the occupation. People who have professional certification, a master's degree, or specialization in an area will have the most advantages in this job market.
License:
To become a Certified Public Accountant, an applicant must be 19 years old, a United States citizen, a person legally present with appropriate documentation, or declared intent to become a United States citizen. Also, a college graduate with at least 150 semester hours, with 33 of those being in upper level accounting courses, 27 hours in business courses, and pass an examination administered by the Alabama State Board of Public Accountancy. Initial Application or Transfer of Credit Fee: $100; Examination Fees: Auditing and Attestation $235, Financial Accounting and Reporting $225, Regulation $200, and Business Environment and Concepts $190.
Alabama Employment Outlook
National High Growth Industry Alabama Wage Data Alabama Projections
Mean Entry Experience
2008 Employment: 15,980
Hourly $29.85 $19.12 $35.20
2018 Projected Employment: 18,180
Comprehensive wage data available: Alabama Occupational Wage Survey
Annual Average Openings: 500
Annual Growth Rate: 1.30%
Postsecondary Institutions With Programs:
Alabama A & M University
Alabama State University
Athens State University
Auburn University
Auburn University Montgomery
Huntingdon College
Jacksonville State University
Miles College
Troy State University
University Of Alabama
University Of Alabama Birmingham
University Of Alabama Huntsville
University Of Mobile
University Of Montevallo
University Of North Alabama
University Of South Alabama
University Of West Alabama
Related Occupations:
Accountants and Auditors
Actuaries
Budget Analysts
Cost Estimators
Credit Analysts
Economists
Financial Analysts
Financial Managers
Personal Financial Advisors
Purchasing Managers
Tax Examiners, Collectors, and Revenue Agents

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook