5 Top Government Accounting Jobs

Five Great Government Accounting Careers

  • IRS Auditor
  • Accountant
  • Treasury Enforcement Agent
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • Financial Manager

Graduates of accounting programs often find their time was well spent earning the degree because they’re qualified for many good government accounting jobs. Government accounting jobs offer challenging and rewarding work, good job availability, competitive salaries, career progression and excellent benefits. The type of government accounting job the candidate can choose may depend on the degree level he or she has completed. Here are five top government accounting jobs.

1. IRS Auditor

IRS Auditors, as their name suggests, work for the Internal Revenue Service. They are busy throughout the year but especially during tax season. IRS auditors do more than just process income tax returns. They inspect, audit and evaluate tax returns for accuracy and compliance with current regulations and laws. They work on federal taxes for businesses and individuals. Their duties also include gathering and assessing financial data; communicating with taxpayers; keeping detailed documentation on each case, and being aware of current tax codes. Applicants should possess at least a bachelor’s degree and one year of experience in auditing, tax compliance, tax analysis, and bookkeeping.

2. Government Accountant

Accountants who choose government accounting jobs must be knowledgeable of not only accounting laws but also government laws and regulations. Government accountants may work in government offices at the local, state and federal level. Their duties include creating financial reports, monitoring expenses and costs, reviewing accounting records for compliance and accuracy, making recommendations regarding money allocation and collaborating on budget development. Accountants pursuing government accounting jobs should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in accounting and from one to three years of experience in accounting.

3. Treasury Enforcement Agent

Treasure enforcement agents work for the U.S. Department of Treasury and investigate crimes involving tax laws, identity theft, financial systems, credit card fraud and similar offenses. The gather evidence, analyze complicated financial records, conduct investigations and may have to present evidence in court. Treasury enforcement agents should have a bachelor’s or master’s degree as well as three years’ experience in this field. They may also be required to have a certain number of credits in business law, finance or economics. They may also be required to complete the Treasury Enforcement Agent Examination. Individuals looking for rewarding and challenging government accounting jobs may find this one at the top of the list.

4. Certified Public Accountant

Many feel that certified public accountants (CPAs) are glorified accountants, but they are much more than that. They have more education and more duties. In addition to performing general accounting duties, the CPA also deals a lot with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Certified public accountants must have a bachelor’s degree, although, a master’s degree is preferable because of the 150-hour credits CPAs must have to take the CPA exam. It’s not unusual for accountants applying for government accounting jobs to be required to take the additional courses and pass the CPA exam.

5. Financial Manager

Financial managers are in charge of an organization’s financial health or a department within a company or government entity. They review company financial reports, prepare business activity reports and financial statements, help management make financial decisions, analyze market trends, supervise other employees and make recommendations to management. Financial managers should have at least a bachelor’s degree and five years of experience working in a financial position, such as financial analyst, accountant or securities agent.

Accountants are expected to see a ten percent increase in job growth from 2016-2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With government accounting jobs so highly in demand, recipients of these career opportunities can expect even better job growth and wage potentials.

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