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Accountant Salary in the United States

How much does the average Accountant make in the United States?


The average salary for an Accountant in the United States is between $57,290 and $124,710 as of September 01, 2024. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on the actual Accountant position you are looking for. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target. View the Cost of Living in Major Cities

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Base Salary

Core compensation

$57,290
$124,710
$91,000
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What is an Accountant?

An accountant analyzes and organizes the financial information and transactions of an organization. They ensure that principles and standards like GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles) are followed and that all required reporting is prepared and completed. Accountants may be found in any industry. Some accountants may specialize in a particular type of industry like healthcare or energy, or have a specialization, such as tax accounting or cost accounting.


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Accountant IV
Alternate Job Titles: Financial Accountant IV | General Accountant IV | Specialist Accountant | Specialist/Project Lead Accountant | Staff Accountant IV

Maintains financial records and ensures that financial transactions are properly recorded. Ensures the accuracy of entries to ledger accounts and reconciles subsidiary ledger accounts to the general ledger. Prepares complex balance sheets, profit and loss statements and other financial reports. Analyzes current costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations incurred to... View job details

Financial Accountant IV
Alternate Job Titles: Financial Accountant IV | General Accountant IV | Specialist Accountant | Specialist/Project Lead Accountant | Staff Accountant IV

Maintains financial records and ensures that financial transactions are properly recorded. Ensures the accuracy of entries to ledger accounts and reconciles subsidiary ledger accounts to the general ledger. Prepares complex balance sheets, profit and loss statements and other financial reports. Analyzes current costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations incurred to... View job details

General Accountant IV
Alternate Job Titles: Financial Accountant IV | General Accountant IV | Specialist Accountant | Specialist/Project Lead Accountant | Staff Accountant IV

Maintains financial records and ensures that financial transactions are properly recorded. Ensures the accuracy of entries to ledger accounts and reconciles subsidiary ledger accounts to the general ledger. Prepares complex balance sheets, profit and loss statements and other financial reports. Analyzes current costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations incurred to... View job details

Specialist Accountant
Alternate Job Titles: Financial Accountant IV | General Accountant IV | Specialist Accountant | Specialist/Project Lead Accountant | Staff Accountant IV

Maintains financial records and ensures that financial transactions are properly recorded. Ensures the accuracy of entries to ledger accounts and reconciles subsidiary ledger accounts to the general ledger. Prepares complex balance sheets, profit and loss statements and other financial reports. Analyzes current costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations incurred to... View job details

Specialist/Project Lead Accountant
Alternate Job Titles: Financial Accountant IV | General Accountant IV | Specialist Accountant | Specialist/Project Lead Accountant | Staff Accountant IV

Maintains financial records and ensures that financial transactions are properly recorded. Ensures the accuracy of entries to ledger accounts and reconciles subsidiary ledger accounts to the general ledger. Prepares complex balance sheets, profit and loss statements and other financial reports. Analyzes current costs, revenues, financial commitments, and obligations incurred to... View job details

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Accountant

What degree or educational requirements does an accountant need?

Accountants typically require a minimum of a bachelor's degree in accounting or business administration. Courses in finance, information technology, law required as a foundation. A master's degree or Ph.D. is generally preferred or required for higher level positions. In addition, some accountants obtain a CPA- certified public accountant designation, which requires passing a lengthy exam. Many universities offer cooperative education or internship programs with companies or government agencies to provide hands-on experience to students.

What are the best schools offering accountanting programs?

Some universities offering strong accounting undergraduate programs are University of Texas - Austin, Brigham Young University, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, University of Michigan Ann Arbor, University of Pennsylvania, Indiana University, University of Notre Dame, University of Southern California, and New York University, Many community colleges also offer accounting programs granting the associate's degree which could provide training for an entry level accounting job.

Are accountants in demand?

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook (BLS), employment of accountants, in general, is projected to grow about 10 percent from 2016 to 2026. The increase in complexity of regulations and taxes in a global economy will ensure accountants are in demand.

What jobs are similar to or related to accountant?

Para-professional accounting jobs like payroll administrator or billing and receivables specialist. Accounting specialties such as cost accountant, tax accountant, or certified public accountant.

Where can I find more information about accountant training and career opportunities?

Explore these additional resources for more on accounting professions.
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA)
Accounting & Financial Women's Alliance: AFWA
National Society of Accountants

What is the working environment for an accountant?

An accountant typically works in an office setting as part of a larger team. Some accountants serve clients and work independently.

Accountant Jobs

Job Openings for Accountant
Senior Accountant
Elevate Capital Partners - Sausalito , CA
Senior Accountant/Business Analyst Elevate Capital Partners is looking for a Senior Accountant/Business Analyst to play a crucial role in Elevate's financial operations supporting the finance and ...
ZipRecruiter - Today
Senior Accountant
Centenary college of Louisiana - Shreveport , LA
SUMMARY The Senior Accountant assists the controller in all aspects of posting, reviewing, and reconciling general ledger activity for the department including preparing financial statements and ...
iHire - 1 day ago
Senior Accountant Projects
Virginia Department of Transportation - Hague , VA
Senior Accountant Projects State Role Title: Financial Services Spec II Hiring Range: $64,750 - $105,219 Pay Band: 5 Agency: VA Dept of Transportation Location: Central Office, Richmond, VA Agency ...
Construction Jobs - 3 days ago
Staff Accountant
Abacus Group - East Elmhurst , NY
They seek a Staff Accountant to join their East Elmhurst, NY office. Responsibilities * Contribute to the preparation and recording of journal entries * Perform balance sheet account reconciliations ...
ZipRecruiter - Today
Senior Accountant
Chemical Guys - Torrance , CA
The Senior Accountant will work closely with other members of the accounting department on various areas of financial statements. The core responsibilities include month end closing procedures such ...
ZipRecruiter - 6 days ago
Accountant
Cliantha Research - Saint Petersburg , FL
Cliantha Research is looking for an Accountant to join our team! You will be responsible for preparing and analyzing financial records for our company. You must be good at QuickBooks online and Excel
ZipRecruiter - 1 day ago