If you’re looking for a meaningful career in accounting, there are several positions within the government that might appeal to you. Many government accounting positions offer competitive salaries, interesting and rewarding work, excellent benefits, good job security, and plenty of potential for advancement. Learning more about the available government accounting positions can help you determine which is right for you. In this article, we list nine government accounting jobs you may want to consider pursuing.
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9 types of Government Accounting jobs
If you’re interested in a career in government accounting, knowing the different types of available jobs can better position you to identify the role that best matches your interests, level of experience, skills, and career goals. Here are nine different types of government accounting jobs. For the most up-to-date salary information from Indeed, visit indeed.com/salaries:
1. Auditor
National average salary: $48,801 per year
Primary duties: Auditors are professionals who help the government inspect, audit, and process tax returns for compliance with government regulations, laws, and procedures. They help individuals and businesses complete their tax returns accurately and efficiently. They collect and assess a variety of financial data, communicate with taxpayers about the status of their tax returns, and store complex documentation for each tax return. Auditors also research and analyze tax codes to ensure they’re up-to-date. They also help the government detect fraud or embezzlement, analyze the accounting controls of agencies, and prepare publicly available financial statements and reports.
2. Accounting clerk
National average salary: $51,375 per year
Primary duties: Accounting clerks help government agencies maintain accounting documentation, such as accounts payable. They prepare accurate journal entries, update accounting records, and provide assistance to other accounting and finance personnel. They prepare bank deposits, and financial statements and research, track, and resolve accounting documentation issues or discrepancies. Accounting clerks also research accounting practices and create reports of important accounting functions to provide recommendations to government officials. Besides their general accounting duties, clerks might additionally engage in filing and data entry while also providing general administrative support.
3. General accountant
National average salary: $56,130 per year
Primary duties: General accountants prepare, organize and maintain a variety of financial reports and documents for individual government agencies. They help monitor costs and expenses and make recommendations regarding where to best allocate resources based on a predetermined budget. During this process, they conduct thorough analyses of financial data to identify financial trends and make better judgments. General accountants frequently review the accounting records of government agencies to evaluate their accuracy and ensure they’re compliant with any applicable laws and regulations. They may also assemble and administer financial reports.
4. Financial accountant
National average salary: $64,704 per year
Primary duties: Financial accountants typically work at the state or local levels of government and help produce financial and accounting reports for city governments or agencies. They review accounting records and tax information, analyze accounting data for specific records, and ensure that all reporting is in compliance with federal reporting guidelines and regulations. They may research accounting regulations and rules to make recommendations regarding government policy and provide additional assistance to external auditors. Financial accountants may also monitor and report on any accounting inconsistencies.
5. Cost accountant
National average salary: $69,866 per year
Primary duties: Cost accountants in government help agencies manage and analyze expenditures and purchases, review public works projects to determine their long-term viability, and record financial data. They maintain the cost accounting system, complete internal audits, analyze the collected data, and create a detailed record of the results of audits. They also provide officials with reports specifying various internal and external factors affecting costs and the long-term feasibility of different projects and programs, such as budget constraints. Cost accountants may additionally recommend changes to agency processes and policies to maximize resources and ensure that the agency allocates funds evenly.
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6. Accounting supervisor
National average salary: $72,593 per year
Primary duties: Accounting supervisors help ensure that all operations within an accounting department operate efficiently. In government, they commonly oversee a group of accounting employees within an agency, review their financial statements for accuracy, and conduct performance evaluations to provide them with feedback so they can improve their performance. They frequently review budget reports, recommend updates to accounting policies and procedures, assist other departments with the preparation of annual budgets, and reconcile financial discrepancies. Accounting supervisors may also help the government design and implement training for new employees and identify potential training opportunities.
7. Budget analyst
National average salary: $72,717 per year
Primary duties: Budget analysts manage government spending to ensure that it’s in compliance with the established budget and determine whether any changes to funding levels are necessary for the future. They work closely with government project managers and program managers to develop an agency’s budget, review budget proposals for accuracy, and analyze additional funding requests. They then make budgetary recommendations to officials in the agency and find alternatives if the recommendations aren’t satisfactory. Budget analysts regularly monitor spending to ensure that it stays within budget and inform managers and officials of the availability of funds before estimating future budgetary needs.
8. Financial Advisor
National average salary: $76,351 per year
Primary duties: Financial advisors manage the financial well-being of government entities and review financial statements, prepare activity reports, and help government leaders make important financial decisions. They also work closely with government employees to maximize their pension income by picking appropriate payout strategies. They discuss the importance of both disability and long-term care coverage to reduce risks for employees and their families, analyze their life insurance needs during and after their employment, and offer them additional assistance, if necessary. Financial advisors also analyze market trends to better inform their judgment.
9. Certified public accountant
National average salary: $77,231 per year
Primary duties: Certified public accountants (CPAs) help a variety of government agencies conduct audits, produce financial reports, and manage accounting practices. At the federal level, they investigate white-collar crime, engage in financial research and analysis, create and manage financial statements for government agencies, and testify before legislative committees on audits or the expected effects of proposed tax changes. At the state and local levels, they might assess the effectiveness of government employee compensation systems and conduct audits of budgets, including budgets for schools, hospitals, and recreational facilities. CPAs may also conduct regulatory compliance audits for state and local agencies.
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