There are a number of job titles for government accounting jobs at the local, state and federal levels, such as budget analysts, tax examiners, auditing clerks and accountants. A bachelor's degree in a field related to accounting is typically needed for government accounting jobs, while some positions require a master's degree and/or a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.
Essential Information
Government accountants work for federal, state and local governments, examining and auditing financial records to ensure compliance with policies and regulations. Individuals who have an affinity for numbers and are detail-oriented may thrive in this career. A bachelor's degree in accounting and certification as a public accountant may be necessary for some government positions.
At the federal level, accountants review tax information and perform financial investigations on behalf of the Internal Revenue Service, the U.S. Department of Defense, and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, among other agencies. At the state level, accountants may perform tax audits or manage budgets to ensure that fiscal policies are met. Locally, the city controller's office may hire accountants to review and prepare financial reports or interpret accounting policies.
Other government accounting jobs available at the local, state and federal levels include auditor, budget analyst, tax examiner, controller and accounting clerk.
| Required Education | Bachelor's degree in accounting; some positions might require a master's degree |
| Other Requirements | Certified as a Public Accountant (CPA) |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029) | 4% (for auditors and accountants); -6%(for bookkeeping, accounting and auditing clerks); 3% (for budget analysts); -4% (for tax examiners)* |
| Average Salary (2020) | $71,420 (for auditors and accountants at the local government level); $68,460 (for auditors and accountants at the state government level)* |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Government Accounting Job Requirements
Education Requirements
Most government accounting jobs require that candidates possess at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field, such as finance or public administration. In lieu of an accounting degree, some agencies may accept a combination of experience and accounting coursework. Some cities also may require that candidates complete a 1-2 year supervised internship program and pass an exam on accounting principles before being eligible for a controller job (www.sfcontroller.org).
Certification
Some government accounting positions require candidates to be certified public accountants (CPAs), based on job postings from USAJobs.gov in January 2011. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants can become CPAs upon meeting state-specific licensure requirements and successfully completing the Uniform CPA Examination administered by the American Institute of CPAs.
Government accountants also may consider voluntary certification as a way to distinguish themselves from their peers. The Institute of Internal Auditors awards the certified government auditing professional credential, which evidences proficiency in government auditing standards and practices through an exam (www.theiia.org). Additionally, the Association of Government Accountants offers the certified government financial manager designation, which requires knowledge of government organization, financial reporting, budgeting and financial management (www.agacgfm.org).
Salary and Employment Outlook
The BLS reported that the average annual salary for accountants who work for government and non-government organizations was $81,660 as of May 2020. For accountants who worked for the local governments, the average salary was $71,420, while those accountants who worked for state governments made an average of $68,460. Employment of accountants and auditors in all industries was projected to increase by 4% from 2019 to 2029, according to the BLS.
In May 2020, the BLS reported that the annual mean wage for tax examiners ranged from $52,460 at the local government level to $70,150 for those employed at the federal level. It was also noted that tax examiners could expect to see a 4% decline in job growth during the 2019-2029 period. Accounting and auditing clerks saw an annual mean wage of $44,100 in May 2020; those working for the local government earned $45,410. This group was expected to see a 6% decrease in jobs from 2019 to 2029. Finally, budget analysts employed in any industry realized an average salary of $82,690; for those working for the government, federal budget analysts earned an average salary of $89,860, local government employees averaged $77,990, and those working at the state level earned $72,740, said the BLS.
The duties for government accounting jobs vary depending not just on the professional title, but the level of government. Obtaining the CPA designation requires passing the Uniform CPA Examination and meeting state licensing laws; there is also voluntary certification available for government accountants, offered by organizations like the Association of Government Accountants and the Institute of Internal Auditors. Salaries also depend on the level of government and the specific role, and the BLS reports annual earnings ranging from $44,100 to $89,860 in 2020.
