Public Accountant Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In the era of robust financial systems, the demand for public accountants has never been higher.

As businesses grow and financial landscapes become more complex, the call for skilled professionals who can interpret, manage, and secure our financial infrastructure deepens.

But let’s delve into the details: What’s truly expected from a public accountant?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker trying to understand the nuances of this role,
• A hiring manager defining the perfect candidate,
• Or simply fascinated by the intricacies of public accounting,

You’re in the right place.

Today, we introduce a customizable public accountant job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right in.

Public Accountant Duties and Responsibilities

Public Accountants use their expertise in financial management and tax regulations to assist individuals, businesses, and organizations with their financial records.

They play a pivotal role in financial planning, auditing, tax filing, and consulting.

Public Accountants have the following duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare and analyze financial statements and reports
• Conduct audits to ensure adherence to legal regulations and corporate policies
• Compute taxes owed, prepare tax returns, and ensure prompt and accurate tax payment
• Inspect account books for efficiency and use of accepted accounting procedures
• Evaluate financial operations to recommend best-practices, identify issues and strategize solutions, and help organizations run efficiently
• Offer financial planning services, like investment advice, budget development, and financial forecasting
• Assist clients in financial management and expense planning
• Stay updated with changes in regulatory legislation and guidelines in accounting
• Communicate audit findings and recommend changes in operations and financial activities

 

Public Accountant Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a skilled Public Accountant to join our team.

The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing and reviewing financial documents, conducting audits, and providing taxation advice.

Public Accountant responsibilities include ensuring financial records are accurate, preparing tax returns, assessing financial operations, and providing guidance on cost reduction and revenue enhancement.

Our ideal candidate has a strong background in accounting, excellent problem-solving skills, and is familiar with accounting software and databases.

Ultimately, the role of the Public Accountant is to maintain and improve our company’s financial health and ensure we meet all statutory and compliance obligations.

 

Responsibilities

• Prepare and analyze financial reports and tax returns
• Conduct regular audits to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal financial regulations
• Offer financial planning advice and assist with budget preparation
• Assist with the implementation of new accounting systems and processes
• Keep up-to-date with financial policies, legislation and regulations
• Recommend strategies to reduce costs and enhance revenue
• Work collaboratively with financial teams to enhance accounting procedures and operations
• Ensure all financial operations comply with laws and regulations
• Consult with clients on tax preparation and financial management

 

Qualifications

• Proven work experience as a Public Accountant or similar role
• In-depth understanding of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Experience with financial statement analysis and projection
• Exceptional knowledge of tax laws and regulations
• Proficiency in MS Office and familiarity with relevant accounting software
• Strong mathematical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent analytical skills with a thorough attention to detail
• CPA certification is required
• BSc degree in Accounting, Finance or relevant subject

 

Benefits

• 401(k)
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Continuing education opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Public Accountant
• Work Environment: Office environment, with options for remote work. Some travel may be required for client consultations.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Accounting Manager or Partner.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $65,000 minimum to $105,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your qualifications and experience to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Public Accountant Do?

Public Accountants, often referred to as Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), primarily work for accounting firms or as self-employed individuals offering their services to businesses, non-profit organizations, governments, and individuals.

Their main task is to prepare, evaluate, and analyze the financial records of their clients, ensuring their financial transactions are accurate and that taxes are paid properly and on time.

They use their expertise in tax laws and regulations to provide advice on tax strategies and to minimize tax liabilities.

Public Accountants also perform audits to verify the accuracy of financial statements and to ensure compliance with laws and regulations.

They may recommend improvements in internal controls to enhance financial integrity and deter fraud.

In addition to these, they provide financial consulting services such as budget planning, risk assessment, financial planning, and investment strategies.

Public Accountants may also help clients during financial disputes or litigation by providing expert testimonies and financial analysis.

Due to the nature of their job, they are expected to maintain a high level of integrity and ethical standards as they hold a critical role in maintaining public trust in the financial system.

 

Public Accountant Qualifications and Skills

A proficient public accountant should possess the skills and qualifications that suit the responsibilities of the role, these include:

• Strong analytical skills to analyze and interpret financial information, enabling effective decision making and the identification of accounting discrepancies.
• Excellent understanding of accounting principles and tax laws, necessary for completing complex accounting tasks and providing accurate financial advice to clients.
• Attention to detail to ensure that financial records are accurate and meet the regulations and standards of the accounting profession.
• Effective communication skills to articulate complex financial information to clients in a clear, concise manner, and to maintain good working relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Proficiency in using accounting software and Microsoft Office Suite for recording and analyzing financial data.
• Good organizational skills to manage multiple client accounts and meet tight deadlines.
• Ability to demonstrate ethical judgement and integrity, a crucial quality for maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive financial information.
• Strong problem-solving skills to help clients develop effective financial strategies and resolve any financial issues that arise.
• Typically, a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field is required, along with CPA certification or eligibility to sit for the CPA exam.

 

Public Accountant Experience Requirements

Public Accountants often start their career with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field.

Fresh graduates can start in entry-level positions to gain practical experience in the field.

Internships during college years in auditing firms or finance departments can also provide valuable experience.

This initial experience usually includes tasks such as preparing tax returns, financial statements, and basic auditing under the supervision of more experienced accountants.

Public Accountants often require 1 to 3 years of experience in roles such as Junior Accountant or Auditor to further develop their technical skills in areas such as taxation, auditing, or financial analysis.

They may also need to be familiar with accounting software such as QuickBooks or Excel.

Those with more than 3 years of experience usually take on more complex tasks such as strategic financial planning, tax consultation, and forensic accounting.

They may also be expected to supervise and mentor junior staff.

Public Accountants with more than 5 years of experience are often considered for senior-level positions or team-lead roles.

They may also be required to have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license, which requires passing a national exam and meeting work experience requirements.

Some roles may also require a Master’s degree in Accounting or Business Administration, or advanced certifications such as Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA) for specialized roles.

 

Public Accountant Education and Training Requirements

Public Accountants typically possess a bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or a related field.

They need to have a strong foundation in accounting principles, taxation, auditing, and financial analysis.

Most states require Public Accountants to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs), a designation that requires passing the Uniform CPA Examination.

To be eligible for the CPA exam, an individual generally must have 150 semester hours of college education, including substantial coursework in accounting and business law.

This often means that aspiring Public Accountants will pursue a master’s degree in accounting or a related field.

In addition to academic education, practical experience in accounting, under the supervision of a licensed CPA, is also commonly required for licensure.

Continuing education is necessary for Public Accountants, as they must stay updated with changing financial laws and regulations.

Many choose to further specialize in areas such as corporate tax, personal finance planning, or forensic accounting, which may require additional certifications.

A successful Public Accountant should also have strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and integrity.

 

Public Accountant Salary Expectations

A Public Accountant earns an average salary of $69,350 (USD) per year.

The actual earnings can differ based on factors such as experience, level of education, certification, and geographical location.

 

Public Accountant Job Description FAQs

What qualifications does a public accountant need?

Public accountants typically need a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field.

Some employers may also require a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation.

This requires passing a national exam and meeting other state-specific requirements.

Some public accountants may also have a master’s degree in accounting or business administration with a concentration in accounting.

 

What are the daily duties of a public accountant?

A public accountant’s duties can vary, but they typically include preparing and analyzing financial records, ensuring financial records comply with laws and regulations, computing taxes, preparing tax returns, and inspecting account books for efficiency and use of accepted accounting procedures.

They also advise clients in areas such as compensation, employee health care benefits, and the design of accounting or data processing systems.

 

What skills are important for a public accountant?

Important skills for a public accountant include strong mathematical skills, attention to detail, and strong analytical skills to evaluate financial documents.

They should also have good communication skills to explain their findings and suggest improvements to clients.

Organizational skills are also crucial for managing multiple clients and their documents.

 

What qualities make a good public accountant?

A good public accountant is one who is meticulous and has a strong ethical code, as they deal with confidential financial information.

They should have good problem-solving skills and be able to come up with innovative solutions for financial problems.

They should also be able to handle pressure and meet strict deadlines.

 

Is there a high demand for public accountants?

Yes, there is a consistently high demand for public accountants.

Virtually every business requires a professional to handle their financial documentation, auditing, and tax returns, which ensures the demand for public accountants.

Additionally, individuals often require the services of a public accountant during tax season.

As businesses continue to increase in number and complexity, demand for qualified public accountants is expected to grow.

 

Conclusion

So, we’ve got it covered.

Today, we’ve dissected the real essence of being a public accountant.

And you know what?

It’s not just about crunching numbers.

It’s about shaping the financial future, one financial statement at a time.

With our comprehensive public accountant job description template and real-world examples, you’re ready to make your mark.

But why limit yourself?

Delve deeper with our job description generator. It’s your next leap towards meticulously designed listings or fine-tuning your resume to sheer perfection.

Remember:

Every financial statement is a part of the broader financial panorama.

Let’s sculpt that future. Together.

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