Accounting Employment and Working Conditions

Accountants and auditors held about 1.2 million jobs in 2010.

Most accountants and auditors work in offices, although some work from home. Auditors may travel to their clients’ places of business.

The following industries employed the most accountants and auditors in 2010:

• Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services: 24%
• Finance and insurance: 8%
• State and local government, excluding education and hospitals: 7%
• Manufacturing: 6%
• Management of companies and enterprises: 6%

Most accountants and auditors work full time. In 2010, one in five worked more than 40 hours per week. Longer hours are typical at certain times of the year, such as at the end of the budget year or during tax season.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition

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