Budgets, finances, and taxes are managed by government accountants for regional government offices, organizations, and departments. Graduating from college with a four-year accounting degree and applying for entry-level government accounting positions is one way to become a government accountant. Earning a degree in a related field such as business or finance, as well as completing a number of classroom hours of accounting coursework, can also lead to a career as a government accountant.
To track incoming funds, manage accounts, and balance their budgets, most regional government offices need to hire government accountants. Accountants are frequently needed by tax collection and treasury offices to handle revenue collection and auditing duties. Government accountants may conduct audits to ensure tax compliance and to track government spending to assist in budget reconciliation.
You can start your career by enrolling in and graduating from an accounting program at a college or university. If this degree is not available, consider a major in finance, economics, or business administration. Even if you don’t plan on majoring in accounting, you should still take as many accounting classes as possible because the government may look for relevant accounting coursework on your resume before hiring you to work as a government accountant.
Summer accounting internships with a business or government agency, for example, can help you become a government accountant while you’re still in college. Many colleges have student-run accounting professional organizations that can help you find internships and connect with people who are already working in the field. After graduating from college and completing your undergraduate accounting coursework, a master’s degree in accounting can help you advance your career as a government accountant. Some government positions that require accounting experience before you can apply may allow you to substitute an advanced degree for years of on-the-job experience.
Many regional professional organizations offer a variety of accounting licenses and certifications, which are typically obtained through a combination of test taking and coursework. Accounting certifications may be beneficial when applying for government accountant jobs, but they are not always required depending on the position. Looking online at regional, state, local, and federal government job boards is a good way to find government accounting job openings.