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Government Accounting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The ideal candidate has hands-on experience with government accounting standards, compliance, and audits, and is comfortable working in a regulated, fast-paced environment that includes contracts ...

Chief Accountant

Burleson, TX · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

Strong knowledge in the application of governmental Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements in financial/accounting ...

Chief Accountant

Burleson, TX · On-site

$75K - $113K/yr

Strong knowledge in the application of governmental Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and Government Accounting Standards Board (GASB) pronouncements in financial/accounting ...

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Government Accounting information

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How much do government accounting jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for government accounting in the United States is $22.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $18.75 and $24.52 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Government Accountant, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Government Accountant, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, government regulations, and financial reporting, often supported by a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with government accounting software, such as SAP or Oracle, and certifications like CPA or CGFM are highly valued. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong analytical and communication skills set top professionals apart in this field. These skills ensure accurate financial management, compliance with regulations, and transparency in public sector operations.

What is the difference between Government Accounting vs Public Accountant?

AspectGovernment AccountingPublic Accountant
CredentialsCPA often preferred, government-specific certificationsCPA required, with additional certifications optional
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, public sectorAccounting firms, client offices, various industries
Employer & IndustryFederal, state, local government agenciesPrivate firms, corporations, non-profits
Work FocusPublic funds, compliance, government regulationsFinancial audits, tax services, consulting

While both roles require CPA credentials and involve accounting skills, Government Accounting primarily focuses on managing public funds and ensuring compliance within government agencies. Public Accountants serve clients across various industries, providing audits, tax, and consulting services. The key difference lies in their work environment and the nature of their responsibilities, with Government Accounting centered on public sector financial management.

What is government accounting?

Government accounting is the process of recording, analyzing, and reporting financial transactions related to government entities, such as federal, state, or local agencies. Unlike private sector accounting, government accounting focuses on stewardship of public funds, ensuring transparency, accountability, and compliance with laws and regulations. Its primary purpose is to provide accurate financial information to legislators, government officials, and the public, enabling effective decision-making and oversight. Government accountants may handle budgeting, auditing, and financial reporting specific to governmental standards.

What are some common challenges faced in a government accounting role, and how can they be managed?

Government accountants often navigate complex regulatory frameworks and face strict compliance requirements, which can be challenging due to frequent changes in laws and policies. Managing multiple funding sources and adhering to specific budgetary constraints also requires strong attention to detail and organizational skills. Staying updated on government accounting standards (such as GASB) and maintaining clear communication with other departments can help address these challenges effectively. Regular training and collaboration with colleagues are key strategies for success in this environment.

What Are the Qualifications to Get a Job in Government Accounting?

The primary qualifications for a government accounting job are a bachelor's degree in a relevant field and seven or more years of government accounting experience. Many government accountants start in a role that is not as focused on government work to gain experience before transferring to this position. Adherence to government regulations is critical for most companies that offer this job, so employers strongly prefer applicants who have extensive experience. Fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of a government accounting job requires communication skills, interpersonal skills, and the ability to travel as needed. Industry certifications (such as Certified Public Accountant) are preferred but not always required.

What cities are hiring for Government Accounting jobs? Cities with the most Government Accounting job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Government Accounting jobs? The most popular types of Government Accounting jobs are:
What states have the most Government Accounting jobs? States with the most job openings for Government Accounting jobs include:
Infographic showing various Government Accounting job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,928 per year, or $22.1 per hour.
CFO Advisory, Manager (GPS State & Local Gov't)

CFO Advisory, Manager (GPS State & Local Gov't)

Cherry Bekaert

Coral Gables, FL

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 6 days ago


Job description

As an Accounting Advisory Manager, you will:

Support the performance of engagements by managing and delivering timely and accurate

governmental accounting including the implementation of new accounting standards, account

reconciliations and financial statement closing procedures, financial statement preparation, and on-demand government accounting support. A significant portion of the work performed centers in and

around solving a government's accounting and financial reporting challenges from staffing or event driving needs at the state and/or local government. In addition to delegating/reviewing the work of

more junior professionals, you will perform engagement activities, participate in discussions with

clients, and assist with drafting deliverables. Specific responsibilities will include:

  • Planning, managing, and performing a variety of engagements including but not limited to:

  • Account and Financial Close and Reconciliation Assistance, ACFR Preparation, Implementation of New Accounting Standards, Accounting Analysis Related to Compliance with Laws and

  • Regulations, Ongoing Best Practice and High-Performance Government Accounting Support

  • Assessing and evaluating client accounting challenges, developing tailored advisory solutions and establishing the timeline and scope of engagements

  • Evaluating complex governmental accounting situations and determining the appropriate treatment under GAAP

  • Reviewing Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) for accuracy and completeness against benchmarks such as GFOA's ACFR review checklist

  • Identifying best practices or other recommendations in clients account reconciliation or other financial processes and develop and executive level report of the findings

  • Providing status updates to client leadership on the current status of tasks and any findings or recommendations identified

  • Overseeing firm objectives (engagement economics) and manage resources to ensure that established goals are met on each project assigned

  • Ensuring team is up to date on related governmental accounting pronouncements and industry developments and assisting with supervision of team members as assigned, including staff professional development, training, and performance evaluation utilizing firm developed tools and processes

  • Developing one or more areas of technical specialization and begin to serve as a technical consultant, both internally and externally

  • Developing content such as articles, podcasts, or webinars on governmental accounting matters to build brand recognition of GPS accounting advisory group

  • Serving as a trusted advisor to clients, identifying opportunities for expanded services

  • Developing outside relationships with a goal to foster long-term business development

What you bring to the role:

  • An ideal fit for our firm displays a passion for superior client service, uncompromising integrity, excellent project management abilities, governmental accounting technical knowledge and leadership skills. We're a fast-paced and dynamic environment so a strong sense of urgency will fit right in!

  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting (preferred), Finance or other business discipline

  • Active or in-process CPA and/or Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM)

  • Minimum 4 years of public accounting experience performing external audit or consulting or 7 years of experience within a state, county or municipality's finance/accounting department

  • Practical knowledge of relevant professional standards and regulations such as GASB

  • Prior experience auditing or assisting with the financial close for a governmental entity

  • Prior experience with internal controls including documentation and testing of controls

  • Excellent project management, analytical, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills

  • Solid organizational skills especially ability to meet project deadlines with a focus on details

  • Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office products including ability to analyze and summarize data through the use of formulas, pivot tables, and related add-ins in Excel

  • Ability to travel as needed up to 40%

Preferred skills and experience:

  • Experience with GFOA's ACFR Special Review Process or ACFR Preparation

  • Experience with implementation of GASB standards

  • Ability to troubleshoot and solve account reconciliation issues

  • Prior experience coaching and developing less experienced associates

What you can expect from us:

  • Our shared values that foster inclusion and belonging including uncompromising integrity, collaboration, trust, and mutual respect

  • The opportunity to innovate and do work that motivates and engages you

  • A collaborative environment focused on enabling you to further your career growth and continuous professional development

  • Competitive compensation and a total rewards package that focuses on all aspects of your wellbeing

  • Flexibility to do impactful work and the time to enjoy your life outside of work

  • Opportunities to connect and learn from professionals from different backgrounds and with different cultures

Benefits Information:

Cherry Bekaert cares about our people. We offer competitive compensation packages based on performance that recognize the value our people bring to our clients and our Firm. The salary range for this position is included below. Individual salaries within this range are determined by a variety of factors including but not limited to the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate's work experience, education, knowledge, skills, and geographic location. In addition, we offer a comprehensive, high-quality benefits program which includes annual bonus, medical, dental, and vision care; disability and life insurance; generous Paid Time Off; retirement plans; Paid Care Leave; and other programs that are dedicated to enhancing your personal and work life and providing you and your family with a measure of financial protection.

Pay Range:

Pay From: $118k to $171k

About Cherry Bekaert

Cherry Bekaert, ranked among the largest assurance, tax and advisory firms in the U.S., serves clients across industries in all 50 U.S. states and internationally. For more details, visit https://www.cbh.com/disclosure/

Cherry Bekaert provides equal employment opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, citizenship status, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. https://careers.cbh.com/legal-disclosures/ contains further information regarding the firm's compliance with federal, state and local recruitment and hiring laws.

This role is expected to accept applications for at least five calendar days and may continue to be posted until a qualified applicant is selected or the position has been cancelled.

Candidates must demonstrate eligibility to work in the United States.Cherry Bekaert will not provideworksponsorship for this position.

Cherry Bekaert LLP and Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC are members of Allinial Global, an accountancy and business advisory global association. Visit us athttps://careers.cbh.com/ and follow us onLinkedIn,Instagram, Twitterand Facebook.

2026 Cherry Bekaert. All Rights Reserved.