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Dorra & Dugan CPA's

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Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Tax

West Palm Beach, FL · On-site

Our established, locally owned CPA firm in West Palm Beach is seeking an experienced Certified Public Accountant (CPA) to join our growing team. We are a small, client-focused practice that values ...

USM

MI · On-site

Position requires CPA license with 5-7 years of experience working at a Big 4 Public Accounting Firm, will also accept experience at Grant Thornton or Plante Moran. REQUIRED EXPERIENCE, SKILLS ...

W3Global Inc.

Public Accountant

Bishop, CA · Hybrid

$65K - $75K/yr

Public Accountant (Hybrid) Overview One of our clients is seeking an experienced Public Accountant to support a portfolio of clients by delivering accurate, timely, and high-quality accounting ...

Spencer|McGaw

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Public Accountant

Memphis, TN · On-site

The Public Accountant is an individual contributor responsible for managing financial records and ensuring compliance for clients. This role involves using specialized accounting software such as ...

Top Talent Professionals

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Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Doylestown, PA · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

****An active CPA license is required for this position**** ****This position is hybrid on-site/remote- two (2) days per week in the office with one of those days being Wednesday**** What we offer in ...

Top Talent Professionals

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Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Doylestown, PA · On-site

$80K - $125K/yr

****An active CPA license is required for this position**** ****This position is hybrid on-site/remote- two (2) days per week in the office with one of those days being Wednesday**** What we offer in ...

AM Advisors LLC

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Oakland, CA · On-site

$86K - $118K/yr

CPA We are looking for a highly-analytical certified public accountant (CPA) to join our talented team at AM Advisors. To accomplish your goal of successfully managing our company's tax and financial ...

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Public Accountant information

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$41.5K

$81.8K

$115.5K

How much do public accountant jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for public accountant in the United States is $81,814.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $69,000.00 and $93,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges public accountants face when managing multiple client accounts during busy seasons?

Public accountants often experience high workloads during peak periods, such as tax season or year-end audits. Managing multiple client accounts simultaneously requires strong organizational and time management skills to ensure deadlines are met and work quality remains high. Effective communication with clients and team members is essential to clarify requirements and resolve issues promptly. Utilizing project management tools and maintaining a proactive approach to workload planning can help alleviate some of these challenges.

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

To thrive as a Public Accountant, you need a solid understanding of accounting principles, tax laws, and auditing standards, usually backed by a bachelor’s degree in accounting and CPA certification. Familiarity with accounting software such as QuickBooks, SAP, or Excel is essential, along with knowledge of GAAP and tax preparation tools. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills help you interpret financial data and advise clients. These skills ensure accurate financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and the ability to build trust with clients and stakeholders.

Is public accounting a good career?

Public accounting is a reputable career that involves providing accounting, auditing, and consulting services to clients. It often requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and professional certifications like the CPA. The field offers diverse opportunities, potential for advancement, and a structured work environment, though it can involve busy seasons and long hours.

What Is a Public Accountant?

A public accountant is a financial professional who works in a public accounting firm and provides financial services to businesses, nonprofit organizations, government agencies, and individual clients. As a public accountant, your duties include reviewing and auditing your clients’ financial documents, preparing and filing income and estate taxes, bookkeeping, and maintaining detailed financial records for each of your clients. You may work overtime hours at peak times of the year, such as tax season and around quarterly tax filing deadlines.

What do public accountants do?

Public accountants provide accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services to clients such as individuals, businesses, and organizations. They prepare financial statements, ensure compliance with tax laws, and help clients improve financial efficiency, often working in accounting firms or independently. Certification as a CPA is typically required for many public accounting roles.

Can you make $500,000 a year as an accountant?

Public accountants typically earn salaries well below $500,000 annually, with high earnings usually reserved for senior roles such as CFOs or partners in large accounting firms. Achieving a $500,000 salary often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications like CPA or CMA, and ownership in a successful firm or high-level executive positions.

What is the difference between Public Accountant vs Bookkeeper?

AspectPublic AccountantBookkeeper
CredentialsCPA certification often requiredNo formal certification needed
Work EnvironmentPublic accounting firms, corporate finance, consultingSmall businesses, accounting departments
Job ResponsibilitiesAudits, tax preparation, consulting, financial analysisRecording transactions, maintaining ledgers, data entry
Industry UsageWidely used in accounting, finance, consultingCommon in small business bookkeeping

Public Accountants typically hold CPA credentials and work in auditing, tax, and consulting roles within firms or corporations. Bookkeepers focus on recording financial transactions and maintaining accurate ledgers, often without formal certifications. While both roles handle financial data, Public Accountants have a broader scope and higher responsibilities compared to Bookkeepers.

What can I do with a public accounting degree?

A public accounting degree prepares individuals for roles such as auditors, tax accountants, and financial analysts. It provides skills in accounting, auditing, and tax preparation, often requiring certification like the CPA. Graduates can work in accounting firms, corporations, government agencies, or as independent practitioners.

What are public accountants?

Public accountants are professionals who provide accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services to a wide range of clients, including individuals, businesses, and government agencies. They often work for public accounting firms or as independent practitioners. Public accountants help clients prepare financial statements, ensure compliance with financial regulations, and offer advice on tax planning and financial management. Many public accountants hold the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation, which requires passing an exam and meeting education and experience requirements. Their expertise is essential for maintaining financial transparency and integrity in business operations.
More about Public Accountant jobs
What cities are hiring for Public Accountant jobs? Cities with the most Public Accountant job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Public Accountant jobs? The most popular types of Public Accountant jobs are:
What states have the most Public Accountant jobs? States with the most job openings for Public Accountant jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Public Accountant jobs? For Public Accountant jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Public Accountant jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public Accountant job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 8% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 1% Contract, 3% Nights, and 1% Summer. Highlights an 87% Physical, 8% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,814 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Certified Public Accountant - Cpa

Stephen Merritt CPA PC

Virginia Beach, VA

$90K/yr

Full-time, Part-time

Posted 11 days ago

Job description

Public Accounting Firm located in Virginia Beach, Virginia. SEASONAL, PART-TIME, OR FULL-TIME position. A CPA must be able to multitask and possess exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Prior public accounting experience is required. No remote work.


Stephen Merritt, CPA, PC, is NOT your typical CPA firm! Clients are always commenting on how fun it would be to work here, and that's because we value our staff's ideas; we offer professional development programs; and we place a high priority on an ideal work/life balance (no take-home work!). We also LOVE to laugh and eat good food. We are a close-knit group, so a candidate must be able to integrate into our office environment.


Must love dogs! Oxford, an English Bulldog, comes to work every day.


What we offer:

  • SEASONAL, PART-TIME, OR FULL-TIME
  • Professional development programs
  • High priority on an ideal work/life balance (no take-home work!)
  • Outstanding company culture


This is not an entry-level position. This is not a remote position. Salary is commensurate with experience.

Compensation:

$90,000 DOE


Responsibilities:
  • Tax Return Preparation 990, 1040, 1041, 1065, 1120, and 1120S
  • Prepare audits, reviews, and compilations
  • Interact with internal and external auditors in completing audits. Meet and establish relationships with new and existing clients
  • Other accounting and tax functions as well
  • Stay updated with the latest accounting trends and regulatory changes to provide informed advice

Qualifications:
  • 3+ years of experience in public accounting
  • CPA Certification with extensive tax preparation experience
  • Detail-oriented and analytical skills
  • Excellent communication and analytical skills, coupled with proficiency in QuickBooks, Microsoft Excel, and Word, as well as tax preparation software
  • In addition, an ability to work independently or as part of a team and the capacity to appropriately interact with all levels of Firm management and staff, clients, and other external business contacts are required

About Company

Stephen Merritt, CPA, PC, is dedicated to providing tax preparation and accounting services for small and medium-sized businesses as well as their families throughout the Hampton Roads area. It is our goal to maintain a strong relationship with clients. We attribute our firm's current growth to client referrals, which only occurs because our top priority is client satisfaction. www.stephenmerritt.com