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Public Accounting Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Adecco

Staff Accountant - Public Accounting

Medford, NJ · On-site

$53K - $70K/yr

This role is ideal for an early-career accounting professional seeking exposure to multiple industries, direct client interaction, and a clear path toward advancement in public accounting. The ...

Emmerich & McKnight, LLC

Be Seen First

Tax Accountant- Public Accounting

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

If you are looking for a place to grow, contribute meaningfully, and enjoy all that is public accounting without sacrificing work life balance entirely, we'd love to meet you. What You'll Do:

Emmerich & McKnight, LLC

Be Seen First

Tax Accountant- Public Accounting

Minneapolis, MN · On-site

$75K - $120K/yr

If you are looking for a place to grow, contribute meaningfully, and enjoy all that is public accounting without sacrificing work life balance entirely, we'd love to meet you. What You'll Do:

Ra

Public Accounting Manager - CPA

San Francisco, CA

$120K/yr

Being an integral part in nurturing a growing finance and accounting team for a well-funded ... Realistically you need to have a CPA with strong Big 4 experience on top of this. You would be ...

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How much do public accounting jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for public accounting 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 the typical career paths and advancement opportunities in public accounting?

Public accounting offers clear career progression, often starting as an associate or staff accountant with opportunities to advance to senior accountant, manager, and eventually partner or director roles. With experience, professionals can specialize in areas like audit, tax, or advisory services, or transition to roles in corporate finance or consulting. Firms often provide training, mentorship, and support for obtaining advanced certifications like the CPA, which can open doors to higher-level positions. Working in public accounting can also help you build a strong professional network, diverse experience, and the foundational skills valued across many industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Public Accounting position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Public Accounting, you need a solid grasp of accounting principles, financial analysis, and auditing, typically supported by a bachelor’s degree in accounting or finance. Familiarity with accounting software (such as QuickBooks or Excel), and professional certifications like CPA (Certified Public Accountant), are highly valued and sometimes required. Strong attention to detail, time management, and effective communication are important soft skills in this profession. These competencies are essential to ensure accuracy, uphold regulatory standards, and build client trust in a dynamic and client-focused environment.

Is public accounting a good career?

Public accounting is a reputable career that offers diverse opportunities in auditing, tax, and consulting services. It often requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and professional certifications like the CPA, with work schedules that can be demanding during busy seasons.

What are public accounting jobs?

Public accounting jobs involve providing accounting, auditing, tax, and consulting services to clients such as individuals, businesses, and organizations. Professionals in this field often work for accounting firms and may need certifications like CPA; they typically handle financial statement audits, tax preparation, and advisory services.

What are the big 4 in public accounting?

The Big 4 in public accounting refer to the four largest professional services firms: Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG. These firms provide audit, consulting, tax, and advisory services to a wide range of clients worldwide and are known for their competitive hiring processes and professional development opportunities.

What is a Public Accounting job?

A public accounting job involves providing financial services such as auditing, tax preparation, and consulting to businesses, individuals, and government entities. Public accountants work for accounting firms ranging from small local practices to large global firms. Their responsibilities include examining financial records, ensuring compliance with regulations, and advising clients on financial decisions. Many public accountants pursue certifications like CPA (Certified Public Accountant) to enhance their credentials. This career offers diverse experience across multiple industries and opportunities for advancement.

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

Public accountants typically do not earn $500,000 annually; such high salaries are usually associated with senior roles in large firms, specialized consulting, or executive positions in accounting-related fields. Achieving this level often requires extensive experience, advanced certifications like CPA or CMA, and working in high-paying industries or management roles. Most accountants earn significantly less, with top earners reaching high six-figure salaries in certain circumstances.
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What cities are hiring for Public Accounting jobs? Cities with the most Public Accounting job openings:
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Public Accounting jobs near you
Infographic showing various Public 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, 6% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $81,814 per year, or $39.3 per hour.

Staff Accountant - Public Accounting

Adecco

Medford, NJ • On-site

$53K - $70K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Copilot said:Staff Accountant - Public AccountingJob Summary

Adecco is partnering with a respected regional CPA firm to identify a motivated and career-driven Staff Accountant to join its growing public accounting team. This contract-to-hire opportunity offers hands-on experience supporting tax preparation, financial reporting, accounting services, audit engagements, and client advisory projects while working alongside experienced CPAs and accounting professionals.

This role is ideal for an early-career accounting professional seeking exposure to multiple industries, direct client interaction, and a clear path toward advancement in public accounting. The successful candidate will develop technical accounting and tax expertise while contributing to a collaborative and client-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare individual, corporate, partnership, S-Corporation, and fiduciary tax returns under the supervision of senior accountants and managers.
  • Assist with financial statement preparation, general ledger maintenance, account reconciliations, and month-end close activities.
  • Support audit, review, and compilation engagements by preparing workpapers and maintaining organized engagement documentation.
  • Participate in bookkeeping, accounting, and outsourced accounting service engagements for clients across multiple industries.
  • Communicate directly with clients to obtain financial information and respond to accounting and tax-related inquiries.
  • Research accounting, tax, and compliance issues while ensuring adherence to federal, state, and local regulations.
  • Assist with payroll tax filings, sales tax filings, and other compliance requirements as needed.
  • Prepare supporting schedules and documentation for tax planning and advisory projects.
  • Collaborate with senior team members to meet client deadlines and deliver exceptional client service.
  • Maintain accurate engagement records and ensure compliance with firm quality standards.
  • Support special projects and client consulting engagements as assigned.
  • Stay current on accounting regulations, GAAP requirements, and tax law updates.
QualificationsRequired Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Accounting.
  • 1+ years of public accounting, tax, audit, or general accounting experience preferred.
  • Knowledge of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP).
  • Strong understanding of accounting fundamentals, financial statements, and account reconciliations.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis functions.
  • Strong communication, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage multiple client engagements and deadlines simultaneously.
  • High attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
Preferred Qualifications
  • CPA candidate or interest in pursuing CPA licensure.
  • Experience preparing individual, business, partnership, or fiduciary tax returns.
  • Exposure to audit, review, or compilation engagements.
  • Experience with accounting and tax software such as:
    • CCH ProSystem fx
    • UltraTax
    • Thomson Reuters
    • QuickBooks
    • Drake Tax
    • CaseWare
    • Similar public accounting platforms
  • Internship or prior experience within a CPA firm environment.
Why Join This Firm?
  • Work alongside experienced CPAs and accounting professionals who are committed to mentorship and development.
  • Gain exposure to tax, audit, accounting, financial reporting, and client advisory services.
  • Build relationships with business owners and organizations across diverse industries.
  • Receive hands-on training and professional growth opportunities.
  • Collaborative and supportive team culture focused on career development.
  • Strong potential for long-term advancement within a respected regional CPA firm.
  • Opportunity to develop the experience needed to pursue CPA certification and future leadership opportunities.

Pay Details: $70,000.00 to $85,000.00 per hour
Benefit offerings available for our associates include medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, additional voluntary benefits, EAP program, commuter benefits and a 401K plan. Our benefit offerings provide employees the flexibility to choose the type of coverage that meets their individual needs. In addition, our associates may be eligible for paid leave including Paid Sick Leave or any other paid leave required by Federal, State, or local law, as well as Holiday pay where applicable.
Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disabled
Military connected talent encouraged to apply
To read our Candidate Privacy Information Statement, which explains how we will use your information, please navigate to https://www.adecco.com/en-us/candidate-privacy
The Company will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with federal, state, and local laws and/or security clearance requirements, including, as applicable:
  • The California Fair Chance Act
  • Los Angeles City Fair Chance Ordinance
  • Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers
  • San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance

Massachusetts Candidates Only: It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.