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Just as accountants in the private sector track, analyze and report financial information for individuals, businesses and nonprofits, accountants in the public sector perform similar duties for a range of public service agencies. Government accounting is essential for transparency and efficiency. As public servants, these individuals manage budgets, expenses and revenues at the federal, state, county and city levels for organizations such as the military, law enforcement and public schools. Government jobs tend to follow a uniform hiring process with standardized position requirements and pay scales, especially at the federal level. This can result in a rigid, multi-step application and promotion process, but usually provides clearly defined expectations and job descriptions.
Increased job security is a commonly cited benefit of public vs. private employment; however, government agencies also experience economic changes and can undergo pay and hiring freezes, as well as downsizing. Accounting knowledge and skills are required in many government roles; typical accounting tasks help each sector meet its public service mission. You'll find related positions in different types of offices and at all levels of government. There are several major offices that employ government accountants to provide financial oversight; study and analyze fiscal data; monitor transactions and procedures; and prepare detailed reports for internal and public consumption, including:
U. S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)