For private and governmental accountants, travel requirements are much more varied, dependent on a myriad of factors including the nature of their function or business. Some may never leave their offices in their careers, while others may spend a significant amount of time on the road. Government accountants may travel frequently to perform audits and other analyses at government facilities nationwide.

Dress code

Dress codes in public accounting are quite reasonable. The Big Four firms have gone to a full-time casual dress code while in the office, with formal business attire appropriate for in-office client meetings (many in the Big Four keep suits in their offices). When going out to a client site, public accounting firms generally require their auditors to dress in a similar manner to their client. The dress code of accountants in private companies varies depending upon the industry, ranging from jeans and polo shirts in the entertainment industry to full business attire at financial services firms.

Compensation

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in 2002, the median annual salary of accountants and auditors was $47,000, with the median entry-level salary in public accounting around $29,000. The middle half of the occupation earned between $37,210 and $61,630; the top 10 percent earned over $82,230. According to a survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), people with undergraduate accounting degrees received starting offers averaging $40,000 in 2003; holders of masters in accounting degrees averaged $43,000. While private sector salaries usually approximate those in public accounting, they are slightly lower in government. Salaries tend to be higher in major cities. The following table shows public accounting averages, compiled in 2003 by staffing frim Robert Half International.

In the federal government, the starting annual salary for junior accountants and auditors was $23,442 in 2003. Candidates with superior academic records might start at $29,037, while applicants with master's degrees or two years of professional experience started at $35,518. Overall, accountants employed by the federal government in all non-supervisory, supervisory and managerial positions averaged $69,370 in 2003.

Perks

The accounting industry doesn't match investment banking or law in terms of employee perks, but firms still try to make life easier for their employees. Naturally, life is sweeter as you move up the ladder. Some such benefits are:

Staff

• A per diem for expenses while traveling. Intended to cover meals and entertainment, these per diems can be used however employees like - in other words, no receipts are required.


• Plenty of free meals (usually eaten in a conference room at a client site).


• Use of a personal computer - though in most cases the firm retains ownership of the unit, in the event that you quit or otherwise leave the firm.


• The opportunity to travel and retain your frequent flier miles. Opinions vary as to whether extensive travel is ultimately a perk or a chore.

Seniors

Seniors have all of the perks of a staffer along with a bonus that is based upon the results of their office. The bonus plans differ greatly from firm to firm, so it's wise to ask about the policy regarding contingent compensation.

Managers

At this level of responsibility, accountants are usually eligible for bonuses based upon personal performance, including hours billed and work sold to clients. The travel in this position tends to cover more destinations but for shorter periods of time, since the professional is usually supervising multiple engagements simultaneously.

Partners

Compensation and perks at this level can be fabulous, but vary based upon a person's ability to generate fee-based revenue. Also, equity ownership in the firm is often offered to partners, though some may still be salaried employees of the organization.

Vacations

One benefit of working at a public accounting firm is that the amount of vacation given to an undergraduate hire is much greater than at many other companies. Sadly, the opportunity to go on vacation decreases as you grow in responsibility within a firm. However, early on, the summer generally presents many opportunities to take vacations. As one former Deloitte & Touche auditor says, "I never would have received four weeks of time off with any other employer. Also, I was fortunate enough to have been given the opportunity to take much of that time consecutively so that I could travel for an extended period overseas during my second year with the firm."

Social events

The amount of intra-office socializing, such as parties and galas depends on the office. However, teams usually hold an end-of-engagement party following large engagements. Additionally, you will get the chance to entertain clients, such as corporate accounting staffs, during the year. You should note that these opportunities increase with experience and responsibility. Usually, staff and seniors are not involved in marketing the firm. Social opportunities with peers are usually quite varied, since most firms tend to have many personnel around the same age.

Support staff/services

Much of the office administrative work is handled by the young public accounting staff, while travel arrangements and other large expense items for a firm are usually handled by the office for oversight purposes. At client sites, the most junior member(s) of the team handle most of the administrative duties. This person is generally responsible for copies and other menial chores such as fetching food.