Interested in becoming a military accountant or continuing your existing accounting career as a member of the United States military? You can do it! There are several services and programs that can help you if you are interested in pursuing accounting in the military.
Find answers to your questions about accounting in the military, as well as guidance and resources to help you grow success as a military accountant.
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Is it possible to pursue accounting in the military?
Yes! Military accountants are, in fact, extremely valuable assets of the US government, helping to ensure that all spending is optimized, accurately reported, and compliant. All branches of the US military employ accountants to help them manage their finances.
The US military spends billions of dollars a year, and every financial transaction is subject to regulatory requirements and government oversight. The military needs accountants and auditors to manage its financial records and ensure compliance. Because of this wide need for accounting in the military across its many sectors, you can pursue a range of different specialties as a military accountant. These paths include, but are not limited to:
- Financial advising
- Auditing
- Cost accounting
- Forensic accounting
- Tax accounting
What do accountants in the military do?
If you snag a job in accounting in the military, your daily tasks will range based on your rank and specialization. If serving as a general military accountant, you can expect to handle financial records and serve as a financial advisor.
More specifically, military accountants and auditors can complete any of the following tasks:1
- Maintain financial records of profit and loss
- Establish internal controls to manage accounting services and analysis operations
- Evaluate cost and efficiency
- Direct accounting activities for control of funds and property
- Coordinate account maintenance, reconciliation of accounts, and preparation of payrolls
- Record and control commitment, obligation, and expenditure of funds
- Prepare financial reports
- Conduct cost accounting and analysis
- Administer and perform internal and contract auditing
- Supervise appraisals of financial management and business activity
- Inspect contractor records for compliance
- Appraise documents and present findings to management
- Evaluate validity, reliability, and results of internal controls and recommend appropriate action
- Interpret or administer accounting procedures where costs are the basis for negotiation or reimbursement
With more specialization and experience, these tasks will likely shift to reflect your area of expertise.
By growing as an accountant in the military, you'll likely take on a wide range of activities throughout the course of your career. This exposure can help you determine your interests and set goals toward specialization; on the other hand, if you're already invested in a specific type of accounting, you'll likely be able to find a military accounting job that fits that specialty.
What does career mobility look like for accountants in the military?
Serving as an accountant in the military equips you with skills and experience that can help you build a successful career both in and outside of military service.
In the military, you’ll learn discipline and develop strict time management skills—both essential traits of an accountant. You’ll have a foot in the door with the United States government and can continue a career in civil service and government agencies. Agencies like the Department of Defense, the Securities and Exchange Commission, and the IRS all offer great opportunities for accountants and auditors who have served in the military.
Even public corporations often pursue military veterans for roles in their tax, finance, and accounting teams, seeking the soft skills that these individuals bring to the table.2 Within the public sector, military accountants can apply their problem-solving skills and solid work ethic to achieve positions such as CFO, CEO, and VP of Finance.
How do I become an accountant in the military?
If you’ve already completed a four-year degree in accounting or a related field, you can join the military as an officer. There are requirements to joining the military, no matter your career, including enlistment requirements and physical requirements. Once you join, you’ll also need to go through basic military training before assuming your role as an officer.
If you haven't yet earned a four-year accounting degree and you're wondering: can you get an accounting degree in the military? The answer is yes. You can get your accounting degree in the military by training to become a commissioned officer and attending any of the five US service academies:
- The United States Military Academy (USMA) in West Point, New York
- The United States Naval Academy (USNA) in Annapolis, Maryland
- The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) in Colorado Springs, Colorado
- The United States Coast Guard Academy (USCGA) in New London, Connecticut
- The United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) in Kings Point, New York
If you’re attending a different college or university, you can join your school’s Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) program. ROTC programs provide you with military training and scholarship money in exchange for your commitment to serve for a set amount of time after you graduate. Completing an ROTC program allows you to join the military as an officer. ROTC programs are a great way to help you overcome the financial burdens of college while advancing your accounting career objectives.
Enlisted service members can also transition to an officer position and become a military accountant while serving. If you display the right qualifications, your commanding officer can recommend you for Officer Training School (OTS) or an ROTC program, if you decide to go back to school.
Earn your CPA with Becker
Whether you’re pursuing an accounting career in the military or elsewhere, earning your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license is a great way to expand your opportunities and reach your full potential. Becker is here to help, providing world-class CPA Exam Review materials and other essential resources.
Start your journey to growth in accounting in the military by downloading our free CPA Exam Guide eBook, which features everything you need to know about the CPA license, exam, and career growth that comes just from being a CPA.
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