Government Accounting

Simplify your job as a government accountant
By Julie Busby, Freelance Writer/Editor/Producer Government accounting jobs can be a confusing and frustrating career at times. And it's no wonder, considering the IRS sends out eight billion pages of forms and instructions every year. If you put these papers side by side, they would circle the earth 28 times.

The tax laws and codes change so often that the government can't even specify the exact number. With these types of constant changes, you need some government accounting information to ease your stress and simplify your job.

1. Get the software you need.

2. Understand the government accounting structure.

3. Take courses to increase your pay in a government accounting job.

Find software to help make your government accounting job easier

There are hundreds of software programs, but how can you know which one is best for your governmental accounting solutions and needs?
Try:  If you're tired of spending countless hours searching for software programs and wasting money on programs that aren't suited for what you need, then check out Find Accounting Software. After filling out a brief questionnaire, you will receive a free buyer's guide to direct you on which software to purchase for your specific US government accounting needs. At Capterra you can get detailed reports on software programs geared towards governmental accounting solutions.

Understand the basics of government regulations for accounting

The government regulations for accounting are often changing, and whether you've been involved in federal government accounting for years or you're just getting started in your career, it can be difficult to keep up with these changes.
Try:  At the Governmental Accounting Standards Board you can purchase or download user's guides to help you understand current governmental regulations for accounting. These include everything from financial guides at your school district to guides on your local government's finances. You can also buy books regarding government regulations for accounting from the U.S. Government Bookstore.

Sign up for some US government accounting courses

If you're looking to be promoted you need to learn as much information about government accounting as possible. And a great way to do that is to take some classes, especially ones leading to professional certification.
Try:  With government accountants often working long hours it can be difficult to attend a university to take classes. However, at the Carl Vinson Institute of Government, you can sign up for online courses and work through them at your own pace. They offer multiple introductory and intermediate courses that are useful for a variety of governmental accounting positions. If you're looking to significantly increase your pay you may want to consider getting your Master's in accounting. The Rutgers Business School offers online master's degrees in governmental accounting. The Association of Government Accountants supervises Certified Government Financial Manager certification.

• With increasing globalization and homeland security, it's a good idea to learn a new language. Knowing a second language opens up job opportunities for government accountants when working with multinational companies.