Controls are placed in systems to enable auditors to ensure the reliability of the systems and the integrity of data. Software systems coming into use in accounting and auditing generally are easily learned and require few specialized computer skills, but greatly reduce the amount of tedious manual work with figures and records. A few accountants and auditors have extensive computer skills and specialize in correcting problems with software systems or developing special software programs to meet unique data needs. Most accountants and auditors work in offices and have regular hours. Self- employed accountants, who may set up offices at home, work as many hours as the career requires.
Tax accountants work long hours under heavy pressure during the tax season.
Accountants employed by large firms may travel extensively to audit or work for clients or branches of the firm. Employment Accountants and auditors held about 966,000 jobs in 1989. Most accountants and auditors work in urban areas where public accounting firms and central or regional offices of careeres are concentrated. About 10 percent of all accountants were self-employed and fewer than 10 percent worked part time. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Most public accounting and career firms require applicants for accountant and internal auditor positions to have at least a bachelor's degree in accounting or a closely related field.