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PROFESSIONAL ISSUES
Benefits of Asector workers continues to increase,
s workers search for better oppor-
tunities and the demand for public

accounting professionals working in the
public sector private sector should consider whether
switching to a career in the public sector
could meet their needs for professional
advancement and job satisfaction.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor
accounting Statistics, the rate of public sector job
openings in 2021 was the highest in the
past 20 years. In fact, a September 2021
public finance workforce study by the
careers National Association of State Treasurers
Foundation found that nearly one-third of
the public sector finance workforce is over
the age of 55.
The public sector can offer account-
ing professionals: (1) an opportunity to
contribute to society; (2) a better work/
Accounting professionals who want to life balance; (3) generous retirement
plans and health insurance; (4) paid
contribute to society and social justice time off; (5) flexible working schedules;
could consider jobs in government, which and (6) reimbursement for pursuing an
advanced degree and CPA licensure.
can also offer career and personal benefits. Working for the public sector can
also offer a chance to contribute to social IMAGES BY ZAK00/GETTY IMAGES
By Beth Y. Vermeer, CPA, Ph.D., justice. (See the sidebar “GAO Examina-
and Thomas E. Vermeer, CPA, Ph.D. tion Leads to Public Hearings.”) This is
an important aspect of the job for Erik

18 | Journal of Accountancy November 2022