Is the IRS a Good Place to Work as an Accountant?

So you’re considering a job as an accountant working for the IRS, but is it a good place to work? Everyone is familiar with the Internal Revenue Service. They are on our minds every April, and more often for the self-employed and business owners. But is it a good place to work as an accountant? First, let’s define what it means to be a “good” place to work.

Working Environment

When considering working for any company, one should take a good look at the environment. Is it comfortable, well-lit, with well-defined work spaces? Do the current employees seem content to be there? Are there standard or great amenities, such as coffee, a small kitchen with a refrigerator and microwave, plenty of restrooms, a comfortable break room? The IRS is a bare bones operation. You have a desk, necessary supplies to complete your job, and basic amenities. This is the government, after all, so you’re not likely to find video games in the break room or catered lunches on Fridays. There are, however, many offices with full cafeterias, fitness centers, and credit unions onsite. A few offices offer childcare and health services. Some IRS jobs are flexible and, falling in line with other corporations around the country, you may be able to work some of your hours from your home office.

Job Security

No one wants to take a job that may be on the line in a year or two, leaving you with a new job hunt right as you’ve settled in. As a CPA working for the IRS, you can be sure of a steady paycheck for many years to come. The IRS is a place where you will find career employees, whereas you might see a lot of turnover in accounting in the private sector. In fact, the IRS looks great for new hires in that nearly half of its work force is over the age of 50, and 40 percent of its workers will be ready for retirement in just a few years. According to Bloomberg Business, the IRS needs you.

Benefits

CPA jobs are known for a decent salary, steady work, and good benefits. It’s a good idea to compare benefits in your job search, and the IRS does not disappoint in the benefits department. Health insurance, long term care insurance, flexible health spending accounts, retirement, and regular pay raises, are among the benefits offered to new hires. When it comes to benefits, it’s hard to beat government jobs, and this is perhaps the best aspect of being a CPA for the IRS.

If you have just graduated and are looking for a full time job as an accountant,the IRS may be a great place for you. Of course you can rely on having steady work, great benefits, and a good working environment. If you are an independent number cruncher and don’t require a lot of variety in your daily routine, the IRS is a definitely a good place to work as an accountant, and will need to replace its retiring workforce soon. Overall, working for the IRS is a great idea.