To qualify, you�ll need a bachelor�s degree in accounting, auditing or a related field, and the ability to pass a security check that screens for illegal or improper drug use, criminal acts, dual citizenship, poor credit or membership in organizations that �unlawfully practice or advocate the overthrow or alteration of the United States government by unconstitutional means.�

While some auditors make a career of the DCAA, others use their time there to get a working knowledge of Federal Acquisition Regulation, or �FAR.� That and their security clearance allows them to walk into private sector jobs with salaries in the mid-$50,000 range, says Marc Zeid, partner in Capital Search Group, LLC, in Vienna, Va.

�You�re going to get a substantial increase because there is a tremendous shortage of secured accounting professionals. Most government contractors are looking for auditors, and if you�re cleared, so much the better,� Zeid says.

Those jobs are with defense contractors located around the country as well as with the government contract services practices at Big 4 firms like Ernst & Young.

However, Zeid warns, if moving to the private side is in your plans, don�t stay at the agency for too long. �Stay three or four years and leave,� he says. �Otherwise it becomes much more difficult to get out. People still have perception issues with the government workers.�

Related Stories

DoD to Feed Army of Auditors