An accounting degree can open doors to a wide range of careers in the financial sector and beyond. You may be eligible for a wide range of accounting careers and other professions in the financial sector if you earn a degree in accounting. It’s helpful to be aware of the breadth of employment opportunities available to those with accounting degrees, as this education can equip graduates with transferable abilities. Read on as we explain and give you a list of the jobs you can get with your finance ad accounting degree. We also added a list of the jobs you can get with your associate and business accounting degree.
What Are Accounting Degree Jobs?
Accounting is a prestigious profession with a diverse industry presence. Most businesses have to hire accountants because keeping tabs on money coming in and going out is essential. Degrees in accounting may also be useful preparation for careers in areas other than accounting. Getting good jobs after your accounting degree is very important. The following are the jobs you can get with your accounting degree:
#1. Accounting Assistant
Professional accountants often rely on accounting assistants to help them with the many tasks that must be completed each day. Reading paperwork, creating reports, and filling out spreadsheets for the accountant are all things that accounting assistants can accomplish. For recent accounting majors looking to take the CPA exam, an accounting assistant position can be an excellent way to gain the necessary job experience. If you want to become a certified public accountant (CPA), working as an accounting assistant can help you gain the job experience you need to qualify. The median annual salary of an Accounting assistant in the United States is $28,621.
#2. Actuary
Risk management is a key responsibility for actuaries, who work in the financial industry. Actuaries use a range of analytical techniques, including computer modeling and data analysis, to produce actuarial tables. The hazards associated with numerous pursuits, even commonplace ones, are tabulated here. Insurance businesses frequently employ actuaries because of the expertise they provide in quantitatively demonstrating how policies should be graded in relation to the degree of risk associated with each client. The annual median income for actuaries in the United States is $114,430.
#3. Accounting Clerk
It is the responsibility of accounting clerks to prepare the financial records required by accountants. They conduct company-wide audits and communicate their findings to management. If a recent accounting major is looking for work experience before sitting for the CPA exam, an accounting clerk employment is one option they can consider because they will often work under a certified public accountant. The position would meet the prerequisite as long as the accounting clerk collaborates closely with another CPA. It is one of the best jobs you can get with your business accounting degree. The median salary of an Accounting clerk in the United States is $44,465.
#4. Financial Modeler
Analytical specialists known as “financial modelers” frequently work for well-known investment companies. Experts in financial modeling use sophisticated tools to simulate various financial scenarios. These models simulate complex commercial transactions and provide a tool to forecast potential investment possibilities. Investors might benefit from financial models because they provide a visual representation of where their money goes and the potential returns they might earn based on prevailing market conditions. The salary of a financial modeler is $105,436 per year.
#5. Account Manager
The role of the account manager in customer service is to keep tabs on the accounts of the company’s clients. Managing several accounts, account managers interact with customers to learn about their problems and provide solutions. An account manager’s responsibilities can also include contacting potential customers and informing them of the services the business offers. Your education could offer useful insight, thus, if you have a degree in accounting, you may be prepared to work as an account manager who manages customers in the accounting business. In the United States, a typical annual salary of an Account manager is $54,294.
#6. Investment Adviser
Investment advisers collaborate with their clients to offer advice on potential investments. Financial advisors that specialize in advising businesses and individuals on investments are known as investment advisers. They usually operate as part of a consulting firm, advising businesses that are unsure of where to put their capital. The median salary of an Investment adviser in the United States is $78,463.
#7. Accountant
Accountants are financial experts who keep tabs on and report on a business’s money flows. Due to the legal requirement that almost all businesses have financial records, accountants can find work in a wide range of sectors. Accountants keep tabs on reports and verify the accuracy of financial data. Earning your Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation is not required to work as an accountant, but it may help you land better jobs because many employers give preference to those who have it. The median salary of an Accountant in the United States is $56,089. It is one of the best jobs you can get with your business accounting degree.
#8. Business Analyst
Business analysts serve as consultants to their clients, for whom they conduct in-depth analyses of their businesses. Many businesses employ the services of business analysts, who are considered experts in their field, to conduct analyses of the company’s operations and make recommendations for how profits and organizational structure can be increased. Many businesses employ business analysts as part of a larger advisory team comprised of a wide range of professionals with specialized knowledge. Some business analysts are independent contractors that provide their analytical expertise to companies in need of guidance. The salary of a business analyst is $74,167 per year.
Finance and Accounting Degree Jobs
The majority of accounting and finance positions entail managing the finances of either individuals or organizations. One aspect of these occupations is advising clients on how to improve their financial literacy. The following are the jobs you can get with your finance and accounting degree:
#1. Conveyancer
Conveyancers are professionals that help transfer property from one owner to another by combining their knowledge of finance and real estate law. They investigate the property, complete and submit paperwork, and make sure the owners stick to the terms of the contract. Conveyancers can also be present during settlement negotiations and help negotiate tax rates. The salary of a conveyancer is $41,798 per year.
#2. Tax Adviser
In order to pay taxes as quickly and conveniently as possible, tax advisors assist their customers. They advise their customers on how to calculate their tax liabilities and make timely payments, and they inform them of any applicable tax breaks. The preparation of tax returns is something that tax advisors can either do for their customers or assist them with. It is one of the best jobs you can get with your finance and accounting degree. The salary of a tax adviser is $42,129 per year.
#3. Credit Analyst
Credit analysts are employed by financial institutions to help determine the safety of lending money to customers. They look into the clients’ credit histories and compile reports with suggestions based on the level of risk involved in giving the loan. They collaborate closely with credit bureaus to compile information on each customer. The salary of a credit analyst is around $52,983 per year.
#4. Compliance Officer
Banks and businesses rely on the assistance of compliance officers to ensure they are in accordance with all applicable regulations. They investigate monetary regulations at the federal, state, and municipal levels and update management on any developments. Financial institutions and businesses frequently employ compliance officers to lead teams tasked with enforcing adherence to relevant financial regulations. The salary of a compliance officer is $62,312 per year. It is one of the best jobs you can get with your finance and accounting degree.
#5. Cost Estimator
A cost estimator is a person who helps construction companies estimate how much a new structure will cost. They determine an approximate total cost by investigating the prices of all necessary components (materials, labor, and equipment). The cost estimate can be reduced if the cost estimators suggest ways to save money. The salary of a cost estimator is $66,206 per year. However, it is one of the most lucrative jobs you can get with your finance and accounting degree.
#6. Forensic Accountant
Professional forensic accountants are trained to spot fraudulent activities and advise on ways to prevent them. They look through financial records for signs of wrongdoing. After conducting their investigations, forensic accountants produce reports for law enforcement. When necessary, they may give courtroom testimony about their findings. The salary of a forensic accountant is $66,922 per year. Forensic accountant is sure one of the most lucrative jobs you can get with your finance and accounting degree.
#7. Treasury Analyst
It is the job of a treasury analyst to keep an eye on the money coming in and going out of a company, bank, or other organization with a sizable finance division, such as a government agency. They examine all financial dealings, suggest ways to improve processes and analyze data to develop budget projections for their organization. Treasury analysts keep tabs on the company’s accounts and investments and provide reports to keep upper management apprised of the company’s financial standing. The salary of a treasury analyst is around $70,729 per year.
#8. Economist
To try and foresee how the economy would behave in the future, economists use their understanding of the economy. Data is gathered and analyzed so that future tendencies can be predicted. Economists can use these projections to offer guidance to firms and other financial experts on the moves that are likely to yield the best results. Choosing an economist out of the jobs you can get with your finance and accounting degree is really a good idea, but putting in your best is important. The salary of an economist is $107,014 per year.
#9. Budget Analyst
Budget analysts work with businesses to develop and oversee their financial plans. They keep an eye on the company’s money to fix problems and cut costs. Analysts are often responsible for evaluating budget ideas and either approving or rejecting funding requests. They also take into account the company’s changing financial requirements when revising the budget. The salary of a budget analyst is $78,925 per year.
#10. Mortgage Adviser
Financial institutions frequently employ mortgage advisers to assist clients in identifying the most suitable mortgage products. In consultation with clients, they explain the options available to them in the mortgage market. Mortgage advisers collaborate with borrowers to ascertain their priorities in a loan and provide product recommendations accordingly. The salary of a mortgage adviser is around $53,351 per year. It is sure one of the best jobs you can get with your finance and accounting degree.
What Skills Should I Include in My Resume?
Accounting and finance positions often look for candidates with a solid grounding in both mathematics and standard business processes. Nonetheless, if you’re applying for a job in this industry, it would be wise to highlight some other, more specialized skills. To bolster your CV in the fields of accounting and finance, you can highlight skills like:
- The ability to comprehend GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles)
- Accounting software expertise
- Familiarity with business intelligence tools
- Grasp of both state and federal tax regulations
- Financial statement-preparation prowess
- Expertise in handling and analyzing data
Associate Accounting Degree Jobs
An accounting associate degree will get you further than just an entry-level job, whether you’re interested in working in business, the nonprofit sector, or even the government. You’ll have the flexibility to thrive in any work setting and take advantage of future advancement chances. The following are the jobs you can get with your associate accounting degree:
#1. Bookkeeper
A company’s bookkeeper is responsible for maintaining accurate financial records. They record every financial transaction that occurs in a company and use that information to generate financial statements for upper management. Bookkeepers typically maintain financial records, although their responsibilities might expand to include payroll processing, invoice creation, and account collection if needed.
#2. Auditing Clerk
Any organization, no matter how big or small, makes mistakes. Auditing clerks are available to address such issues. Financial records are double-checked for mathematical accuracy by auditing clerks. They can fix some of the issues on their own. However, auditing clerks are the first line of defense for any company, raising the alarm and prompting upper management to look into any potential wrongdoing. It is one of the most lucrative jobs you can get with your associate accounting degree.
#3. Payroll Clerk
It’s nice to be compensated promptly for your efforts. Payroll clerks ensure that all employees are compensated fairly. You will be responsible for ensuring that all employees are paid at the conclusion of each pay month as well as collecting, organizing, and verifying employee time sheets. Employees who opt for direct deposits will have their funds handled by you. Moreover, you will ensure that the correct amount of tax is withheld from each paycheck thanks to your extensive knowledge of tax codes; this will prevent any unpleasant surprises for your employees come tax season. Furthermore, a payroll clerk is one of the most lucrative jobs you can get with your associate accounting degree.
#4. Accounts Payable or Accounts Receivable Administrator
Every company relies on a network of vendors from which it sources its supplies and services. When it comes to making sure suppliers get paid on time and in accordance with regulations, it’s the job of the accounts payable administrator to ensure accuracy and timeliness. There may also be situations when the company you work for is the one doing the purchasing for another business. The responsibility of the accounts receivable manager is to ensure that the company is paid on time. You’ll be responsible for creating invoices and sending them out to customers for goods and services. You’ll also check for and follow up on any accounting inconsistencies and late payments.
Administrators of both accounts payable and accounts receivable will maintain detailed records of all business transactions on the company’s behalf, which will be available to managers, accountants, and government auditors.
#5. Tax Preparer
There will always be a demand for tax preparation assistance. Moreover, a CPA isn’t a necessity for everyone. They consult a certified tax preparer at that point. Working as a tax preparer allows you to provide financial security to clients by calculating, filing, and signing their individual and business tax returns. It is sure one of the best jobs you can get with your associate accounting degree.
What Can You Do with an Accounting Degree?
No matter the industry (tech, manufacturing, fashion, or entertainment) or the size of the business, every enterprise shares a common trait. Accountants are needed by all of them. Accounting degrees can pave the way to a wide variety of exciting careers, from bookkeeping for a small business to working for a large accounting firm to establishing a financial strategy for a giant corporation.
There is more to the field of accounting than just tax law. You will increase your capacity for critical thinking so that you may better ascertain the organization’s long-term objectives (and formulate strategies to meet them). Furthermore, you will acquire the skills necessary to articulate these strategies to others.
Is Accounting a Good Degree to Have?
Yes, many undergraduate students choose to major in accounting. Over the next decade, jobs in business and finance are expected to grow by 8%, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Managers, analysts, and accountants make up a large portion of the workforce in this sector. Therefore, it’s a good degree to go for.
Is Accounting Major Hard?
No, accounting is not a challenging field of study. However, it is a rigorous and time-consuming field of study. Those that are dedicated, enjoy working with statistics, and thrive under pressure may find success in the field of accounting.
Is It Better to Get a Degree in Finance or Accounting?
There are more job opportunities in finance, but there is also less stability. Jobs in the financial sector may occasionally pay better than average. A career in accounting may provide greater job security and stability but with a lower salary.
Are Accounting Majors in Demand?
There is a significant need for accountants and auditors in the current labor market. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projections put the number of auditing and accounting jobs at around 1.4 million by 2029.
Final Thoughts
You can go in many different directions after earning your Accounting degree. Maybe you’re interested in streamlining the financial processes of a business, or you’d like to work directly with customers. A degree in accounting will help you achieve your goals in life, no matter how lofty they may be. Check out the list of jobs listed above to make the choice that suits you.
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