Accounting Careers: The 7 Best Jobs in Accounting

Accounting is a lucrative career path with many opportunities to advance after gaining experience and enhancing your credentials with specializations.

Accountants can work in accounting departments or directly with individuals and businesses. Their roles range from bookkeeping to internal auditing. They are experts in analyzing financial data and helping companies improve their performance to meet financial goals.

Seven Featured Career Paths in Accounting

There are accounting jobs in accounting firms, non-profit organizations, and government agencies. Below, we've listed the best accounting careers you can pursue.

1. Budget Analyst

Budget analysts help organizations use their financial resources to meet their goals. They prepare budgets and monitor expenses to improve financial performance. With financial forecasting, budget analysts predict trends to efficiently plan budgets and disperse resources.

2. Forensic Accountant

A forensic accountant's job involves investigating financial fraud. They combine accounting and investigative skills to analyze financial records for discrepancies. Forensic accountants need to have precise attention to detail when looking over financial data to assist legal cases.

3. Accounting Manager

An accounting manager works with a team of accountants within a company or accounting firm, supervising the department's responsibilities. They ensure budgeting, taxes, and financial reports are accurate and that accountants are following regulations. Accounting managers play a key role in developing procedures for maintaining financial integrity.

4. Financial Analyst

Financial analysts play a valuable role in business decision-making. They look at data and analyze financial statements to give insights related to risk management and financial planning. Their expertise helps businesses come up with strategies to improve their performance and optimize cash flow.

5. Tax Accountant

Tax accountants are accounting professionals who prepare and file tax returns. They help people ensure that they comply with tax laws and maximize their returns when filing taxes. Tax accountants advise their clients and assist them with audits and disputes.

6. Internal Auditor

An internal auditor works with an organization to examine their internal controls and risk management and offer recommendations for improvement. They are responsible for financial integrity by ensuring financial processes are ethical and compliant with regulations.

7. CPA

CPAs are certified public accountants who pass the CPA exam. They are accounting professionals who help both individuals and businesses with financial tasks. CPAs are experts in preparing taxes, auditing, and financial analysis.

Accounting Educational Requirements

The educational requirements to become an accountant include earning a degree to gain experience and then advancing your education to qualify for more roles in your career.

Bachelor's Degree

A bachelor's degree is the main educational requirement for entry-level accounting jobs at public accounting firms. There are many schools that offer Bachelor of Science in accounting degrees to prepare you for a variety of finance roles after graduating. Some accounting majors are part of a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree and specialize in accounting.

Master's Degree

Some accountants choose to earn a master's degree to focus their career. A Master of Science in accounting is generally intended for those with an undergraduate accounting degree and gives a more in-depth look at the fundamentals of accounting and finance.

Other programs for accountants besides an MS in accounting include business law, forensic accounting, or even an MBA. Completing a master's program is beneficial for those who aim to become chief financial officers (CFO) or other high-level finance executives.

CPA License

One of the most common licenses for accountants is a certified public accountant license. A bachelor's degree and related field experience are needed to take the CPA exam and there may be additional state requirements depending on where you are located.

CMA License

A certified management accountant (CMA) license is available for accountants who want to advance in their careers and take on roles with more financial responsibility.

Colleges and Universities Offering Accounting Degrees

Prospective students who are looking to earn an accounting degree can attend a program at one of the many accredited universities. Online accounting degrees allow you to conveniently advance your education and career.

Purdue Global

Purdue Global's Bachelor of Science in accounting helps students develop the skills needed to examine financial records and prepare taxes. Graduates are well-equipped to work as auditors, budget analysts, and financial analysts.

The program offers the following concentrations:

• auditing and forensic accountancy
• public accountancy
• managerial accountancy
• tax accountancy

Arizona State University

At Arizona State University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in accountancy. The program helps students develop their critical thinking and communication skills while also gaining technical knowledge of accounting and finance with hands-on learning and internships.

Herzing University

Herzing University's accounting bachelor's degree is available online for aspiring accounting professionals. The career-focused program highlights the skills like cost accounting and auditing that are needed to offer financial services and excel in an accounting career. Students also have the option to take the Master of Business Administration (MBA) pathway by earning dual credits.

University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass Amherst has a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) with an accounting emphasis. The program, which is offered online or on campus, pairs business fundamentals with accounting to prepare students for a variety of roles in the finance industry. Graduates have the skills needed to offer financial services like consulting, auditing, and financial planning.

FAQs About Accounting Careers

Choosing to attend an accounting program can leave you with some questions. These answers can help you decide if an accounting career is right for you.

Is It Worth It To Get a Degree in Accounting?

Yes, getting a degree in accounting is worth it because it qualifies you to begin working in a finance role and gain experience in the accounting field. A Bachelor of Science in accounting helps prepare you for the CPA exam if you choose to become a certified public accountant.

What Specializations are Available in Accounting?

Specializing in an area of accounting can narrow down your job search and help you focus your skills. Tax accounting involves preparing tax returns for individuals as well as businesses and nonprofits. An auditing specialization involves investigating financial statements to catch irregularities that could signify fraud. Having a specialization makes you a more ideal candidate when applying for jobs or making a career change because it highlights your area of expertise.