Learn about eight careers in accounting, including those that require you to be a certified public account (CPA) and those that do not.
Changing financial regulations, global business expansion and strict government oversight keep accounting jobs in demand. Careers in accounting will continue to grow at a stable rate over the next decade, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
If you are thinking about getting into the field or want to advance in your current accounting position, you need to know what career options are available.
Most of the careers listed below require at least a bachelor-level accounting degree. If you want to understand what accounting is or where to get an on-campus or online business education, Reply! can help. This service lets you research schools and find the program to meet your career goals, availability and budget constraints.
If you want an accounting job with high pay or high competition, you will most likely need to earn a certified public accountant (CPA) credential. A CPA can work in any of the following positions:
- Public accountant. Public accountants work for corporations, nonprofits or governments. No job is typical, but most CPAs help with auditing, financial reporting, tax preparation and business strategy.
- Forensic accountant. Forensic accountants help put white-collar criminals behind bars. You could work with law enforcement to prosecute insurance fraud and financial crimes. This job is similar to that of an internal auditor, who researches accounting records to detect inaccuracies and fraud.
- Internal Revenue Service (IRS) special investigator. The IRS employs a team of investigators to track down embezzlers, extortionists and tax evaders. This job can net you $45,000 to $60,000 annually, according to the BLS.
- Comptroller. Comptrollers, or controllers, are chief accountants at public and private organizations. They oversee income and expenses and ensure compliance with government regulations. As a comptroller, the BLS found you could earn a median salary of $103,910.
- Chief financial officer (CFO). As a CFO, you oversee a company's financial operations, including investing, budgeting and reporting. You may work long hours with the rest of the company's executives, but you can make $101,250, as that is the median salary stated by the BLS.
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You can also take advantage of careers in accounting without a CPA credential. These options are great for people who are finishing up accounting classes or still trying to pass the CPA exam.
- Bookkeeper. As a bookkeeper, you record transactions, make payments and produce financial reports for internal managers. You may work on your own or as part of an accounting department. Bookkeeping clerks make about $34,000 annually.
- Personal financial advisor. Financial advisors use investments to help clients develop and reach their financial goals. You could earn a median average of $34,030.
- Budget analyst. Budget analysts monitor spending in government agencies and nonprofit organizations. They work with managers to make sure businesses have enough money to pay for future needs. A budget analyst with a bachelor's degree and certification can earn an average of $68,000 per year.
By understanding the available careers in accounting, you can make better decisions about your education and your future. Whether you are just entering the field or have earned recognition as a seasoned pro, you should have no problem matching your skills and interests to one of these lucrative jobs.