Unlocking Your Future: Lucrative Accounting Degree Jobs Revealed

Exploring Accounting Degree Jobs

What Can You Do with an Accounting Degree?

Got an accounting degree? Great! You’ve got a buffet of career choices waiting for you. From the classic accountant role to more niche positions, the options are endless. About 61% of accounting and finance grads dive into finance jobs, admin roles in finance, or become finance associates. Here are some job titles you might want to check out:

• Accountant
• Auditor
• Financial Analyst
• Tax Advisor
• Management Accountant
• Forensic Accountant
• Financial Controller

Knowing the variety of roles out there can help you pick a path that suits your interests and skills. For more details on specific roles, visit our page on accounting roles.

Job Growth on the Horizon

Good news! The demand for accounting pros is climbing. Lightcast says jobs for accountants and auditors are set to jump by 10.6% by 2032. This boost is thanks to things like new regulations, economic growth, and more complex financial transactions.

Metric	Value
Projected Job Growth (Accountants & Auditors)	10.6% by 2032
Median Advertised Accounting Salary (Q1 2023)	$74,600
Global Accounting Services Market Size (2021)	$588 billion
Projected Global Market Size (2031)	$1.7 trillion

Figures courtesy Franklin University & Maryville University

The median salary for accounting gigs was $74,600 in early 2023, showing that this career can be pretty lucrative. The global accounting services market is also expected to balloon from $588 billion in 2021 to $1.7 trillion by 2031. This growth means there’s a solid demand for accounting skills, making it a promising field for your future.

If you’re keen on climbing the career ladder, think about getting certifications like Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA). For more info, check out our section on high-demand certifications.

By knowing your options and the future job growth in accounting, you can make smart choices about your career. Whether you’re just starting or looking to move up, accounting offers a ton of opportunities. For more on the basics of accounting, visit our page on accounting basics.

Must-Have Certifications

Getting the right certifications can really boost your chances of landing those high-paying accounting degree jobs. Here are three certifications that can seriously up your career game.

Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential is like the VIP pass for accountants. Many jobs in the field will require CPA certification, especially for roles involving auditing publicly traded companies (Franklin University). CPAs are uniquely qualified to perform certain functions, making this certification a valuable asset.

Certification	Requirements	Key Functions
CPA	Bachelor’s degree, 150 semester hours, CPA exam	Auditing, tax services, consulting

For more insights on accounting qualifications, visit our page on accounting qualifications.

Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

The Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation shows off your skills in accounting and strategic financial management. This certification is perfect if you’re aiming for management or leadership roles within an organization (Franklin University).

Certification	Requirements	Key Functions
CMA	Bachelor’s degree, two years of relevant experience, CMA exam	Financial planning, analysis, control

Explore more about accounting career paths on our accounting career path page.

Enrolled Agent (EA)

The Enrolled Agent (EA) certification is your go-to for tax-related jobs. It qualifies you to prepare tax returns and represent taxpayers before the IRS to resolve disputes and other tax matters. Unlike other certifications, the EA does not have educational requirements but does require passing a three-part exam or demonstrating sufficient experience as a former IRS employee.

Certification	Requirements	Key Functions
EA	Pass a three-part exam or experience as an IRS employee	Tax preparation, taxpayer representation

For more on different accounting roles, visit our accounting roles page.

Each of these certifications can seriously boost your employability and earning potential in the accounting field. Check out the benefits and requirements of each to find the path that suits your career goals.

Must-Have Skills for Accountants

If you want to rock those accounting degree jobs, you gotta sharpen a few key skills. Think analytical and critical thinking, problem-solving chops, and killer communication. Nail these, and you’ll be the go-to person in the accounting world.

Analytical and Critical Thinking

Being good with numbers is just the start. Analytical and critical thinking let you dig into complex financial data and make smart decisions. Companies are on the lookout for folks who can spot details others miss (Online Manipal).

Skill	Importance Level (1-5)
Analytical Skills	5
Attention to Detail	5
Financial Acumen	4

These skills help you find patterns, trends, and oddities in financial records, which is crucial for accurate reporting and staying compliant. Want to get even better? Check out accounting systems and accounting solutions.

Problem-Solving Abilities

Problem-solving is where the rubber meets the road in accounting. You’ll need to spot issues, weigh your options, and roll out effective fixes. Accountants often deal with stuff like reconciling discrepancies, managing budgets, and keeping up with regulations.

Problem-Solving Skill	Importance Level (1-5)
Identifying Issues	5
Evaluating Options	4
Implementing Solutions	5

Being resilient, handling stress, and staying flexible are also key for solving problems. For more on how problem-solving can boost your career, check out our piece on accounting career path.

Communication Skills

You might be a whiz with numbers, but if you can’t explain them, you’re in trouble. Great communication skills mean you can break down complex financial info for clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. It’s not just about talking; it’s about listening and working well with others.

Communication Skill	Importance Level (1-5)
Verbal Communication	5
Written Communication	5
Listening	4

Top companies love accountants who can make financial data easy to understand and act on. Good communication also builds strong relationships and teamwork.

To get better at this, look into accounting qualifications that focus on communication.

By honing these must-have skills, you’ll be ready to take on any opportunity in the accounting field. For more tips and resources, dive into our articles on accounting 101 and accounting practice.

Sectors and Employers

Got an accounting degree? Awesome! Let’s talk about where you can take it. Whether you’re into the steady grind of the public sector or the fast-paced private sector, there’s a ton of opportunities waiting for you.

Public Sector Opportunities

The public sector is like that reliable friend who always has your back. Jobs here come with good pay, job security, and clear career paths. Government gigs often need folks for finance, accounting, auditing, and tax roles (Online Manipal). Plus, you get perks like job stability and a structured career ladder.

Public Sector Roles	What You’ll Do
Tax Administration	Keep tax records straight and make sure everyone’s playing by the rules.
Auditing	Check financial records to make sure everything’s legit.
Financial Analysis	Crunch numbers to help with budgeting and planning.
Public Accounting	Offer accounting services to various government departments.

Want more deets on public sector accounting jobs? Check out our accounting officer job description.

Private Sector Roles

The private sector is where things get spicy. From big multinational firms to small businesses, there’s a role for everyone.

Private Sector Roles	What You’ll Do
Financial Analyst	Analyze data to help businesses make smart decisions.
Management Accountant	Handle budgets and financial planning.
Internal Auditor	Make sure internal processes are efficient and compliant.
Corporate Accountant	Deal with financial reporting, tax planning, and compliance.

For a closer look at these roles, visit our accounting roles article.

Top Companies Hiring

Big names across various industries are always on the lookout for accounting grads. Think banking, tech, retail, and even startups (Online Manipal).

Industry	Top Companies
Banking and Financial Services	JPMorgan Chase, Goldman Sachs
Accounting and Auditing Firms	Deloitte, PwC, KPMG, EY
Consulting Firms	McKinsey & Company, Boston Consulting Group
Technology and IT Services	Google, Microsoft, Amazon
Retail and Consumer Goods	Walmart, Procter & Gamble
Telecommunications	AT&T, Vodafone
Insurance Companies	Allstate, Prudential
E-commerce and Startups	Amazon, Shopify
Government and Public Sector	HM Revenue & Customs, National Audit Office
International Organizations	United Nations, World Bank

For more on accounting career paths, check out our accounting career path article.

By exploring these sectors and employers, you can find the perfect fit for your skills and career goals in accounting. Keep learning and stay updated with the latest accounting qualifications to boost your chances of landing that dream job.

Tech Upgrades

Automation’s Big Splash

Automation is shaking up accounting, especially after COVID-19 threw a wrench in the works. According to KarbonHQ, 43% of companies are thinking about cutting staff because of new tech. By 2025, humans and machines will be splitting the workload 50/50.

The World Economic Forum says old-school accounting jobs will be history by 2025, thanks to current and upcoming tech. This means accountants need to level up their skills to keep up with the changes.

Year	Human Time (%)	Machine Time (%)
2020	71	29
2025 (Projected)	50	50

For those eyeing accounting degree jobs, it’s not just about crunching numbers anymore. You’ll need to think critically, analyze, and solve problems. Plus, being resilient, handling stress, staying flexible, and always learning are key to thriving in this tech-driven world.

Rolling with New Tech

If you’re aiming to be an accountant, getting comfy with new tech is a must. Knowing your way around accounting software and tools, like accounting packages and accounting systems, will keep you in the game. Understanding how automation changes specific tasks can help you upskill smartly.

Here are some tech areas making waves:

• Data Analytics: Using big data and analytics tools to dig up insights and help with decisions.
• Cloud Computing: Going for cloud solutions for real-time data access and teamwork.
• Artificial Intelligence (AI): Letting AI handle boring tasks like data entry and reconciliation.
• Blockchain: Using blockchain for clear and secure transactions.

To stay on top, think about taking courses or getting certifications in these new tech areas. Keeping up with the latest accounting news and joining accounting cpd programs can also give you an edge.

By jumping on these tech trends, you’ll be ready to tackle the changing world of accounting degree jobs and build a successful career.

Career Growth and Further Study

Upskilling and Reskilling

The job market’s changing fast, and keeping up means constantly learning new skills. According to KarbonHQ, 40% of employees will need to upskill by 2025, and 50% will need some reskilling. This is especially true in accounting, where tech is shaking things up. To stay in the game, think about taking courses, going to workshops, and getting certifications.

Skill	Percentage of Need by 2025
Upskilling for Current Roles	40%
Reskilling Overall	50%

Want more tips on boosting your skills? Check out our article on accounting qualifications.

Postgraduate Options

Further study can really give your career a boost. Popular choices for accounting grads include an MSc in Actuarial Science or a PhD in areas like Banking or Trade Statistics.

Course	Focus Area
MSc in Actuarial Science	Risk Management, Insurance
PhD in Banking	Financial Systems, Economic Policies
PhD in Trade Statistics	Data Analysis, Global Trade Patterns

These qualifications can lead to senior roles and specialized fields. Learn more about continuing your education in our accounting university section.

Gaining Practical Experience

Hands-on experience is gold in accounting. Internships, work shadowing, or part-time roles can help you show off your skills to employers (Prospects).

• Internships: Get real-world experience and make connections.
• Work Shadowing: See what the job is really like day-to-day.
• Part-time Roles: Apply what you’ve learned in class to real situations.

For more tips on getting practical experience, visit our accounting trainee jobs page.

By focusing on upskilling, further study, and practical experience, you can open up a world of accounting degree jobs and build a successful career in this ever-changing field.