What Jobs Can I Get With an Accounting Degree?

An accounting degree opens doors to many career opportunities. The analytical, problem-solving, and financial literacy skills gained are highly transferable and valued. This versatility allows graduates to pursue paths from traditional financial roles to specialized investigative and advisory positions.

Careers in Public Accounting

Public accounting is a common starting point for many accounting graduates, providing services to multiple clients. Firms range from small local practices to large international entities like the “Big Four” (Deloitte, EY, KPMG, and PwC). Professionals typically specialize in audit, tax, or advisory services.

Audit professionals examine and verify company financial statements for accuracy and compliance with accounting principles. They assess internal controls and provide an independent opinion on financial reporting for investors and stakeholders. This role often involves working with various clients across different industries, providing broad exposure to diverse business models.

Tax accountants specialize in tax law, compliance, and planning, assisting individuals and businesses with preparing and filing tax returns and optimizing tax strategies. They navigate complex tax regulations to help clients minimize tax liabilities and ensure adherence to federal and state tax laws. This specialization requires a deep understanding of tax codes and their implications.

Advisory services in public accounting provide strategic guidance to improve clients’ financial performance and achieve business objectives. Professionals offer expertise on financial management, risk management, business strategy, and mergers and acquisitions. Advisory roles leverage analytical skills to develop financial models and recommend process improvements and operational efficiencies.

Careers in Private Industry

In the private sector, accounting professionals work for a single company, contributing to its internal financial operations and strategic decision-making. These roles exist across organizations of all sizes. Private industry accountants manage a company’s financial health, ensure accurate record-keeping, and provide insights that inform business strategy.

Staff accountants handle day-to-day accounting tasks, including managing accounts payable and receivable, processing payroll, and preparing journal entries. They maintain accurate financial records and contribute to financial close processes. This foundational role provides a comprehensive understanding of a company’s financial flows.

Financial analysts use financial data to identify trends, forecast performance, and support strategic business decisions. They prepare budgets, analyze variances, and develop financial models to assess investment opportunities or evaluate the financial impact of initiatives. These professionals provide insights that guide management in resource allocation and operational improvements.

Internal auditors assess a company’s internal controls, operational efficiency, and compliance with policies and regulations. Their work safeguards assets, prevents fraud, and ensures financial data integrity, providing assurance to management and the board. Internal auditors identify risks and recommend improvements to internal processes.

Cost accountants analyze and manage costs associated with producing goods or services. They help businesses determine pricing strategies, evaluate profitability, and identify areas for cost reduction, often working closely with operations and production teams. Their analysis supports effective cost control and strategic planning.

Financial reporting specialists prepare and analyze a company’s financial statements and reports for external stakeholders like investors, regulators, and the public. This includes ensuring compliance with accounting principles and Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regulations for publicly traded companies. They ensure transparency and accuracy in financial disclosures.

Careers in Government and Non-Profit Organizations

Accounting professionals find careers within governmental bodies and non-profit organizations, supporting public service and mission-driven objectives. While core accounting principles are similar, these sectors operate under distinct reporting requirements and financial management philosophies. Accountants in these fields ensure accountability and transparency in the use of public or donated funds.

Government auditors examine financial records and operations of government agencies at federal, state, and local levels. They ensure compliance with laws and regulations, evaluate program efficiency, and assess the proper use of taxpayer money. These roles may involve working for agencies like the Internal Revenue Service or state audit offices.

Budget analysts in government agencies assist in developing, executing, and monitoring budgets, ensuring financial resources align with public policy priorities. They analyze financial data to project future needs and evaluate spending, contributing to fiscal responsibility and resource allocation. Their work supports transparent financial management within government.

Forensic accountants within government agencies investigate financial crimes like fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering, providing expert analysis for legal proceedings. They trace funds, identify hidden assets, and prepare reports for evidence in investigations and prosecutions. This role combines accounting expertise with investigative skills.

Non-profit organizations require skilled accountants to manage their unique financial landscapes, including tracking donor restrictions, managing grants, and ensuring compliance. Roles range from accounting specialists and finance managers to internal auditors. Non-profit accountants prepare financial statements in accordance with Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) guidelines, which have specific considerations for non-profit entities regarding contributions and restricted funds.

Governmental accounting adheres to standards set by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB), while non-profit accounting follows Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) standards. Both boards establish Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) for their sectors, ensuring financial reporting provides useful information for stakeholders. Unlike for-profit entities, government and non-profit organizations focus on service provision, influencing their financial reporting and accountability.

Expanding Beyond Traditional Accounting

An accounting degree provides a versatile foundation beyond conventional roles, enabling professionals to pursue specialized careers leveraging their analytical and financial acumen. Rigorous training in financial systems, data interpretation, and regulatory compliance prepares graduates for diverse and evolving fields. These roles often integrate accounting principles with technology, investigation, or strategic planning.

Forensic accounting combines investigative skills with accounting knowledge to uncover financial misconduct and provide litigation support. Forensic accountants analyze financial records to detect fraud, assess damages, and trace illicit funds, often serving as expert witnesses. This specialized area requires a methodical approach and attention to detail to reconstruct financial events.

Information technology (IT) audit involves evaluating controls within an organization’s information systems to ensure data integrity, security, and compliance. IT auditors assess technology risks and review IT infrastructure and applications. Their work safeguards financial data and supports overall financial audits, as accounting systems are often computer-based.

Data analytics roles within finance leverage accounting skills to interpret large financial datasets, identify trends, and provide insights for business decisions. Accounting data analysts use statistical tools and data visualization software to improve financial reporting accuracy and support strategic planning. Professionals often have proficiency in tools like Excel, SQL, and data visualization platforms.

Financial planning and wealth management professionals advise individuals and families on financial matters, including investments, retirement planning, tax strategies, and estate planning. An accounting background is beneficial for understanding the tax implications of financial decisions and analyzing clients’ financial health. These roles focus on helping clients achieve long-term financial goals and preserve wealth.