Accounting Careers: Jobs for Accounting Majors

If you’re considering going to accounting school, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with some of the career options available to you after graduation. While having an accounting degree alone doesn’t guarantee you’ll land a specific job in the field, completing a diploma program, associate degree, or even a bachelor’s degree program in accounting can help you build the foundational knowledge and skills needed in many accounting jobs.

So, what are some common careers for accounting majors? From entry-level accounting jobs to more advanced roles, we’re breaking down a wide range of options below.

18 Jobs for Accounting Majors

Depending on your level of education and experience, there are many potential accounting degree jobs you may be able to pursue after graduation.

Accountant

The most “obvious” path for accounting graduates is to pursue a career as an accountant. Accountants specialize in the preparation and/or examination of financial records for both businesses and individuals alike. From payroll management to tax compliance, accountants do it all — and they can work in a wide range of settings, from the private to the public sector.

Bookkeeper

Meanwhile, bookkeepers (also sometimes known as accounting and auditing clerks) are professionals who focus more on maintaining and managing financial records for businesses and other organizations. This may include keeping general ledgers, making sure transactions are properly recorded, and preparing invoices while ensuring adherence to regulatory compliance standards at all times.

In some cases, professionals in this role may take on more of an auditing position, where they may be responsible for reviewing financial documents for accuracy. In some cases, they may spot discrepancies that sign larger problems within an organization (such as fraud) that need to be addressed at a higher level. Regardless, when discrepancies or errors are discovered, it is the responsibility of the auditor to correct them and bring them to the attention of senior accounting staff members.

New Account Clerk

If you’re interested in a financial/banking role within accounting, you may enjoy working as a new account clerk. These professionals assist new account holders when it comes to opening up and establishing bank accounts, such as checking and savings accounts. They may assist in creating the accounts while communicating with account holders and answering questions along the way. Professionals in this line of work need to have an extensive knowledge of different account options and be able to obtain information necessary from customers to process applications.

Billing Cost and Rate Clerk

Another career path to consider after completing your accounting program is working as a billing cost and rate clerk. These professionals carry out many clerical and administrative duties that come with invoicing and billing for companies of all sizes. From collecting data and performing calculations to communicating with clients, billing cost and rate clerks spend a lot of their time working with customers and managing individual accounts. This can be an excellent path for those who enjoy working with numbers, performing calculations, and working with the latest computer systems.

Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk

Working as an accounts payable/receivable clerk is another option worth exploring in the accounting field. These professionals are mostly responsible for managing a company’s invoices, ensuring that all products and labor are reconciled and that invoices are properly submitted. Another crucial aspect of this job is tracking transactions and invoices to maintain accurate financial records.

In addition to handling invoices, accounts payable/receivable clerks may also be responsible for processing employee payments. This ensures that each employee is paid the correct amount on time.

Tax Preparer

Interested in all things taxation? You might consider using your accounting degree or diploma to pursue a career in tax preparation. Tax preparers help clients (including individuals and businesses) complete and file their tax returns each year. This includes helping clients determine which credits and deductions they are eligible for and claiming them properly on their tax returns. Ultimately, tax preparers help clients minimize their taxes owed and keep more of their hard-earned money in their pockets through an extensive knowledge of current tax codes and laws.

Auditor

Across all industries, auditors play a critical role in ensuring that businesses and organizations are accurately reporting their financial information while remaining in compliance with laws and regulations. Auditors are professionals who perform independent analyses of a company’s financial records. Some companies may hire their own internal auditors, although shareholders or courts may also order external audits. Regardless, all auditors are responsible for reporting findings fairly and accurately.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts are finance/accounting experts who help companies and organizations optimize their financial resources. They may assist in developing budgets, making recommendations to avoid overspending, and making projections for future financial/budgeting needs. These professionals play a critical role in keeping organizations running smoothly while making the most of the financial resources available to them.

Financial Analyst

Meanwhile, financial analysts are professionals who provide businesses and individuals with guidance when it comes to their investments and other critical financial decisions. They make personalized recommendations based on the company or individual’s short- and long-term goals, financial standing, and market conditions.

Financial Examiner

Similar to auditors, financial examiners are responsible for reviewing an organization or individual’s financial reports to ensure compliance regulations are adhered to and information is reported accurately.

Finance Manager

As you gain more experience in the accounting field, you may eventually be able to move into a management role, such as finance manager. These professionals are tasked with creating financial reports, making investment recommendations, and developing long-term strategic plans for businesses based on organizational goals and values.

Management Accountant/Analyst

Management accountants (also referred to as management analysts) are responsible for reviewing a company or organization’s financial records and processes, ultimately making recommendations to optimize profits and streamline operations.

Personal Financial Advisor

If you like the idea of working one-on-one with clients, you might consider a career as a personal financial advisor. These professionals provide tailored advice and guidance to individuals looking to better manage their money and make wise financial decisions for their future.

Payroll Clerk

Many businesses also hire dedicated payroll clerks, who take on the responsibility of recording employee time data and handling payroll. Their primary job is to make sure that employees are properly paid for their work and that necessary tax deductions are made from wages.

Internal Auditor

Compared to external auditors, internal auditors are dedicated auditing professionals hired by companies to investigate and review their financial record-keeping. They may perform routine audits throughout the year to check for discrepancies or carry out more in-depth investigations when the need arises.

Loan Officer

Loan officers are finance/accounting professionals who review applications for various types of loans and, ultimately, decide whether to approve or deny them. They may work for credit unions, banks, mortgage companies, or other financial institutions that offer Loan Officer financing.

Cost Estimator

In the accounting and finance field, cost estimators play an essential role in analyzing financial data to determine how much money, time, or other resources are needed for a company to provide a specific good or service.

Tax Examiner

Another role to consider as an accounting graduate is that of a tax examiner (also commonly referred to as a revenue agent), where you may be responsible for determining how much a business or individual owes in taxes based on current laws and regulations. In some cases, tax examiners may also take on the responsibility of pursuing tax collection.

Is an Accounting Degree Worth It?

As you can see, there’s a lot you can potentially do with an accounting degree. Still not sure whether studying accounting is right for you? Consider a few benefits of pursuing this career path before you make your decision.

Accounting Is In-Demand

For starters, there’s a growing demand throughout many industries for skilled and knowledgeable accountants. In fact, according to United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, the job outlook for accountants and auditors is projected to grow 6 percent between 2023 and 2033 alone. That’s faster than the national average for all occupations.
*Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Benefits of Learning and Working in Accounting

Likewise, pursuing an education and career in the important field of accounting can be a great way to develop your own financial literacy and analytical skills, both of which can be beneficial in other areas of your life. Because just about every business needs accountants, you can more-or-less choose the path or specialization that best aligns with your strengths and interests. For example, if you’re particularly interested in a niche like forensic accounting, you can explore such roles as a forensic accountant, internal auditor, or fraud examiner.

Long-Term Career Growth Opportunities

In addition to choosing from a wide range of possible specializations within the broader accounting field, there are plenty of opportunities for career growth and advancement within the field. While many graduates start off in entry-level accounting jobs, time and work experience could qualify you for supervisory, leadership, and even management roles that may come with more competitive salaries and other benefits.

Start Your Accounting Career with Three Accounting Degree Options

Are you ready to take the next step towards a rewarding accounting career? If so, then the right education can make all the difference. At Bryant & Stratton College, we’re proud to offer a number of comprehensive accounting programs to meet your needs and career goals. From our Accounting Assistant Diploma to our Associate of Applied Science in Accounting and even our Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting, we have programs to suit every student. Plus, all of our accounting programs (and many others) are available in both online and on-campus formats for added versatility and convenience. And while a degree alone can’t guarantee a job, it can help you gain valuable skills, formalize your experience, and help you stand out today’s competitive job market.

Get in touch to learn more about any of Bryant & Stratton College’s accounting programs today, or take the next step by completing your online application for admission.