There are a lot of job opportunities for people with an accounting degree. So, if you were good at mathematics, finance, and statistics in school and you are looking for some of the highest paying jobs, then you should consider taking accounting as a major. There are a lot of types of accounting majors, for example, accounting informatics, managerial accounting, and others. Each of these will help you get different kinds of jobs related to the accounting field.

Most people consider accounting a very tough major, and to some extent, it is indeed a tough major, but it is also one of the highest-paying majors. Every business needs to hire an accountant or an accounts officer who will be responsible for managing the transactions of the company. That means there are endless job opportunities if you have the right skillset and an accounting degree. All of these choices provide a good salary, and other job benefits such as job security, insurance, etc. Below is the list of the top 15 career opportunities that you will have after doing a degree in accounting.

Top 15 Career Choices After an Accounting Degree:

These are the top fifteen career choices that you can make after your Accounting degree.

• Bookkeeper
• Accounts Clerk
• Chartered Accountant
• Auditor
• Budget Analyst
• Cost Estimator
• Financial Analyst
• Financial Planner
• Finance Officer
• Personal Financial Advisor
• Teacher
• Tax Collector
• Top Executive
• Financial Attorney
• Technical Writer

Here are the details about each of these career choices in accounting.

1. Bookkeeper:

After completing your degree with an accounting major, you can become a bookkeeper. The job of a bookkeeper is to manage the accounting books of a company. Bookkeeping requires small and simple tasks such as recording every transaction that happens at your business location, office, or company. You will be responsible for making entries into accounting software. That means you will also have to learn some accounting software operations as well. You can learn all of these skills from your course of study as you will be studying about keeping and managing the books as a bookkeeper.

Smaller businesses can hire fresh candidates without experience but multinational companies and bigger businesses like to hire people with proper experience. So, you may have to start at some small company to gain some experience. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the bookkeepers have a median income of $42,410 per year meanwhile the top earners can make more than $63,900 per year. As of 2021, the total number of jobs for bookkeeper positions was about 1,620,000. Also, it is showing a decline of -3% for the next ten years.

2. Accounts Clerk:

Another job that you can get after completing your degree with an accounting major is the job of an accounts clerk. The job of an accounts clerk is to provide support to multiple divisions in the office related to accounting, finances, and administration. They also sometimes are asked to do the bookkeeping and recording of financial transactions of the company. This job requires on-the-job training, mostly related to the operations of software that the company is using for accounts and bookkeeping.

Accounts clerks also help to create and manage multiple accounts including payroll accounts, client accounts. This job requires having some experience, but fresh candidates are also hired.  According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the accounts clerks have a median income of $42,410 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $63,900. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 1,620,000. This data also shows a decline of -3% for the next decade.

3. Chartered Accountant:

You can also become a chartered accountant after completing your degree with an accounting major. You may have to pass some additional tests and exams but after that, you will be ready to become a chartered accountant. It is one of the highest-paying jobs. Also, you can start your accounts consultancy firm as well. You will be responsible for creating financial reports, filing taxes and tax returns, adjusting the accounting books ledges, and financial journals. Many companies hire consultants to help them with their accounts on a short-term basis, but some companies also hire permanently.

This job requires on-the-job training, and some experience in most cases but fresh candidates are also hired frequently by a lot of businesses. This job has a lot of growth opportunities as you can become a CFO after getting some experience. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that chartered accountants have a median income of $73,560 per year meanwhile the top earners can make more than $128,680 per year. As of 2021, the total number of jobs for chartered accountant’s positions was about 1,392,200. Also, it is showing a growth rate of 7% for the next ten years, which is average as compared to other jobs in the market.

4. Auditor:

You can also become an accounts auditor after completing your degree in accounting as a major. The job of an auditor is to objectively analyze the financial transactions to figure out any mistakes, examining the accounts of the company, checking the financial risks, and preparing reports. This job also requires supporting staff members such as chartered accountants, and financial officers. Most of the time your job will be making sure that every transaction is accurate and there are no mistakes in the financial reports or transactions in the ledgers.

This job might also require some on-the-job training, and having some experience can increase your eligibility for this job. There are also a lot of career growth options in this job.  According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the auditors have a median income of $73,560 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $128,680. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 1,392,200. This data also shows a growth of 7% for the next decade.

5. Budget Analyst:

After completing your degree with an accounting major, you can also become a budget analyst. This is a managerial job that requires knowledge of financial theories, mathematics, accounting, and statistics. The job of a budget analyst is to analyze the budget of the company and find out ways to reduce the cost and increase the overall profitability. Apart from budget, they also analyze proposals, investment plans, and various other financial and budget-related issues. It is a job that has the potential to help you grow in administration, as budget analysts become finance officers.

This job can also help you get a six-figure income per year. You might need some on-the-job training and some experience to get this job. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the budget analysts have a median income of $78,970 per year meanwhile the top earners can make more than $150,000 per year. As of 2021, the total number of jobs for budget analyst positions was about 52,500. Also, it is showing a growth rate of 5% for the next ten years, which is average fast

6. Cost Estimator:

You can also become a cost estimator after completing your degree in accounting. This job requires collecting data and doing research on the matter of cost estimation. This requires deeply studying and analyzing the cost estimation models. This helps you create estimations of the costs for production, marketing, sales, and other costs. The job of a cost estimator is to be able to tell the cost of the new project or about the cost of the current model. This helps companies analyze their budgets and decrease their costs and create more efficient and profitable products.

This is also a managerial level job position, so it requires having some previous experience but you can also get this job after completing your degree as a fresh candidate as well. According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the cost estimators have a median income of $66,610 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $114,360. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 199,400. This data also shows the growth of 1% for the next decade which is slow as compared to other jobs in this profession.

7. Financial Analyst:

During the study of accounts, you also learn about financial accounting, analysis, and management. This makes them eligible for various job positions in the finance department including the job of a financial analyst. The job of a financial analyst is to analyze the financial condition of a company or an investment venture. They use multiple accounting, statistics, and mathematics tools to get better insight into the financials of a company. This data helps investors to make better decisions and reduces the risks of investment. This job offers multiple benefits including higher salaries, better working conditions, and a chance to reach the highest positions in the company.

In smaller companies, you can get this job after completing your degree but bigger companies and corporations prefer hiring skilled and experienced individuals. This job might also require some on-the-job training. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the financial analysts have a median income of $83,660 per year meanwhile the top earners can make more than $159,560 per year. As of 2021, the total number of jobs for financial analyst positions was about 492,100. Also, it is showing a growth rate of 6% for the next ten years, which is moderately fast.

8. Financial Planner:

After completing your degree with an accounting major, you can also become a financial planner or advisor. The job of a financial planner is to help their clients or their companies create better financial plans that will help them increase their value and bring more profits. They analyze business data and transaction details from different businesses and advise their clients to invest in more profitable adventures. Financial planners are also responsible for creating reports based on their research so that stakeholders can get more in-depth knowledge of their investments, and their financials.

You can start the job after completing your bachelor’s degree but having a Master’s or some experience will increase the chances of your employment. According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the financial planners have a median income of $89,330 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $208,000. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 275,200. This data also shows the growth of 5% for the next ten years which is moderately fast.

9. Finance Officer:

You can also get the job of a finance officer after completing your degree in accounting. This job requires skills in accounting, and finance, and knowledge of mathematics, statistics, and finance. Your course of study will cover all these topics and will also prepare you for this job position. This job requires controlling the finance department and overseeing the financial transactions of the company. You will also be responsible for making and presenting the financial reports to higher management and stakeholders.

Financial officers are often called financial managers, and you can get this job after completing your education. If you have higher education or some experience, you will be able to get a better salary and more job benefits. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the financial officers have a median income of $134,180 per year meanwhile the top earners can make more than $208,000 per year. As of 2021, the total number of jobs for finance officer or financial manager positions was about 681,700. Also, it is showing a growth rate of 17% for the next ten years, which is faster than most other jobs after this degree.

10. Personal Financial Advisor:

The job of a personal financial advisor is to advise clients on financial matters such as future investments. This job requires deeper knowledge and skills related to finance. Apart from that, you will also be analyzing data from various sources to determine the risks and strategies to mitigate them. This job is similar to the job financial planner but it requires personal relationships with the clients. You will be communicating with your clients instead of stakeholders. A lot of wealthy businessmen hire their financial advisors to get a better insight into their financial matters.

You can get this job after completing your degree, but having some experience will increase the chances of your employment. According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, personal financial advisors have a median income of $89,330 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $208,000. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 275,200. This data also shows the growth of 5% for the next decade which is slow as compared to other jobs.

11. Teacher, Lecturer, Professor:

If you want to become a teacher, lecturer, or professor, you can also do that after completing your degree in accounting. Teaching requires different levels of qualification at different stages. For example, secondary school teaching requires having a Bachelor’s degree, while colleges and universities prefer people with a Master’s or doctorate in this field. This job requires having a strong grip on the subject that you are teaching.

If you want to become a teacher in a university, you might also have to do some research work and publishing as many universities only hire professionals who have published their research papers. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the teachers have a median income of $80,560 per year meanwhile the top earners can make more than $100,000 per year. As of 2021, the total number of jobs for teacher job positions was about 1,276,900. Also, it is showing a growth rate of 12% for the next ten years, which is fast as compared to many other jobs in the market.

12. Tax Collector:

After completing your education in accounting, you can also become a tax collector and work for the federal or state government and help collect taxes. The job of a tax collector is to analyze the taxes filed by a person or company and see if there are any discrepancies. This job requires deeper knowledge of accounts, and account keeping and analyzing. You will be going through the financial details of persons and companies and will be determining how much tax they should be paying.

This job requires on-the-job training. According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the tax collectors have a median income of $55,640 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $105,430. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 56,900. This data also shows a decline of -4% for the next decade.

13. Top Executive:

You can also get the job of a top executive after completing your degree in accounting. This degree prepares you for multiple roles in business administration including the roles of top executives. The top executives are responsible for running one or more parts of the company. These are the highest positions in a company after stakeholders as you will be responsible for making all the administrative decisions and organizing and running the company. These job positions include operations manager, finance manager, chief financial officer, chief executive officer.

All of these are very important job positions and that is why people with previous experience in business management are preferred for this job. It is one of the highest-paying jobs that you can get after a degree in accounting. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that the top executives have a median income of $107,680 per year meanwhile the top earners can make more than $208,000 per year. As of 2021, the total number of jobs for top executive positions was about 2,704,400. Also, it is showing a growth rate of 8% for the next ten years, which is average fast.

14. Financial Attorney:

After your degree in accounting, you can also become a financial attorney. This job might also require studying law and passing the bar examination. But after that, you will be able to practice as a financial attorney. Financial attorneys help their clients on legal matters. This job also requires helping the clients in the formulation of legal documents, helping the file for patents on their products, and other related matters.

This job requires studying law and passing the bar examination. Without a bar examination, you will not be allowed to practice. According to the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the financial attorneys have a median income of $126,930 per year. Meanwhile, the top ten percent can make more than $208,000. The total number of jobs related to this profession is 804,200. This data also shows the growth of 9% for the next decade which is average fast.

15. Technical Writer:

You can also become a technical writer after completing your degree. This job has many benefits as it allows you to work as a freelancer or work from home. This job can require writing legal documents, technical files, reports, and other written materials. It requires having strong communication skills and being able to write on multiple topics and in multiple styles. For example, the writing style of a legal document is different from a sales letter. So, you may have to study these multiple styles and patterns to become a successful writer.

You can start your career as a technical writer soon after finishing your college education. The data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the technical writers have a median income of $74,650 per year meanwhile the top earners can make more than $119,040 per year. As of 2021, the total number of jobs for technical writers’ positions was about 52,300. Also, it is showing a growth rate of 12% for the next ten years. The reason for this higher growth rate is that a lot of people now want to work from home or work remotely and this job allows you to do that.

Benefits and Salaries for Accounting Related Jobs:

Job Title	No. of Job	Required Qualification	Job Outlook	Salary
Bookkeeper	1,620,000	Bachelor’s	-3%	$42,410
Accounts Clerk	1,620,000	Bachelor’s	-3%	$42,410
Chartered Accountant	1,392,200	Bachelor’s/Master’s/Ph.D.	7%	$73,560
Auditor	1,392,200	Bachelor’s/Master’s/	7%	$73,560
Budget Analyst	55,200	Bachelor’s/Master’s	5%	$78,970
Cost Estimator	199,400	Bachelor’s/Master’s	1%	$66,610
Financial Analyst	492,100	Bachelor’s/Master’s	6%	$83,660
Financial Planner	275,200	Bachelor’s/Master’s	5%	$89,330
Finance Officer	681,700	Bachelor’s/Master’s	17%	$134,180
Personal Financial Advisor	275,200	Bachelor’s/Master’s	5%	$89,330
Teacher	1,276,900	Bachelor’s/Master’s/Ph.D.	12%	$80,560
Tax Collector, Examiner	56,900	Bachelor’s/Master’s/Ph.D.	-4%	$55,640
Top Executive	2,704,400	Bachelor’s/Master’s/Ph.D.	8%	$107,680
Attorney	804,200	Bachelor’s/Master’s/Ph.D.	9%	$126,930
Writer	52,300	Bachelor’s/Master’s/Ph.D.	12%	$74,650

Note:(Bachelors for the job and Masters for further promotion) data source bls.gov

Types of Accounting Degrees:

Here are some of the common accounting degrees that you can get.

1.   Certificate:

Schools award certificates to the students who complete a short-term course in accounting. This type of certificate course can last from a few weeks to a year. These types of courses provide technical skills. A certificate in accounting will help you learn about operating multiple accounting software that means you will be able to get the job of a bookkeeper in a small business. The cost for this course can be between $2,000 to $12,000. After completing this course, you will be able to work at local offices, small business chains, and stores.

2.   Associate’s Degree in Accounting:

An associate’s degree in accounting requires studying the brief theory of accounting and getting the skills that you will need to become an accountant, auditor, bookkeeper, or accounts clerk. This type of degree requires two years to complete and can cost up to $15,000. You can get this at your local vocational training college or a community college.

3.   Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting:

The Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting is a four-year college education degree. In this degree, you will not only learn about accounting but other subjects that are related to accounting business and finance. You will also learn other important subjects such as communication, and business writing. This degree requires completion of 120 credit hours and can cost up to $200,000. After completing this degree, you will be able to get multiple jobs in finance, accounting, and administration.

4.   Master’s Degree in Accounting:

The Master’s Degree in Accounting is a two-year course of education at a college or university level institute. It requires the completion of up to 40 credit hours and can cost between $40,000 to $100,000. This degree will prepare you for the jobs at a higher level, for example, the job of a CFO and CEO. A Master’s Degree in Accounting provides you with the latest knowledge and skills in accounting.

5.   MBA in Accounting:

MBA in Accounting is also similar to a Master’s degree in accounting but it is different as it focuses more on the business administration and management part. This degree prepares me for the job of a financial manager, and chief financial executive. It can take up to 2 years to complete and requires the completion of 40 credit hours. The cost of this degree is also similar to that of a Master’s degree in accounting.

6.   Doctorate/Ph.D. in Accounting:

A Ph.D. in accounting is the highest level of education accounting that you can get. It is a research-based educational program that allows you to research multiple topics of accounting. It helps you enhance your research skills and improves your knowledge by providing the latest information. A Ph.D. is required for many jobs including the job of a teacher or professor in colleges and universities. It can take between 4 to 8 years to complete and requires the completion of 120 credit hours. Apart from that, you will also have to complete your research work to get your degree. 

Skills You Will Learn from Accounting Degree:

• Written and oral communication
• Analysis and problem-solving skills
• Time management and report writing
• Understanding of the financial systems
• Skills related to tax filing, auditing, and bookkeeping

Conclusion:

Accounting is one of those majors that are comparatively difficult but offer some of the best career choices. A lot of people who complete their education with accounting as a major get different jobs that not only pay them very well but also provide them with other job benefits such as job satisfaction, better working conditions, and more. You can get many jobs in multiple different fields related to finance, accounting, and management. So, if you are looking for a degree that will help you get some of the best jobs, you should take accounting as a major.

FAQs:

Question: How to become a Chartered Accountant?

Answer: To become a chartered accountant, you must complete a bachelor’s degree. If you take accounting as a major during your bachelor’s degree it will benefit you in the future. After that, you will have to do some additional study and will have to pass CPA (certified public accountant).  After that, you will become a chartered accountant.

Question: What are the accounting degree requirements?

Answer: There is no given set of requirements for an accounting degree but having a good GPA in school will improve the chances of getting admission to a good college. Also, having some knowledge of mathematics, and statistics are also necessary.

Question: How to get an accounting degree?

Answer: To get an accounting degree, you will have to enroll yourself in a college and will have to select accounting as a major. Make sure to select a good college or university as it will impact your career.