What Can I Do With an Accounting Degree?

Posted on January 9th, 2025 in Accounting, Blog

What Can I Do With an Accounting Degree?

Accounting offers several career options, allowing those who enjoy working with numbers to choose from a broad selection of jobs. Many accounting positions require in-depth knowledge of subjects such as financial management, data analytics, and leadership.

To prepare for a role in accounting, consider how an accounting degree can help professionals achieve their career goals. Keep reading to learn what can be done with an accounting degree.

What Can You Learn in an Accounting Degree Program?

Earning an accounting degree helps students learn practical skills in financial management, including auditing, microeconomics, and mathematics. Courses frequently cover how to make financial decisions using risk analysis and research to make informed decisions that lead to ideal outcomes.

Programs cover aspects related to the business world, including policies, taxation, and globalization. These programs may also cover soft skills like leadership, communication, and managing teams.

Reasons To Enter an Accounting Profession

One reason to consider accounting as a profession is that it can be financially rewarding. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), accountants and auditors earned a median annual salary of $79,880 in 2023. While salaries vary based on the specific role, experience level, and location, this figure is significantly higher than the 2023 median annual salary for all occupations of $48,060.

Becoming an accountant can also offer job security. The BLS predicts that positions for accountants and auditors are expected to increase 6% between 2023 and 2033, higher than the average 4% projected growth for all careers.

The profession also allows for career growth, as skilled accountants are needed at nearly every level, from bookkeepers to management and C-suite roles. The variety of positions also offers flexibility, allowing professionals to choose roles that match their interests and values.

Accounting Degree Careers

Below are a handful of examples of accounting-related careers that graduates can consider. While some require more experience than others, they are all promising pathways for those who choose an accounting-based education.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts guide investing for businesses and individual clients. They help clients build financial portfolios, including stocks, bonds, and other investments. They may work with both buyers, including hedge funds, insurance companies, and nonprofit organizations, and sellers who trade stocks.

According to the BLS, financial analysts made a median annual salary of $99,890 in 2023. The job outlook is positive, with the BLS projecting 9% growth between 2023 and 2033 due to increasing economic activity and emerging markets.

Finance Manager

Finance managers work with organizations to meet budgetary goals, helping them select investments and protect their money. They also assist with mergers and acquisitions.

According to the BLS, financial managers earned a median annual salary of $156,100 in 2023. The job outlook is strong, with the BLS projecting 17% growth between 2023 and 2033. The BLS notes that this growth will likely be due to the growing economy, emphasizing increased demand for specialties such as risk and cash management.

Chief Financial Officer

As the highest-ranking financial professional in an organization, a chief financial officer (CFO) oversees all of the company’s financial decisions. They also ensure legal and regulatory financial compliance. They may work with lower-ranking employees and delegate finance-related tasks, create reports, and forecast future investment decisions.

According to the BLS, top executives, including CFOs, earned a median annual salary of $103,840 in 2023. The job outlook is positive, with the BLS projecting 6% growth between 2023 and 2033. The BLS notes that executives are vital in making important decisions, including financial ones, which means top executives will likely see continued growth as new businesses emerge.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts assist with financial planning, monitoring how an organization spends its money, and providing reports on their findings. They analyze data to determine the costs and benefits of specific programs and recommend funding allocations based on their results. They’re vital to ensuring that government funds are disbursed to the most effective programs, and they may also work with private companies and universities.

According to the BLS, budget analysts made a median annual salary of $84,940 in 2023. The job outlook is positive, with the BLS projecting 4% growth between 2023 and 2033. The BLS notes that increasing demand for government funds will drive higher employment for public sector budget analysts.

Personal Financial Advisor

Personal financial advisors assist individuals in determining how to make investments, navigate taxes, and purchase the right insurance policies for their needs. They often help their clients plan for specific life events, such as buying a house, paying for college, or enjoying retirement.

According to the BLS, personal financial advisors earned a median annual salary of $99,580 in 2023. The job outlook is strong, with the BLS projecting 17% growth between 2023 and 2033.

Find Your Future Career in Accounting

What can you do with an accounting degree? Numerous career paths are available to accounting degree graduates, including working with corporations, nonprofits, and individuals. And Warner Pacific University Online’s Bachelor of Arts in Accounting program offers the educational foundation to help you begin.

Our curriculum covers critical accounting subjects such as economics, auditing, accounting systems, and quantitative analysis — and also fosters soft skills such as management, leadership, and communication, which are critical to succeeding in the modern landscape. As an online program, WPU Online’s BA in Accounting allows you to flexibly pursue your education alongside your current work and family obligations.

Find out how WPU Online can help you embark on a rewarding new career.

Sources:
Indeed, “10 Jobs for Accounting Majors, With Salary Information”
Indeed, “FAQ: Why Study Accountancy? (Plus Jobs in the Field)”
Indeed, “What Is an Accounting Major? Definition, Jobs and Skills”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Accountants and Auditors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Budget Analysts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Financial Analysts
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Financial Managers
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Personal Financial Advisors
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Top Executives

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