Careers in Accounting

Accounting jobs span every industry and specialization, with organizations worldwide relying on in-house experts for guidance on regulations, tax compliance, financial reporting, and money management.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment for accountants and auditors to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average job growth rate of 4% across all occupations.

Additionally, a 2024 survey by the Graduate Management Admission Council (GMAC) found 27% of employers reported hiring more master ‘s in accounting graduates than they expected to in 2023, which was a significant boost from the 14% of employers who reported doing so in 2022. This data reflects a long-term rise in employers hiring more master’s in accounting graduates than they expected, according to previous GMAC research.

The profession is also evolving as demand grows. Artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to facilitate significant changes to the profession, and some experts told BestColleges that the technology will enhance accountants’ roles as trusted advisors in their organizations.

However, while demand for accountants is on the rise, the accounting field offers several other career paths you can pursue.

Read on to explore some of the most popular careers in accounting.

Accounting experts work in all sectors and industries, from educational institutions to government agencies and private corporations. The minimum requirement for these jobs is generally a bachelor ‘s degree, but some employers might prefer candidates with a master’s degree or a certification such as Certified Public Accountant (CPA).

From traditional accounting roles to data-focused analyst jobs, this list includes some common jobs you can get with an accounting degree, along with their educational requirements and salary data from the BLS.

Accountants oversee financial records, ensure regulatory compliance, and provide organizations with insights to optimize budgeting, tax strategies, and overall financial health.

This role requires strong organizational skills and a keen eye for detail as you oversee finances and manage money. Many accountants also become CPAs by meeting their state’s licensure requirements.

Auditors revise organizations’ finances to ensure accuracy and compliance with regulations.

These professionals can work internally for an organization or as a third-party consultant hired to examine an organization’s assets.

Being an auditor requires a keen understanding of state, local, and federal regulations.

Bookkeepers closely monitor an organization’s finances, handling day-to-day transactions and maintaining organization. This means tracking invoices and processing payroll to ensure an organization’s financial records are accurate and up to date.

Each job featured on this list is detail-focused, but being a bookkeeper may require some of the most minute attention to detail. This career is generally more accessible to those without a degree. It’s worth noting, however, that the BLS projects a 5% decline in employment for bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing clerks from 2023 to 2033.

Budget analysts condense the big picture of an organization’s finances into an annual budget. That means analyzing revenue and costs and comparing them to the broader economic environment to develop a forward-looking budget.

Being a budget analyst requires strong organizational and communication skills to develop a comprehensive budget, but also demands an ability to forecast and anticipate economic headwinds as you prepare a budget for the coming year.

Financial analysts are forward-looking professionals who understand their organization’s finances and the broader economy. These risk- and investment-focused specialists need strong communication and analytical skills to help businesses make decisions about their future.

Financial managers analyze their organization’s finances, drive investment decisions, and guide long-term strategic planning. This role requires experience in financial management, strong leadership skills to oversee teams, and a deep understanding of how an organization fits within the broader economic environment.

Tax examiners analyze taxpayer accounts to determine how much they owe in taxes and ensure compliance with tax laws. This role requires knowledge of regulations and attention to detail to ensure that taxes are accurately levied on individuals.

Tax lawyers are key advisors to individuals and businesses as they navigate complex tax laws and potential issues related to mergers, acquisitions, and other business complications. Becoming a tax lawyer requires graduating from law school, passing the bar exam, and gaining specialized experience in the field.

Accounting firms face a high demand for workers, which can translate to a ripe job market.

The CPA Journal says the accounting profession is in a “severe crisis due to a shortage of accountants.”” This can be partly attributed to the decline in CPA exam candidates in recent years and the growing number of longtime accountants retiring.

Additionally, the BLS projects faster-than-average employment growth from 2023 to 2033 for some accounting-related roles, such as accountants and auditors, financial analysts, and financial managers. In fact, bookkeeping is the only career in the above group that the BLS projects will see a decline in job growth during that same time period.

Also, while AI may automate and assist several accounting-related tasks in the near future, it isn’t expected to fully replace accountants as key advisors to their company.

The looming accountant retirement cliff plays a significant factor in the BLS projection that jobs for accountants and auditors will grow faster than the average rate across all professions from 2023 to 2033.

Also, employment for financial managers is booming and projected to grow at a rate that is four times the national average from 2023 to 2033, according to the BLS. This comes amid the rapid rise of financial technology, or fintech, and a rapidly evolving global financial regulatory environment.