A bachelor’s in accounting is a 4-year degree program that equips you with essential skills for a career in finance. You’ll learn how to analyze financial statements, prepare taxes, and manage budgets—valuable skills across a range of industries.
While many accounting graduates pursue careers in finance, this degree provides a solid foundation for roles in auditing, tax, and other sectors of the financial world.
If a finance career sounds intriguing to you, read on and discover what jobs you can get with an accounting degree.
Why choose a career in accounting?
There are many benefits to pursuing a career in accounting, including:
- Consistent demand: Accountants are always in need. Every business or organization needs someone to oversee their financial statements. This also gives you the opportunity to work in various industries.
- Steady growth: The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that accounting careers will grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, a faster rate than most careers. That translates to 130,800 new job openings per year.
- Diverse career options: There are several available careers with a bachelor’s in accounting. Popular options include staff accountants, financial analysts, controllers, auditors, and bookkeepers, but there’s always a need for most types of accountants.
10 careers for people with a bachelor’s degree in accounting
Ready to explore specific career paths in accounting? This list showcases 10 exciting accounting jobs and related opportunities, giving you an idea of what jobs you can get with an accounting degree.
From entry-level roles to more senior positions, there are a variety of career paths that you can apply to a wide range of industries and build the career that fits you best.
Let’s take a closer look.
Note: All salary data is from the BLS.
Certified management accountant (CMA)
A certified management accountant (CMA) specializes in financial planning, analysis, control, and decision support. This role combines accounting expertise with strategic business insight. CMAs are valuable in guiding organizational strategy and improving financial performance. Their typical tasks include:
- Conducting financial planning and analysis
- Developing and monitoring performance metrics
- Managing budgets and cost control
- Providing strategic recommendations to management
- Overseeing risk management initiatives
CMAs use their advanced accounting skills to interpret complex financial data and translate it into actionable business insights. They often collaborate with other finance professionals to drive organizational efficiency and profitability.
Average annual salary (BLS): $93,060
Certified public accountant (CPA)
A certified public accountant is a licensed professional who provides a wide range of accounting services. This role requires extensive accounting principles, auditing, and tax regulations knowledge. CPAs are trusted advisors in financial matters for individuals and organizations.
A CPA’s day-to-day duties include:
- Preparing and auditing financial statements
- Providing tax planning and preparation services
- Offering consulting on financial and business matters
- Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations
- Conducting forensic accounting investigations
CPAs use their comprehensive accounting skills across various financial domains. They often work independently or in accounting firms, collaborating with clients and other financial professionals to provide expert financial guidance. It’s important to note that you’ll need to obtain a state CPA certification to be considered for these positions.
Average annual salary (BLS): $93,060
Auditor
An auditor examines financial records and operations to ensure accuracy, compliance, and efficiency. This role requires strong analytical skills and a thorough understanding of auditing standards and accounting principles and regulations. Auditors play a crucial role in maintaining financial integrity and identifying areas for improvement.
Auditors might spend their days:
- Reviewing financial statements and accounting records
- Assessing internal control systems
- Verifying the accuracy of reported financial data
- Identifying and investigating discrepancies or irregularities
- Preparing detailed audit reports and recommendations
Auditors rely heavily on their accounting expertise to scrutinize complex financial information and detect potential issues. They often work independently or as part of a team, collaborating with management and other financial professionals to enhance organizational practices.
Average annual salary (BLS): $93,060
Financial analyst
A financial analyst evaluates financial data to support business decisions and investment strategies. This role bridges accounting and finance, requiring strong accounting skills to interpret financial statements, perform ratio analysis, and understand financial reporting standards.
Duties a financial analyst might perform include:
- Analyzing financial performance
- Creating financial models and forecasts
- Assessing investment opportunities
- Preparing reports for management
- Monitoring industry trends
Financial analysts often use accounting knowledge to dig deeper into financial data, identifying patterns and anomalies. They may also collaborate with accountants to gather necessary information for their analyses.
Average annual salary (BLS): $122,580
Investment advisor
An investment advisor provides clients with guidance on financial investments, helping them make informed decisions about their portfolios. This role combines financial analysis with client relationship management. While accounting skills are beneficial, investment advisors focus more on market analysis and financial planning.
An investment advisor’s typical tasks include:
- Assessing clients’ financial goals and risk tolerance
- Recommending investment strategies
- Monitoring and rebalancing portfolios
- Staying updated on market trends and regulations
- Providing regular performance reports to clients
Investment advisors evaluate investment opportunities using their knowledge of financial statements and economic indicators. They often work closely with accountants to assess clients’ financial situations and the tax implications of investment decisions.
Keep in mind that you’re typically required to pass a securities licensing exam, and depending on the jurisdiction, you may also need to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission or state authorities to operate as a Registered Investment Advisor.
Average annual salary (BLS): $129,790
Financial modeler
A financial modeler creates complex financial representations of a company’s operations, investments, or projects. This role requires advanced Excel skills and a deep understanding of accounting and finance principles. Financial modelers bridge the gap between raw financial data and strategic decision-making.
What do financial modelers do daily? Their duties include:
- Developing detailed financial models and forecasts
- Performing scenario and sensitivity analyses
- Valuing companies or assets
- Supporting merger and acquisition (M&A) activities with financial projections
- Creating dynamic dashboards for financial reporting
Financial modelers heavily rely on accounting knowledge to accurately represent financial statements and ensure model integrity. They often collaborate with accountants to validate assumptions and source reliable financial data.
Average annual salary (BLS): $122,580
Actuary
An actuary uses mathematics, statistics, and financial theory to analyze the financial costs of risk and uncertainty. This role is crucial in the insurance and pension industries, requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills. While accounting knowledge is useful, actuaries focus more on probability and risk assessment.
An actuary’s typical duties include:
- Calculating insurance premiums and reserves
- Designing and pricing insurance policies
- Evaluating financial security systems
- Forecasting future events based on past data
- Assessing the financial impact of uncertain events
Actuaries use their understanding of financial concepts to model complex scenarios and provide risk management strategies. They often work with accountants to ensure financial reports accurately reflect risk assessments and liability projections.
To become an Actuary, you need to pass a series of actuarial exams, in addition to earning a bachelor’s degree.
Average annual salary (BLS): $165,220
Budget analyst
A budget analyst helps organizations plan their finances by developing, analyzing, and executing budgets. This role requires strong accounting skills and attention to detail. Budget analysts play a crucial role in financial planning and resource allocation.
A budget analyst might be tasked with:
- Preparing annual budget reports
- Monitoring spending and analyzing budget variances
- Forecasting future financial needs
- Recommending funding reallocation when necessary
- Ensuring compliance with laws and regulations
Budget analysts work closely with accountants, using accounting principles to interpret financial data and create accurate budget projections. They often act as a bridge between financial data and organizational decision-making.
Average annual salary (BLS): $74,020
Corporate controller
A corporate controller oversees an organization’s financial reporting, accounting operations, and regulatory compliance. This senior-level role requires extensive accounting expertise and leadership skills. Corporate controllers are key figures in financial management and strategy.
Typical tasks for a corporate controller include:
- Managing the accounting department
- Overseeing financial statement preparation
- Implementing and maintaining internal controls
- Ensuring compliance with accounting standards and regulations
- Providing financial analysis to support decision-making
Corporate controllers heavily rely on their accounting background to interpret complex financial data, streamline accounting processes, and guide financial strategy. They often work closely with chief financial officers (CFOs) and external auditors to ensure financial integrity.
Average annual salary (BLS): $189,250
Tax preparer
A tax preparer assists individuals and businesses with tax planning and in preparing and filing tax returns. This role requires in-depth knowledge of tax laws and regulations and strong attention to detail. Tax preparers play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with tax obligations. Although tax prep may seem seasonal, there is demand year-round.
What does a tax preparer do? Typical tasks include:
- Gathering and organizing financial information
- Calculating tax liabilities or refunds
- Completing and submitting tax forms
- Identifying applicable deductions and credits
- Advising clients on tax planning strategies
A large benefit of this role is that it typically offers flexibility, with many preparers working on a contractual basis or remotely, making it ideal for those seeking work-life balance. Additionally, it provides opportunities for growth—with experience and further certifications, such as CPA or EA, tax preparers can transition into higher-paying specialized roles.
Providing representation before the IRS can significantly increase your average annual salary. To provide representation before the IRS, a tax professional must be an Enrolled Agent, CPA, or Attorney.
Average annual salary (BLS): $58,000
Skills you’ll need for a career related to accounting
Looking to excel in accounting? You’ll need a blend of these skills to stand out in this field:
- Critical thinking
- Financial analysis
- Problem-solving capabilities
- Attention to detail
Additionally, proficiency with accounting software is non-negotiable. It’s the backbone of efficient data management and analysis in the modern corporate world. Platforms like Intuit ProSeries Tax and QuickBooks are commonplace in the industry.
While technical skills are vital, don’t overlook the power of soft skills like:
- Strong communication
- Leadership
- Time management
- Collaboration abilities
Honing soft skills outside the technical skills necessary to be an accountant can significantly boost your career potential and open doors to managerial roles or strategic decision-making opportunities.
Consider a tax preparation career with Intuit
Now you know some of your career options with a bachelor’s in accounting. You can use your accounting degree toward an exciting, fulfilling, and challenging career.
Intuit is always looking for talented, dedicated accounting graduates to join our team. Browse our tax preparer or bookkeeping jobs and see if joining our team is right for you.
This is just the beginning of your journey toward a career in accounting. While this information will set you on the right path, discover all there is to learn in our complete guide to whether a tax preparation or accounting career is right for you.