6 Rewarding Accounting Careers to Take into Account

For anyone who’s detail-oriented and data-savvy, a career in accounting may be calling your name. Accountants use both their analytical and communication skills to organize financial information and make expert recommendations. 

There are a variety of benefits to joining this in-demand field including expanding opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the job market for accountants is expected to grow by 6% by 2031, making now an ideal time to join the field. Accountants can also enjoy higher-than-average salaries, along with the ability to work in a growing variety of in-person or virtual settings.   

While some may use accounting as an all-encompassing term, the field is made up of a variety of different accounting specialties, each with its own unique set of responsibilities, rewards, and challenges. 

Explore six different types of accounting careers and the responsibilities for each:

Auditing

Auditors are the fact-checkers of the accounting world. Auditors review and examine financial records, statements, and other documentation to ensure that they are accurate and comply with relevant accounting standards and regulations. They can work within a business, through accounting firms, government organizations and more. Job titles within auditing include:

• Audit Specialist
• Chief Audit Executive
• Auditing Manager

Financial Accounting

Financial accountants are responsible for logging, reporting, and summarizing a company’s transactions to create financial statements. Based on these findings, financial accountants also strategize ways to make the company more profitable. You can expect potential job titles such as:

• Financial Accounting Manager
• Financial Analyst
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Forensic Accounting 

Forensic accounting is a specific type of accounting that deals with financial crimes such as fraud or embezzlement. Forensic accountants apply their accounting skills to investigate and uncover these crimes and may even provide expert evidence during trials. The work done by forensic accountants can make a difference in a trial. Insurance companies, banks, government agencies, and public accounting firms all employ forensic accountants. This field may include potential job titles such as:

• Forensic Accountant
• Senior Accountant
• Senior Financial Analyst

Government Accounting

Those interested in both politics and accounting will thrive as government accountants. This type of accounting is exactly like it sounds: you work for the government managing public funds, investigating white-collar crimes, and performing system audits. A general knowledge of government statutes and regulations is required as well. For this particular type of accounting, a CPA or MBA is preferred on top of your bachelor’s degree in accounting. Potential job titles could include:

• Accounting Clerk
• Accounting Assistant 
• Accounting Supervisor

Management Accounting

Management accountants are responsible for organizing and analyzing key financial information to support strong decision-making company-wide. Job duties could include advising senior management on financial decisions and overseeing a team of accountants. Potential job titles may include:

• Management Accountant 
• Finance Manager
• Accounting Manager
• Budget Director

Tax Accounting

Every season is tax season for these accounting professionals. Tax accountants help prepare and manage tax returns for companies. Tax accounting differs from the other types of accounting because it specifically focuses on the company’s taxable income. Job titles within tax accounting may include:

• Tax Accountant 
• Tax Manager
• Tax Director

There are many different types of careers in accounting for you to pursue, which means there’s likely an ideal path for your interests and skill set. For all types of accountants, the first step is earning your degree.

Herzing University offers a variety of programs to support your long-term goals, including our flexible Bachelor of Science in Accounting program. This flexible online degree program can suit any schedule or lifestyle, giving students the fundamental knowledge and skills necessary to begin their careers in accounting.

Explore the wealth of educational possibilities available to you at Herzing University to get started on the career path of your dreams.