One benefit of having a degree in accounting is career flexibility. Accountants can choose whether to work full-time or part-time, and can also choose from many different career paths, both in and out of the accounting field. For example, those looking for positions with minimal contact with people may prefer work as an accountant, while those seeking lots of client contact may prefer work as a personal financial advisor. This career flexibility is especially beneficial to those who find themselves wanting to change paths mid-career.
The primary career path for a graduate with an accounting degree is to become an accountant. While the bare minimum requirement is usually an associate's degree, most employers require job candidates to have at least a bachelor's or even a master's degree. Accountants who wish to specialize in certain areas may need to obtain special certifications, such as a certified public accountant, or CPA, license. Typical job responsibilities for accountants include handling taxes, analyzing financial statements, auditing and balancing all financial records.
Experienced accountants may want to consider a career change to a financial management position. The minimum educational requirements for a financial manager are a bachelor's degree in accounting, or a related field, but many employers prefer those with master's degrees. Ideal candidates will also have at least five years' experience working in accounting or a related field. In some companies, highly skilled accountants may be offered on-the-job training to become a financial manager. The primary job function of a financial manager is to supervise employees working in areas such as budgeting or financial reporting.
Accountants wishing to pursue work outside of the accounting field may want to consider working as a financial analyst. The minimum requirement to become a financial analyst is a bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field. However, many employers prefer candidates with a master's degree in business administration with a concentration in accounting, or a master's degree in finance. Typical financial analyst job duties include evaluating financial data, recommending investments, analyzing business trends and preparing reports. Experienced financial analysts can be promoted into other roles, such as portfolio managers and fund managers.
Personal Financial Advisor
For accountants who enjoy contact with clients and have experience in financial planning, a career as a personal financial advisor may be ideal. To find work as a personal financial advisor, a minimum of a bachelor's degree is usually required. However, no specific degree specialty is necessary, so students with degrees in areas such as accounting, finance, mathematics and economics are eligible. Typical job duties of personal financial advisors include educating clients about investment options, recommending investments to assist clients in meeting their financial goals and monitoring accounts for performance.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Financial Manager
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Financial Managers Do
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Accountants and Auditors Do
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become an Accountant or Auditor
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Financial Analyst
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Financial Analysts Do
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: How to Become a Personal Financial Advisor
- Bureau of Labor Statistics: What Personal Financial Advisors Do
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