If you love math and business — and job security — a degree in accounting may be worth exploring.
An accountant’s role is preparing and examining financial documents and performing risk management — identifying, assessing, and addressing financial risks in a company or organization. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the field will grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
Experts project about 130,800 new positions for accounting professionals and auditors each year. Many expected job openings will fill positions left by workers who change jobs, leave the workforce, or retire.
Careers in Accounting and Finance
Accountant professionals can pursue a variety of rewarding roles. Some positions to consider:
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA): As a CPA, you’ll help businesses, nonprofit organizations, and individuals manage their taxes, prepare financial records, and comply with regulations. For this position, you’ll need to obtain a certification from the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants.
- Forensic Accountant: Do you enjoy solving puzzles? In this role, you'll investigate financial discrepancies, uncover fraud, and provide expert opinions in legal cases.
- Certified Internal Auditor (CIA): This role helps organizations operate efficiently and ethically. As a CIA, you will check a company’s internal controls. You will identify financial risks and suggest ways to improve. This will help boost financial performance and ensure compliance.
- Healthcare Accountant: You’ll combine your financial expertise with healthcare industry knowledge. You’ll help manage financial operations, navigate regulations, and ensure long-term growth.
- Comptroller/Controller: In this leadership role, you’ll oversee a company’s accounting department. You’ll manage budgets, prepare financial reports, and ensure accuracy in all financial activities. It’s a great option if you aspire to be a key decision-maker within an organization.
- Certified Management Accountant (CMA): As a CMA, you’ll focus on strategic management and financial decision-making. CMAs often work closely with leadership teams to shape the future of their companies.
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO): With your progress in the field, you may opt to join the C-suite (that is, a group of senior executives for a particular organization) as a CFO. This executive guides a company's overall financial strategy, oversees budgeting and investments, and plans its long-term success.
