3 Exciting Career Paths in Accounting

If you’re pursuing a career path in accounting, you’ve chosen well. In fact, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for accountants and auditors in 2020 was $73,560. When you consider most accounting jobs only require a bachelor’s degree, you can’t deny it’s a great field to pursue. 

Added to that, it’s a field that will grow steadily over the next decade. In particular, employment in this sector is projected to increase 7 percent from 2020 to 2030, which is on par with the expected job growth across many other industries.

Of course, not everyone who earns an accounting degree wants to work in a typical office setting. With that in mind, here are three exciting accounting career paths you can pursue.

1. Forensic Accountant

A forensic accountant works closely with law enforcement or other legal entities to uncover complex and illicit financial crimes connected with a case. With an average annual salary of $72,000, this specialized area of accounting involves investigating incidents of fraud, bribery, identity theft, trademark and patent disputes, money laundering, and embezzlement by looking closely at financial records and transactions. Forensic accountants also play a large role in tracing assets that might have been acquired during criminal transactions.

2. Accounting Information Systems Auditor

An accounting information systems auditor uses computer programming and accounting knowledge to manage software for accountants and other financial professionals. Since significant changes in accounting technology, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain are expected to occur within the next decade, it’s anticipated that this role will be in even greater demand in the coming years. 

With an average annual salary of $77,000, an accounting information systems auditor must possess technical skills along with accounting skills, to help accountants and auditors become more efficient in their jobs. This job will become even more important as routine tasks related to data entry are increasingly automated. 

3. Managerial Accountant

A managerial accountant can work for a public company, private business, or government agency to help choose and manage a company’s investments, risks, and strategic partnerships. As with any accounting position, you’ll need to have solid expertise in math and accounting but will also need to understand the production process and how to effectively lead others. 

The best news is you can prepare for this role by pursuing a flexible, online program in accounting. With a degree in this field, you can consider opportunities as an auditor, financial planner, or tax manager. The skills you’ll gain can be applied to other industries as well, such as finance, entertainment, and operations management. 

Interested in a Career in Accounting?

Whether you’re looking to earn a degree in accounting to further your career or add special designations to an already earned diploma, there has never been a better time to pursue a career in this field. With online programs that can be completed on your own schedule and at your own pace, nothing can stop you from achieving your dream of entering the rewarding world of accounting.