10 Jobs You Can Get With an Accounting Degree

From analyzing ethical and global business issues to learning about financial budgeting, an accounting degree is a great way to kickstart a career in finance or business. Accounting programs teach students to think analytically, improve their critical thinking and management skills and help them understand how big data influences decisions. These skills set graduates up for success among a range of careers. Some other important transferable skills learned in an accounting degree program include time management, collaboration, attention to detail and organization.

What Types of Degrees Are There for Accounting?

Associate Degree in Accounting: Students learn the fundamentals of accounting which can lead to entry and junior level roles in business and finance. Students can continue their education by enrolling in a bachelor’s degree program.

Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting: Students are provided with a solid foundation in accounting theory and practice as well as in areas of business and communication.

Did you know? JWU offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting at our Providence Campus. This program will teach you how to identify and analyze ethical and global business issues. At JWU’s Charlotte Campus you can enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Corporate Accounting and Financial Analysis program where you’ll learn about auditing, cost accounting, human resource management and more.

Master’s Degree in Accounting: There are different master’s degrees available including a Master’s in Accounting, Master of Science in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Accounting.

• Master’s in Accounting: Students learn more advanced accounting topics and specializations that have not been addressed in the bachelor’s degree program.
• Master of Science in Accounting: This degree is similar to the Master’s in Accounting program but students from other programs can enroll and still grasp the coursework. This degree is ideal for both accounting students and students with similar majors who wish to learn more about accounting.
• MBA with a Concentration in Accounting: MBA programs typically focuses on advanced business and accounting courses to help students become confident and professional leaders in the workplace.

Interested in an MBA? Enroll in JWU’s MBA in Accounting program at our Providence Campus to learn from faculty who are experts in the industry, gain theoretical knowledge and explore advanced accounting principles.

Doctorate in Accounting: Doctoral programs usually require students to have completed an MBA or master’s program prior to entering a doctoral program.

• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Accounting: Similar to master’s programs, classes go in-depth about a range of accounting topics. However, Ph.D. programs are often heavily focused on research and accounting theory.
• Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Accounting: While a Ph.D. is considered an academic doctorate, a DBA is considered a professional doctorate as courses are geared toward solving business and organizational problems.

Is an Accounting Degree Worth It?

An accounting degree is worth pursuing for a variety of reasons. Students who enroll in a bachelor’s degree program often play an integral role when it comes to helping companies manage their cash flow and make important financial decisions. Graduating with a degree in accounting means entering an in-demand field that is valued among large and small businesses, public accounting firms and government and nonprofit organizations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for accountants and auditors is projected to grow by 6% by 2031.

What are the Different Types of Accounting Jobs?

Below is a list of different accounting jobs you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree or higher. Some professions require employees to be licensed as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA). Check your state’s specific licensure requirements on the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy.

Auditor

Auditors examine a company’s financial statements to ensure they comply with generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Some of the documents reviewed by a financial auditor include invoices, account entries, payroll and bank statements. Their main objective is to look for fraud, areas where money is being mismanaged and help businesses discover ways to improve their money management. Businesses can have internal auditors who work directly in the company or external auditors who are outside hires.

Tax Examiner and Revenue Agent

Tax examiners and revenue agents review tax returns, collect overdue tax and conduct audits. As part of their audits, they look for tax liabilities and incorrect or outdated information and then request supporting documentation from the taxpayers. Tax examiners and revenue agents are also responsible for refunding payment if a taxpayer has submitted an overpayment.

Forensic Accountant

Forensic accountants main objective is to determine when tax fraud, embezzlement or another financial crime is being committed. They do this by investigating and reporting on any discrepancies from a business or person’s assets, liabilities, budgets and financial statements. Oftentimes, forensic accountants will testify in court and bring their findings to be used as evidence during a trial.

Management Accountant

Management accountants monitor a company’s cash flow and analyze how different business decisions influence finances. These professionals provide financial reports to management within the organization, helping them to make more strategic financial decisions.

Financial Accountant

Financial accountants are responsible for reporting balance sheets, cash flows, profits and losses, and they must comply with GAAP. These reports allow shareholders to know if there are any financial risks associated with a company. Management can also see trends in spending and make adjustments accordingly.

Tax Accountant

Tax accountants are hired by individuals and businesses to file their taxes. Tax accountants also prepare and submit necessary documents for clients who are audited. It’s important for these professionals to abide by all guidelines set by the Internal Revenue Service Code (IRS).

Chartered Accountant (CA)

Chartered accountants have a vast knowledge of the laws and regulations that businesses must follow in a variety of countries. International businesses hire chartered accountants to audit financial statements, file taxes, conduct financial reporting or manage accounting and applied finance. CAs are similar to CPAs except CAs are used throughout the world while CPAs are used solely in the U.S.

Financial Analyst

Financial analysts are responsible for analyzing quantitative data including financial reports, stock information, ledgers and industry research. One of the most important tasks in this position include analyzing competitor performance along with industry trends. Financial analysts will also use their collected data to provide financial recommendations and forecast a company’s future performance.

Financial Advisor

Financial advisors are often used interchangeably but they actually have different responsibilities. While financial analysts analyze data, financial advisors provide clients with financial advice such as debt and risk management, retirement and tax planning, saving for various goals and creating long-term financial goals.

Budget Analyst

Budget analysts look at a company’s revenue, funding, historical budgets, department budgets and spending. They are typically responsible for organizing a company’s financial priorities, reviewing budget proposals, conducting cost-benefit analyses and working with management to create a budget.

Why Study Accounting at JWU?

Accounting can be a tough subject to study — all the more reason to make it as hands-on as possible. At JWU, students have so many opportunities to put their lessons into practice with experiences like Directed Experiential Education (DEE) internships in which you’ll work with real companies, study abroad, serve as an Audit and Compliance Officer for our successful JWU Wildcat Investment Value Fund or participate in our annual IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program to help members of the community file their taxes. You’ll gain real experience and build your resume before you even graduate!

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