What Can You Do with an Accounting Degree?

An accountant is responsible for keeping and interpreting financial records, which may include ensuring the accuracy of financial documents, complying with relevant laws and regulations, preparing financial reports, preparing tax returns, and ensuring that taxes are paid properly and on time. Being an accounting professional may also involve strategizing in order to help the organization run efficiently, reduce costs, and maximize profit. A bachelor's degree in accounting or a related field is typically required. It also helps to have a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license.

These three clerks are distinct, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) lumps them together into a single category. Each type of clerk is an integral part of small businesses and non-profits. Overall, this transactional and administrative role handles the day-to-day tasks of recording financial transactions, including purchases, receipts, sales, and payments. QuickBooks and Nexonia are common software that those in these roles utilize frequently. Typically, some postsecondary education is required, but most financial accounting skills can be learned in the field.

A budget analyst helps organizations develop their budget and track spending, so they can estimate future financial wellness. They achieve this by working closely with high-level managers to develop budget reports as well as consistently monitoring an organization's overhead costs to keep them within their proposed budget. Applicants hoping to obtain this role usually need a bachelor's degree to be eligible.

A financial analyst works with clients to help them make sound financial decisions. Often, they are responsible for a variety of research tasks to inform investment strategy and make investment decisions for their company or clients. The role is data-intensive, and it not only requires strong mathematical and analytical skills but also a bachelor's degree.

A financial clerk is essential if you are running a large business. Within this broad title are many types of clerks, including those that specialize in billing and posting, brokerage, credit authorization, insurance claims, payroll processing, and more. In general, entering this career requires at least a high school diploma/GED. However, some employers prefer applicants with some college education, such as brokerage clerks which earn $54,000 — a higher annual median salary than the average clerk.

Financial managers look at the big picture in terms of an organization's financial operations. In other words, they are responsible for the financial health of an organization. They create accurate financial data analyses and advise senior management on profit-maximizing ideas to ensure long-term success. Some of the job responsibilities also involve reviewing financial reports, monitoring accounts, and preparing financial forecasts. A bachelor’s degree is required for an entry-level finance manager position.

A personal financial advisor, also known as a business or financial consultant, assists organizations and individuals with their budgets. For example, they may provide insight and recommendations to help clients reach their goals and solve problems. Typically, they offer a range of financial services and decisions, including budgeting, saving for big purchases, and retirement planning. Although a bachelor's degree is often required to apply, a master's degree and certification would improve a person's likelihood of landing this position.