What Can I Do With an Accounting Degree?

Every organization has a history of financial transactions, whether that entails buying and selling inventory, billing clients for services or paying state and federal taxes. The primary role of an accountant is to document, summarize and analyze that history, providing the organization with a greater understanding of its financial past as well as its potential future.

All organizations can benefit from a robust, rigorous approach to accounting, which is why earning a degree in this field can be so advantageous. For those wondering what they can do with an accounting degree, the possibilities are vast. Consider some of the career pathways open to those with an undergraduate degree in the accounting field, such as App State Online’s Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in Accounting (BSBA) program.

What Is an Accounting Degree?

The typical accounting degree program provides students with a breadth of theoretical knowledge, including insights into core fields like finance and statistics, while also equipping them with the practical skills needed to succeed in an accounting setting. These core skills are in areas that include:

Auditing
Analyzing financial statements
Ensuring compliance with tax regulations
Strategic financial planning
Risk assessment

Often, accounting degree programs are tailored to prepare students to sit for the certified public accountant (CPA) licensing exam. Earning the CPA credential is a requirement for many accounting jobs, and can potentially lead to more competitive salaries, as well.

What Can I Do With an Accounting Degree? Explore Career Options

The conceptual knowledge and practical skills provided to students in an accounting degree program can prepare them not just for professional credentialing but also for success in any of a wide range of accounting professions across virtually all sectors. Consider just a few of the career paths available to graduates with an accounting degree.

Accounting Assistant

For those who earn a degree and desire entry-level work, it might make sense to pursue a job as an accounting assistant. Accounting assistants work closely with professional accountants, helping them complete their daily administrative tasks. An accounting assistant might help their supervising accountant by generating reports and completing spreadsheets, for example.

One of the requirements for taking the CPA exam is a certain number of hours worked under a seasoned CPA. While the hour requirement can vary by state, working as an accounting assistant is always a good way to fulfill this requirement while also cultivating important professional skills.

Accounting Clerk

A job as an accounting clerk is another great option for those who have earned a degree and wish to hone their practical skills, all while getting in the hours they need to sit for the CPA exam.

Accounting clerks work under a more senior accountant, and their role involves preparing and maintaining documents needed by the entire department or team for it to run smoothly. Accounting clerks may generate reports or even perform audits, ensuring the rest of the accounting team has access to the information they need.

Accountant

Those who have earned an accounting degree and gained some practical experience can look for work as a full-fledged accountant. Sitting for the CPA exam is not always necessary to qualify for an accountant role, though some more advanced or high-salaried positions may require the CPA credential.

The work of an accountant involves:

Examining financial statements, ensuring they are in compliance with all pertinent regulations
Computing the taxes owed, preparing tax documents and filing taxes in a timely manner
Evaluating the books and accounting systems for general efficiency
Organizing and maintaining financial records

Financial Planner

Becoming a financial planner is one role someone can do with an accounting degree that doesn’t involve working in an accounting office. Most financial planners work with individuals and families to help them plan for their financial future, coordinating their savings and investments to meet their goals like retiring or sending a child to college.

Becoming a financial planner can be a rewarding option for accounting professionals who want to spend time getting to know their clients and helping them achieve their financial objectives.

Actuary

One additional career path to consider is becoming an actuary, a financial role that primarily deals with risk analysis.

Actuaries use a range of financial forecasting tools to assess the risk level involved in all manner of everyday activities. They typically work for insurance companies, where their risk modeling can be an important way for the company to strategize about its pricing.

Discover a Range of Paths in the Accounting Field

Accounting is a mission-critical activity for organizations everywhere and across all sectors. As such, earning a degree in this field is an exceptional way to open the door to a number of career options.

At App State Online, our BSBA in Accounting program furnishes students with the practical knowledge required for success across a wide range of professions. Students may choose to focus on any of a range of career areas, including:

Public accounting
Managerial accounting
Nonprofit accounting
Sustainability accounting
Data analytics accounting
Forensic accounting
Governmental accounting (e.g., for the IRS or FBI)

The App State Online program offers ample flexibility for students looking to cultivate their skills on their own timelines. Prepare for a long-lasting career impact by exploring our accounting degree path today!

Recommended Readings

Most Important Skills Needed for Accounting

Sources:

Indeed, “10 Jobs for Accounting Majors, With Salary Information”

Indeed, “Accounting Assistant Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications”

Indeed, “What Does an Accounting Clerk Do? (With Job Description)

Investopedia, “Accounting Explained With Brief History and Modern Job Requirements”

Investopedia, “A Look at Accounting Careers”

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Accountants and Auditors