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What Jobs Can You Get with an Accounting Degree?

An accounting degree opens doors to careers that blend finance, analysis, and problem-solving. If you want to help organizations make smarter decisions, ensure compliance with regulations, or advise clients on taxes and strategy, you’ll find a wide range of accounting degree jobs with strong stability and growth. Below, explore why the field is in demand, the top jobs you can get with an accounting degree, and how the University of Mount Union can help you build the skills, experiences, and connections to succeed.

 

Why Choose a Career in Accounting?

Accountants are in steady demand across industries. Every organization relies on accurate financial reporting, budgeting, and compliance, creating consistent hiring needs in corporations, nonprofits, government agencies, and public accounting firms. This demand translates into reliable jobs for accounting majors at varying levels of experience.

Flexible career paths let you specialize or explore different roles as your interests evolve. From tax and audit to financial analysis, forensic accounting, and management accounting, you can align your work with your strengths and pursue high-paying accounting jobs as you gain expertise.

Growth opportunities are robust. With experience and certifications, accountants advance into senior analyst roles, management positions, controller and director titles, and ultimately C-suite roles like chief financial officer (CFO). Technology skills and continued learning further accelerate career mobility and open up accounting career paths in diverse sectors.

 

Top 10 Careers with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting

Accounting graduates pursue both traditional and emerging roles with competitive pay and strong outlooks. These are among the most common jobs you can get with an accounting degree:

     

    • Staff Accountant

       

      Prepares journal entries, reconciliations, and financial statements. A strong entry point with clear paths to senior accountant and controller roles.

    • Auditor (External or Internal)

       

      Evaluates financial records and controls to ensure accuracy and compliance. External auditors work for public accounting firms; internal auditors focus on improving processes within organizations.

    • Tax Specialist

       

      Prepares tax returns, researches tax law, and advises individuals and businesses on planning strategies. Peak demand occurs during tax seasons with year-round advisory work. The average tax examiner salary for 2024 was $59,740 according to the BLS.

    • Financial Analyst

       

      Interprets data, builds models, and supports budgeting and forecasting. Common in corporate finance and investment settings with strong growth potential. The average financial analyst salary for 2024 was $101,350, according to the BLS.

    • Cost/Managerial Accountant

       

      Tracks costs, analyzes profitability, and supports pricing and operations decisions. Valuable in manufacturing, healthcare, and service industries. The average accountant salary for 2024 was $81,680, according to the BLS.

    • Forensic Accountant

       

      Investigates financial fraud and disputes, partnering with law enforcement or legal teams. Growing field as financial crimes and compliance needs evolve.

    • Payroll Specialist/Analyst

       

      Manages payroll systems, benefits, and wage law compliance. Critical in organizations of all sizes and a pathway into HR or accounting leadership.

    • Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist

       

      Oversees billing, collections, and vendor payments. Offers an entry into corporate accounting with clear progression routes.

    • Credit or Treasury Analyst

       

      Manages cash, liquidity, and credit risk to support financial stability. In demand within large organizations and financial institutions.

    • Budget Analyst

       

      Plans and monitors spending, primarily in government, education, and nonprofits. Stable outlook with mission-driven work. The average budget analyst salary for 2024 was $87,930, according to the BLS.

     

    Earnings and job outlook vary by role, region, and industry. Entry-level positions offer competitive starting salaries, with significant increases as you gain experience, specialize, and pursue professional certifications—creating a pathway to some of the most sought-after accounting degree jobs.

    Essential Skills for Accounting Careers

    Benefits of Earning Your Accounting Degree at Mount Union

    Practice-focused curriculum: Mount Union’s accounting coursework integrates financial and managerial accounting, audit, tax, analytics, and professional ethics. Case studies and project-based learning help you build skills used in the workplace, preparing you for jobs for accounting majors across sectors.

    Internships and job placement support: Our career services team connects you with accounting internships at firms and companies across the region, providing hands-on experience that strengthens your resume and can lead to full-time offers.

    Professional networking: On-campus events, guest speakers, and alumni mentorships offer insights into career paths, certifications, and industry trends. These relationships often lead to referrals, interviews, and guidance toward the jobs you can get with an accounting degree that match your goals. Our annual Accounting Night event and Accounting Club offer solid foundations for you to build your network before graduating.  

    Certification preparation: Faculty advisors help you plan coursework and timelines in preparation for the CPA exam and its various requirements.

     

    Lauren Samsa

    Rewarding Careers

    As a Senior Audit & Tax Accountant at Novogradac & Company, Lauren Samsa '22 provides various attestation and consulting services, as well as federal, state and local tax services, for developers, syndicators, and investors. Her involvement provided her with hands-on leadership training, an expansive professional network, and a safe place to learn difficult concepts.

    Read Lauren's Story

     

    Frequently Asked Questions About Accounting Careers

    Which certifications can enhance an accounting career?
    Certified Public Accountant (CPA) for public accounting and financial reporting; Certified Management Accountant (CMA) for managerial and corporate finance; Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) for audit and risk; and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) for forensic work. These credentials can improve job prospects, increase earning potential, and demonstrate expertise for jobs for accounting majors.

    How does an accounting degree compare to other business degrees?
    Accounting delivers technical skills in financial reporting, tax, and assurance that are highly transferable. Compared with general business or management degrees, accounting provides a specialized foundation that can lead to both technical and leadership roles. Many graduates move into careers in finance, analytics, and operations due to strong quantitative and compliance backgrounds.

    What does typical career progression look like?
    Common paths include staff accountant to senior accountant, then accounting manager, controller, and director of accounting or CFO. In public accounting, professionals progress from associate to senior, manager, and partner. Specialists in tax, audit, or analytics may transition into advisory, consulting, or corporate finance leadership as they gain expertise and credentials, expanding the list of jobs you can get with an accounting degree.

     

    Get Started on Your Accounting Career

    Apply to Mount Union’s accounting program by submitting your online application, official transcripts, and required materials. Review upcoming deadlines to stay on track and maximize scholarship opportunities.

    Explore career planning resources, including resume workshops, mock interviews, and employer information sessions hosted by our career services team. Faculty advisors can help you map courses to your goals and identify internships aligned with your interests. You will be ready to pursue an accounting career that aligns with your passions.

     

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