• Cost and Management Accountant- The Cost and Management Accountants plan, study and collect data to determine the cost of business activity such as raw material purchases, inventory, labour, etc. They also suggest changes to policies & procedures to increase organisation’s cash flow.
• Chartered Accountant- CAs analyse and provide information/ report on the financial performance of the company for better business decisions. Their focus areas include financial reporting, taxation, corporate finance, business recovery as well as insolvency.
• Forensic Accountant- The forensic accountant uses a combination of accountancy and detective skills to investigate financial discrepancies and faults. They are employed by public accounting firms, consulting firms (specialising in risk consulting & forensic accounting services), insurance companies, law enforcement agencies, government organisations, financial institutions, etc to resolve disputes or assist in fraud investigations.
• Public Accountant- Public accountants make financial recommendations, and perform taxes, audits, consultation, and accounting services for accounting firms, government organisations, individuals, etc. They are also responsible for maintaining financial records and audits for investors and banks.
• Tax Accountant- A tax accountant assists clients and companies to produce tax return documents that adhere to the laws and regulations. These professionals also use their knowledge to help create a financial plan for the clients to increase savings and avoid penalties. They may hold a permanent in-house position with businesses and work for payroll service providers, accounting firms, government agencies, insurance companies, and financial firms, or are even self-employed.
• Auditor- An auditor or reviewer uses his analytical skills to review financial statements, Accounting systems, fiscal records, etc to ensure that the companies have an accurate account of their financial information. They also help companies in resolving issues, if any, and make sure they do not recur in future.
• Finance Manager- As the name suggests, the finance manager manages the finances of an organisation to help ensure its continued viability. They supervise some important functions in the firm such as managing capital and monitoring cash flow, determining profitability, allocation, and utilisation of financial resources, managing expenses, etc.
• Account Manager- Account managers are the strategic partners and advisors to the clients who work together for a mutual benefit. They manage to retain top customers, make sure that each department meets the needs of their clients, and nurture this relationship over time. With their excellent communication and organisational skills, they act as an interface between a company and the customer.
• Financial Controller- A financial controller is essentially a company’s lead accountant and has an expansive responsibility for the entire accounting process. They are responsible for providing accurate and timely company records, managing IT, insurance, sales tax reporting, federal income taxes, etc.
• Finance Director- A financial director is a senior finance professional who is involved in developing and implementing financial policies and procedures to optimise and maximise the return of the company’s financial assets. It is the second highest position in finance after the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of a firm.

Forensic Accounting

Forensic accountants, also referred to as forensic auditors or investigative auditors, utilize their accounting, auditing, and investigative skills in various litigation support and investigative accounting settings. A forensic accountant has the ..

Cost Accountant

The duties of a cost accountant include budgeting, cost management, performance evaluation, and asset management within a company or organization. They may work with corporate executives to make a strategic financial plan for the company, or they ..

Company Secretary (CS)

The company secretary acts as a bridge between the company and its Board of directors, shareholders, government, and regulatory authorities. The company secretary has to impart various services ranging from advising the companies on good governanc..

Chartered Financial Analyst

A Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) is a specialized professional who looks after the financial decisions and investment policies of big companies. A Chartered Financial Analyst is a person trained in areas of management accounting, financial mana..

Chartered Accountant (CA)

Behind every successful business is a team of chartered accountants, who are trained to minimize losses and maximize gains while remaining in the jurisdictions of the law and following all industry-specific regulations. The role of a chartered acc..

Certified Public Accountant

Certified Public Accountant or CPA provides accounting services to the public and organizations. They are primarily involved in auditing and attesting procedures. They are very well versed with accounting principles, business, and financial concep..

Career Pros Details

1. You can establish a clear career path

Individuals who study accounting learn practical skills like recording sales, issuing invoices and managing payrolls. These practical skills allow them to apply for accounting-related positions and understand whether their skill sets fit the job descriptions. Because of the pragmatic knowledge an accounting professional has, they may be able to establish a more definitive career path than someone seeking employment in a more creative or theoretical field.

2. You can experience job stability

Accounting is an essential practice for all companies, as it allows them to comply with regulations and make informed business decisions. Accounting is a process that is likely to always be in demand, and the job outlook for certain careers reflects this need. For example, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that accountants and auditors have a projected job outlook of 7% over the next ten years. This growth is higher than the projected 5% growth of other financial specialists, and it aligns with the standard of 8% growth for all other occupations.

3. You can expect a decent wage

The accounting field employs various professionals, and many of them receive high salaries. For example, the average national salary for auditors is $61,119 per year. Financial controllers and financial managers also have high earning potentials, as they have respective national average salaries of $88,252 per year and $95,613 per year.

4. There are opportunities for professional growth

The accounting field offers many opportunities for professional growth. Many graduated students enter the accounting field by applying for entry-level positions. They can work hard in positions like junior auditors, controllers' assistants or staff accountants for several months to gain experience. Afterward, it's not uncommon for these hard workers to earn promotions due to stellar on-the-job performance. Pursuing additional certifications or education can also help an employee in an entry-level position advance in the accounting field.

5. There are various employment opportunities in the accounting field

The accountant field consists not only of accountants; you can explore careers as an auditor, financial analyst or financial controller. Even accountants have many opportunities to enter specific fields of accounting like forensic, public, general, cost and staff accounting. If you're interested in more of a managerial role, you can gain experience and seniority to become a company's finance manager or chief financial officer.

6. You have entrepreneurial opportunities

Some accounting professionals choose to work for a company, but this field offers solid entrepreneurial opportunities. You can open your own firm and employ trusted professionals that you've collaborated with at past jobs or recruit top talent from around the country. If you've ever had the desire to run a business and be your own boss, the accounting field can allow you to do so.

7. You can find employment in most locations

If you decide to be a traditional employee, you can find work in the accounting field almost anywhere in the United States. This industry gives its employees a lot of flexibility when they decide where they want to live and work. You can find work in the accounting field with small and large companies that are in big cities and smaller towns.

Career Cons Details

1. You may need to pursue advanced education

Many individuals who enter the accounting field attend college for at least four years to earn their bachelor's degrees in relevant subjects. Some may even seek postgraduate degrees to hone their knowledge. Even after obtaining a traditional college education, an accounting professional may need to seek further education. They may go back to college to earn another degree or take continuing education classes to meet certification requirements. Even though this additional education can seem overwhelming, it can qualify you for promotions and enhance your knowledge of the accounting industry.

2. You may experience a heavier workload at specific points during the year

Most accounting professionals work standard eight-hour days, but they may work longer hours when companies have to submit their tax documents. Accounting professionals typically become busier around the beginning of January and remain busy until Tax Day in mid-April. After this period, accounting professionals experience slower periods, giving them some flexibility in their yearly schedule.

3. The work may be stressful

Keeping track of a company's financial information can be a stressful task for some individuals to accept. Accounting professionals receive plenty of education and training to ensure that they're capable of performing all their duties responsibly. They also rarely work alone, so they can seek guidance and advice from their colleagues.

4. The work is math-intensive

The accounting field requires professionals to have strong understandings of math and statistics. If an individual doesn't enjoy these subjects, they may not thrive in this field. Individuals who enjoy and are good at math can experience success in this field. An individual can also thrive if they're patient and detail-oriented and find satisfaction from helping businesses keep track of important financial information.

• Work experience as an Accountant
• Excellent knowledge of accounting regulations and procedures, including the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
• Hands-on experience with accounting software like FreshBooks and QuickBooks
• Advanced MS Excel skills including Vlookups and pivot tables
• Experience with general ledger functions
• Strong attention to detail and good analytical skills
• BSc in Accounting, Finance or relevant degree
• Additional certification (CPA or CMA) is a plus