What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s in Accounting?

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A Bachelor’s in Accounting is a solid, practical degree choice. Because every organization needs accountants, it can be easy to get work in this field. This degree typically prepares students to become accountants, but there are several other paths they can take with it as well.

Accountant

The most obvious career path with a degree in this subject is to become an accountant. Accountants are professionals who handle the financial records of an individual or business. They need to:
  • keep accurate records
  • prepare reports
  • send invoices
  • receive payments
  • pay correct tax amounts
  • handle most financial matters
They are also often responsible for creating budgets and making suggestions to their employers to reduce costs and increase revenue. Regular accountants can improve their job prospects and grow their careers by earning the Certified Public Accountant designation. This provides additional privileges and prestige. What Can I Do with a Bachelor’s in Accounting

Finance

A Bachelor’s in Accounting also prepares students well to go into the field of finance. They can work as personal financial advisors or financial analysts. These careers typically require significant knowledge of investments. Personal financial advisors assist private citizens with their retirement investments, other investments and generally help them manage their money well. Financial analysts and financial managers do the same for companies. They help companies make financial and investment decisions as well as make predictions of markets. They can be directly responsible for developing and implementing strategies for long-term organizational financial goals.

Taxation

There are a few careers that revolve around taxes specifically. For example, both the federal Internal Revenue Service and state taxation agencies hire tax examiners and collectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these professionals calculate taxes owed from both businesses and individuals and then collect them. They are often responsible for doing audits as well if a tax return was incorrect or suspicious. Accounting degrees can also enable graduates to work as tax specialists. They provide their services to businesses and individuals who need help with their taxes. This is an especially important service to new small businesses because many business owners need guidance in understanding their new tax obligations.

Executive at Startups

An accounting degree might qualify an individual to become a financial executive at a small startup. These companies often start very small and may hire only one employee to handle the startup’s financial matters. This can be a very satisfying career choice for accountants who can deal with a little challenge and uncertainty. If the startup is successful, they can essentially become Chief Financial Officers right away without having to work their way up to such a high executive position. Accountants can specifically market themselves to new startups looking for financial professionals. They can even start their businesses of any kind and be equipped to handle its finances due to their background. However, most accountants who go into business for themselves start small accounting firms or work on a freelance basis. A bachelor’s degree in accounting allows graduates to work in several specialized financial professions. All of them tend to command fairly high salaries in addition to being in demand. Students who might be interested in any of the occupations outlined above might want to consider a Bachelor’s in Accounting. Related Resources:

Brenda Rufener
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