So you survived four years of college studying accounting and finance, conquered exams and term papers, and are now ready to enter the real world. The hard part is over! Now comes the fun part of choosing where to start your career. There are so many options in the accounting and finance field, how do you decide? Whether you’re looking for a steady paycheck at an established firm or want to take a risk at a startup, there are exciting opportunities for new grads. This list of top accounting and finance careers has something for everyone. From financial analyst to forensic accountant to investment banker, discover jobs that match your interests and goals. The future is bright, now go get the career of your dreams!
Career Outlook for Accounting and Finance Graduates
Normally the terms “accounting” and “finance” don’t always conjure up a feeling of excitement in prospective students, however, they should. In the era we live in, almost all of us are familiar with or have heard of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, however, we fail to realise that these technologies are based on accounting principles. We have seen the rise of finance and technology industries referred to as “fintech” in the recent decade and with globalisation and increasingly complex regulatory framework, the growth of “fintech” will continue. This means the demand for finance and accounting professionals will continue as a result. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in the finance sector will see a growth of 8% by the year 2030 (750,800 jobs opening).
Top Finance and Accounting Jobs
Here are 8 of the most in-demand finance and accounting careers for graduates in today’s market.
Financial Manager
Financial managers create financial reports, direct investment activities and develop plans for the long-term financial goals of their organisation. They are responsible for the financial health of the organisation.
| Median Salary | Job Outlook (2021-31) |
| $105,563 | 17% (much faster than average) |
Management Consultant
Management Consultant solves issues, creates values, maximises organisation processes and enhances business performance. They use their business skills to provide advice and expertise and help an organisation to develop any specialist skills that it may be lacking.
| Median Salary | Job Outlook (2021-31) |
| $100,494 | 14% |
Financial Examiner
This profession lies at the intersection of finance and law. Financial examiners are in charge of keeping an eye on financial transactions and ensuring they abide by all applicable rules. The compliance of banks and other financial institutions is also the responsibility of financial examiners.
| Median Salary | Job Outlook (2021-31) |
| $75,200 | 21% growth |
Treasurer
Treasurers watch over all aspects of financial management, they work closely with other Management Committees to safeguard the finance of an organisation. The treasurer is responsible for the following tasks:
- General financial oversight
- Funding, fundraising and sales
- Financial planning and budgeting
- Financial reporting
- Banking, bookkeeping and record keeping
- Control of fixed assets and stock
| Median Salary | Job Outlook (2021-31) |
| $77,402 | 17% growth |
Risk Analyst
Risk analysts are professionals who are responsible for identifying, assessing and monitoring the amount of risk a business is exposed to. The risk analyst uses analysis of historical data to find out the impact of risk. In order to establish risk mitigation measures, risk analysts first identify and study any potential risks connected to the aforementioned areas. Also, These tactics aid in maximising gain while minimising risks.
| Median Salary | Job Outlook (2021-31) |
| $92,927 | 17% growth |
Financial Analyst
Financial analysts are responsible for different research tasks and use their findings in order to help organisations make business decisions. They offer advice to businesses to make investment decisions and future forecasts by examining financial and investment data and estimating revenues and expenses.
| Median Salary | Job Outlook (2021-31) |
| $87,051 | 9% growth |
Accountant
Accountants conduct account analyses, review the accuracy of financial statements, other documents, and reports, conduct routine and annual audits, examine financial operations, prepare tax returns, offer advice on areas that could use more cost- and efficiency-saving measures, and perform risk analysis and forecasting.
| Median Salary | Job Outlook (2021-31) |
| $67,596 | 7% growth |
Auditors
Internal auditors and audit managers evaluate company and financial risks as well as regulatory compliance. They assess the effectiveness of the current internal controls, pinpoint potential improvement areas, and possibly even organise the execution of internal improvement initiatives.
| Median Salary | Job Outlook (2021-31) |
| $83237 | 6% growth |
You now have a solid overview of some of the best accounting and finance careers to pursue after graduation. The job market in this field is strong, with high demand for qualified candidates and excellent earning potential. Whether you want to become an accountant, work as a financial analyst crunching numbers, help companies manage money as a financial manager, or pursue other lucrative roles, the opportunities are plentiful if you get the right education and experience. The career path you choose depends on your own interests and strengths. With hard work and persistence, you’ll be well on your way to a successful and rewarding career in accounting or finance. The future is bright!
