An accounting degree can lead to numerous career options in the finance field, such as a career as an accountant, auditor, appraiser, budget analyst or credit analyst, among other possibilities. An accounting degree can be a good option for individuals who enjoy working with numbers. Due to its versatility, this degree is also an ideal path for those who like to keep their options open.

Furthermore, accounting is a robust field. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a 5% job growth rate, faster than average, for accountants and auditors from 2024 through 2034. This indicates that employers expect to hire about 72,800 new positions during this time.^{(See disclaimer 1)}

As you look ahead to your career options, consider questions such as, What do you do as an accountant? and What can I do with an accounting degree besides accounting? If you’re having trouble narrowing down your choices, consider looking for a relevant job shadowing opportunity or an internship.

An accountant is responsible for maintaining and analyzing the financial records of individuals, businesses or organizations. Accountants ensure the accuracy of financial reporting and tax compliances to provide insight that can help their clients make informed financial decisions.

Because dealing with finances is a significant task, various accounting subfields have developed to manage different processes and keep things running smoothly. For example, some accountants specialize in handling a business’ taxes while others focus on international accounting.

What does an accounting firm do, generally speaking? This type of firm can handle everything from bookkeeping to auditing to tax preparation and consulting. They check for regulatory compliance, provide financial insights and offer financial advising services.

What do you do as an accountant? There are plenty of tasks an accountant may handle, including:

• Compiling financial data: Accountants are typically responsible for compiling and organizing financial data. This data can include purchase receipts, sales records and other statements. Along with compiling data, accountants must ensure that all figures are accurate and all documents comply with current laws and regulations.
• Preparing financial reports: Clients rely on accountants to help them figure out how to achieve growth. Accountants are responsible for using the information they have gathered to prepare financial reports. These reports help clients understand their current financial situations and determine if they should make changes within their company.

There are also tasks within the accounting profession that don't necessarily require a degree. They are:

• Issuing invoices: All companies need to make money, which is why they need to charge customers in a timely and organized manner. Accountants often shoulder this responsibility. In addition to issuing invoices, accountants must also keep track of who has or has not paid their invoices.
• Managing payroll: Accountants can also take on the responsibility of management for their clients. This responsibility includes keeping track of how many hours each employee works and how much each employee should be paid.

If you are considering this career path, it is important to know what makes an effective accountant. Some of the valuable skills accountants need include:^{(See disclaimer 2)}

• Attentiveness: Accounting is all about the details, which is why good accountants are attentive. Because accountants are responsible for financial data, they must pay close attention to every detail to avoid making any mistakes that could impact a company’s cash flow.
• Analytical focus: Accountants do not just keep track of financial data; they also analyze data to help their clients make informed decisions.
• Organization: Accountants must be highly organized so they can handle multiple clients, meet deadlines and follow proper reporting guidelines. Each client requires substantial documentation that an accountant must track and keep organized.
• Communication: A key requirement for any accounting job is sharing data with clients and team members. Accountants must have good communication skills.

Accounting professionals also benefit from strong math skills. They need to be able to analyze and compare figures, potentially using advanced math skills.^{(See disclaimer 3)}

Accounting plays an important role in every industry, and there are many different types of jobs you can get with an accounting degree. After earning an accounting degree, graduates can pursue a variety of accounting-related careers, including:

Accountants and Auditors

A career as an accountant or auditor is a common choice for those who study accounting. These professionals work with individuals and companies, providing financial guidance and tax preparation. They may work on major corporate mergers and acquisitions, as well as individual tax returns.

The job duties of an accountant or auditor will typically include:

• Checking financial statements for accuracy and legal compliance
• Preparing tax returns, calculating tax liabilities and ensuring timely payment
• Organizing and updating financial records
• Evaluating financial operations and identifying methods for boosting profits while reducing costs

Appraisers of Personal and Business Property

An appraiser is responsible for evaluating tangible personal or business property and estimating its value. An appraiser may appraise a wide range of items, such as jewelry, art, collectibles, antiques and equipment. The appraiser is responsible for determining the fair market, replacement or liquidation value of the property.

Appraisers also document the condition of items, such as their quality, features, measurements and other physical descriptors. They look up sales records to compare the item being appraised to similar items that were already sold.

Budget Analysts

Budget analysts help organizations with finance-related planning. They may monitor organizational spending, prepare budget reports and review budget proposals and funding requests. They can also project the future financial needs of the organization.

Budget analysts can use cost-benefit analyses to recommend whether to approve or decline funding requests, and to offer financial insight to top decision-makers. They may also consider alternative funding methods.

Credit Analysts

A credit analyst is similar to an underwriter. Credit analysts evaluate the financial health and creditworthiness of individuals and companies that are applying for loans. They consider the loan applicant’s likelihood of being able to repay the loan by reviewing finances and credit history.

Essentially, credit analysts are much like risk management professionals in that they consider the level of risk to the lender when making a loan to the applicant. Based on the level of risk the applicant poses, the credit analyst recommends whether to approve or deny the loan applicant, as well as whether to increase or reduce lines of credit.

Financial Examiners

Financial examiners specialize in financial regulations. They ensure that banks, credit unions and all other institutions that handle monetary transactions are in full compliance with all applicable regulations. They may assess bank management, review loan risks, examine balance sheets and analyze new regulations and policies.

Tax Examiners and Collectors, and Revenue Agents

These professionals are responsible for determining how much businesses and individuals owe in taxes, and for collecting those taxes on behalf of federal, state and local governments. They review tax returns, consider whether credits and deductions are allowed, contact taxpayers to request supporting documentation and notify taxpayers of underpayment or overpayment.

Tax Professionals

Tax professionals work with individuals and businesses, helping them calculate, fill out and file their tax returns. They review financial documents, input financial information into tax preparation software and file returns. Tax preparers also ensure compliance with all tax laws and may offer guidance to taxpayers on record-keeping strategies and tax deductions.

It’s typical for aspiring accounting professionals to need at least a bachelor’s degree. Although you can become an accountant with just a bachelor’s degree, additional career opportunities may arise if you earn a master’s degree, as well.

In addition, accountants may decide to become Certified Public Accountants (CPAs). CPAs need state licensure, which requires passing a national exam along with certain requirements that vary by state. A requirement may be completing 150 credit hours of college coursework in the field. This number of credit hours is more than the typical amount earned in a bachelor’s degree, which is why aspiring CPAs may choose to earn a master’s degree.^{(See disclaimer 3)} Some states allow experience in public accounting to substitute for a degree in accounting.^{(See disclaimer 3)} In the state of Arizona, effective 12/31/26, legislation will dictate that only an undergraduate degree will be required for licensure.^{(See disclaimer 4)}

Even if you don’t plan on becoming a CPA, you may wish to earn a master’s degree to pursue additional career opportunities. Some employers prefer to hire financial professionals who have a master’s degree.^{(See disclaimer 3)} 

No matter where your future leads you, you can prepare for it at Grand Canyon University. The Colangelo College of Business offers accounting degrees, including the Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree, Online MS in Accounting with and emphasis in Tax Compliance and Planning, an emphasis program in public accounting and the Master of Science in Accounting degree.