Seven High-Paying Accounting Jobs

Now is a great time to be an accountant. The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates more than 13 percent growth for accounting professionals between 2012 and 2022, and more than 165,000 new accounting and auditing positions will be created over the same period. Even better, U.S. News & World Report ranked a career in accounting as No. 3 on their Best Business Jobs list. All of this means that earning your online accounting degree is a great choice when it comes to careers. At Brescia University Online, we know that our students are concerned with their return on investment when they decide to go back to school. That’s why we’ve put together this list of high-paying jobs you could get with our bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Tax accountant

These accounting professionals prepare and file income tax information for individual, business or government clients. You will need to know and keep track of tax laws and regulations in this career. The main part of your day-to-day job responsibilities will likely be to reduce clients’ tax liability and ensure that they are aware of the consequences of failing to follow tax regulations. You will also evaluate future business plans from a taxation standpoint, working with financial teams in order to form successful business strategies. The starting salary for tax accountants is about $60,000 annually.

Managerial accountant

Managerial accountants compile and compare financial information for the internal use of a company only. This usually means that their audience is managers and executives. In this position, you’ll likely be asked to submit financial reports on a quarterly or annual basis. These confidential reports are used to develop company-wide decisions and business strategies. As a managerial accountant, your primary responsibility will be to analyze financial data for predictive purposes. The average salary for managerial accountants is about $50,000 annually.

Auditor

Auditing is an aspect of finance that involves organizing and structuring financial records. Auditors assess the accuracy and efficiency of their clients’ financial statements and bookkeeping practices to guarantee that all financial records are both legal and correct. An auditor’s job is to then advise clients on their accounts. As an auditor, you will test the accounting system used by your clients to help them make financial decisions that are best for their business. The annual salary for an auditor is about $70,000.

Governmental accountant

These accountants evaluate the financial affairs of government organizations. You’ll use a fund accounting system in this position, which means that you’ll emphasize accuracy more than profitability. Because these professionals work for the government, they manage the movement of government funding rather than economic activity. It is important for governmental accountants to keep a close eye on regulations to ensure that money is going where it should. The average salary for these professionals is about $60,000 annually.

Forensic accountant

Forensic accountants investigate financial records for irregularities and inaccuracies that could indicate fraud or embezzlement. In this role, you will help your clients prevent fraud or faulty record keeping from occurring. In the case of fraud, you will reconstruct events and may have to present the findings of your investigation in a court setting. This specialized field involves much more investigation and evidence-gathering than other types of accounting careers. Forensic accountants make around $70,000 a year.

Budget analyst

These accounting professionals work to make sure that funds are properly distributed throughout a business or organization. They create the guidelines that a company uses to create their budget. You’ll work closely with management and executives to determine each department’s financial needs and then find a system that works best for each fiscal year. One of your responsibilities will also be to use a business’s financial goals to approve new plans and ventures. Budget analysts earn an average of $75,000 a year.

Cost accountant

This type of accounting career involves evaluating the costs involved with running a company through its fixed and variable expenses. These costs might include development, consulting, marketing or equipment maintenance. Cost accountants help businesses budget their money and determine prices for their products and services. It is likely that you will work with executive teams in this role. The average salary for cost accountants is about $60,000 annually.

 Brescia’s Online Accounting Degree Program

Our online degree in accounting can open doors to these accounting careers and more. It is designed to give you the knowledge and skills you need to be a successful accountant as well as an asset to your employer. For more information about Brescia’s accounting and business degree programs, click here.