If you’re considering a career in accounting, there are several career options for graduates with an advanced degree. Accountants can specialize in various disciplines based on their interests. The online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting program from the University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) provides many opportunities and professional advancements.
Accounting is a field that requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, honesty, technical knowledge, and a willingness to help others. An advanced degree in accounting prepares students for certification and careers through hands-on training in analyzing financial statements, balance sheets, and cash flows. Students also learn to apply the principles of auditing, taxation, and managerial accounting in courses like Cost Accounting and Intermediate Accounting I and II.
Graduates of this program can pursue accounting certifications and enter the job market with the critical-thinking and analytical skills employers value.
Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads
While the accounting industry is rapidly changing with advancements in technology and artificial intelligence (AI), people must be flexible and adapt to new digital skills in the workplace. The future of accounting will leverage AI to do repetitive jobs that would normally take someone hours to complete. Accountants will focus more on client issues, strategic decision-making, and acting as business consultants. AI tools will process information and complete data entry tasks.
New accounting professionals can prepare to enter a competitive workforce by weaving together theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Here are a few potential career options for accounting professionals:
- Accountant. An accountant typically maintains the budget, ledgers, and financial records for an individual, business, or organization. They work under a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and enter data while checking for accuracy. They can also suggest ideas on how to save money and increase efficiency.
- Financial manager. These managers create reports and plans to support their organization’s financial growth, often using their insights to help determine investment opportunities and risks, ensure adherence to laws, and find expansion avenues.
- Financial examiner. These professionals examine the financial health of organizations or institutions like banks and the potential impact of loans or other changes.
- Payroll clerk. These accounting specialists manage employee paychecks, ensure tax documents are accurate, monitor paid time off, determine salaries, and process overtime payments. Accuracy and adherence to government guidelines are key factors for payroll accountants.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for accountants and auditors is $78,000, although pay depends on geographic location, experience, and additional qualifications. Predicted job growth is 4% through 2032. Recent graduates in accounting should be ready to navigate a workplace that embraces emerging accounting technologies such as blockchain technology, cloud computing, and automated accounting data entry.
Your Future in Accounting
The online BS in Accounting program from UMSV helps students prepare for certification exams and become dedicated accounting professionals who can evolve within the industry. Students gain the sought-after skills to navigate income tax guidelines and learn the intricate concepts of partnership, corporate, and estate and trust taxation.
This online program helps professionals earn a degree at their own pace and find work within the government, corporate, international, nonprofit, or private sectors.
Learn more about UMSV’s online Bachelor of Science in Accounting program.
