Beyond the CPA: Using Your Accounting Degree

February 8, 2021 9:16am

Earning an accounting degree can open doors to industries that might come as a surprise. These careers can be secured around the country in both the public and private sector and offer a wide variety of salary potential. Here are some surprising careers to consider once you have earned your bachelor’s degree in accounting and obtain your CPA license.

Accounting Software Developer

If you love numbers but aren’t interested in dealing directly with clients, then a job in software development might be a great fit! Accounting firms lean on accounting software to manage finances. Who better to develop that software than other accountants? Though you won’t work directly with clientele, you will get to collaborate in a team setting working to design, develop, and test accounting software.

The best part about these positions? They are rapidly growing and pay well! Average median salaries for these jobs in the U.S. are upwards of $100k and are projected to grow much faster than average at more than 20% through the decade!

Corporate Controller

If you aspire to be in a leadership role within the field of accounting, consider a role as a controller. Controllers oversee an organization’s accounting department and are responsible for among other things the creation, management, and implementation of financial reporting and processes. In many cases, controllers oversee accounting departments including accounts payable and receivable, invoicing and billing, payroll, and more! Controllers typically work closely with an organization’s chief financial officer in order to best accomplish these duties.

Controller positions also pay well! According to Indeed.com, the average base salary for controllers is just more than $118k!

Forensic Accountant

Interested in a job that is more than just monetarily rewarding? Check out forensic accounting! You’ll put your knowledge to use while you assist in the investigation of money matters as they relate to white collar crime like fraud and embezzlement, or even murder investigations. You can explore these positions in private firms or even in law enforcement agencies such as the FBI.

These fast-growing accounting positions pay an average of about $60K for entry level, according to PayScale, and between $79k and $100k for those with more experience.

Sports Accountant

Anyone wild about sports can also pursue a career as a sports team accountant! Responsibilities in these jobs may include analyzing budgets and making improvements where needed, maintaining accounting systems, and preparing tax returns to name just a few. Jobs in this industry can vary from being a sports team payroll accountant, auditor, tax accountant, cost accountant, or even a controller.

Like sports, these positions are competitive, so while it’s entirely possible to get in the door with a bachelor’s degree, a CPA will be required and a master’s degree will give you that much more of an edge. And because there is so much money in spectator sports, the positions pay fairly well. The average median salary for a sports accounting position is about $74k.. Salaries vary, however, on experience, type of sport, and location.

Gaming/Casino Accountant

With casinos all across the country, the gaming industry offers a large variety of accounting career opportunities. Accounting-related positions can vary from accounting manager to controller. Tasks in these roles can also range from developing revenue improvement plans to working in procurement analyzing statistics and data, or writing and updating policies and regulations of the specific gaming institution. So whether you want to deal directly with staff members and even clientele, or work behind the scenes crunching numbers, you will likely a find a job that suites you in the gaming industry!

The positions also have a wide range of salary possibilities from the mid 40’s to about $125k. This of course will depend on positions, experience, company or business, and location in the United States.

You might also enjoy reading:

4 Steps for Finding More Time for Your Online Classes
How to Prepare for Your Next Job Interview