When you have a four-year degree in accounting, you have many potential paths of employment after graduation. According to career experts, the accounting field provides the best opportunities for securing stable work. On an entry-level basis, there are many types of accounting jobs available.
1. Accounting Specialist
An accounting specialist records financial transactions and maintains accounting records for a business. Typical employment is found in the banking industry or directly through a company’s financial department. As a specialist, a person commonly handles general bookkeeping tasks, including receivables, payables, and bank statement reconciliation. To fulfill this position, a person must be familiar with common accounting standards and procedures and comprehend certain accounting software. It is essential to to use critical thinking while analyzing business transactions and organizing financial data. A four-year degree prepares a person to complete all duties with ease.
Resource: Top 10 Online Accounting Degree Programs 2014
2. General Ledger Accountant
A general ledger accountant handles a company’s basic financial information, especially through ledger postings. Key roles of someone in this position are preparing and posting journal entries for payroll, operations, accruals, deferrals, and adjustments. Also, this person prepares reconciliations for various accounts so that all numbers posted in the general ledger prove accurate. A general ledger accountant helps with tax information and closes each monthly accounting period for a business. This type of accounting job may be offered directly from a company or at a public accounting firm.
3. Forensic Accountant
A forensic accountant’s role is to analyze, interpret, and summarize complicated information. To properly perform these tasks, a person must be familiar with legal procedures. This type of accountant is hired by a company that wants to uncover or prevent fraudulent activities. A person can gain employment in public practice or in the insurance and banking industries, government agencies, and other organizations.
A forensic accountant must be well-versed with numbers and also have solid communication skills. This person commonly presents his or her findings through reports and exhibits. When necessary, this person must testify in court as an expert witness as well.
4. Internal Auditor
An internal auditor plays an essential role in a company’s operations. This professional helps a business evaluate and improve its control and risk management effectiveness. As an entry-level internal auditor, a person must review a company’s processes, operations, and goals. After uncovering problems, this person determines the best solution by consulting with management so that profits are increased. As a person’s experience grows, this position can look forward to more responsibilities and higher pay. According to the Beaureau of Labor Statistics, this career is projected to grow 11 percent from 2014 to 2024, which is faster than average for all jobs.
5. Cost Accountant
A cost accountant collects, adjusts, audits, and examines financial data from all departments of a business. When preparing for this job, it is wise for a student to delve into related financial areas, including economics, business law, and information technology. Acquired skills will help a company run at maximum efficiency by managing items like inventory and labor expenditures. Research is focused on utility costs, property and equipment value, taxes, and profit margins.
A cost accountant’s job is essential to the growth of a business. With the ability to recognize and address issues that affect profit and loss, a company will remain stable and have the opportunity to expand.
The above jobs are just a few options open to graduates in the accounting field. They are all promising career choices that ensure solid employment. After gaining entry-level experience, individuals may strive to pass the CPA exam and advance in the industry.
