Money makes the world go round, and every business that deals with it needs an accountant. The versatility of an accounting degree allows you to combine your talent for crunching numbers with almost any other interest when searching for a fulfilling career. Here are five examples of less traditional jobs for accounting graduates.
Environmental Accountant
Many businesses have finally realized that protecting the environment is in their best interest, but they need help “going green” while also protecting their profits. Environmental accountants collaborate with companies to plan the financial aspects of creating eco-friendly practices while ensuring compliance with government standards. This relatively new field is expected to grow in coming decades, which means now is the perfect time to join the green accounting movement.
Forensic Accountant
Money and ethics don’t always go hand-in-hand, which is why we have forensic accountants. Forensic accountants assist law enforcement in the investigation of white-collar crimes such as money laundering, fraud and embezzlement. Some agencies hire accounting graduates fresh out of school, but most prefer that you have CPA credentials. If you have prior experience in police work or the military, the FBI could use your help hunting down corporate criminals.
Sports Accountant
You don’t have to be a great athlete to work in the big leagues. Professional sports teams need accountants to manage payroll and raise funds by securing sponsors and establishing ticket prices. These highly coveted positions come with all sorts of advantages like free merchandise and passes to games. If you work for a great team, you’ll also get to do a lot of traveling while your friends must settle watching games on TV.
Casino Manager
Given the profitability of the gambling industry, it should be no surprise that casino managers make six figure salaries. In addition to duties like overseeing staff, casino managers must ensure compliance with local gambling laws, mediate customer complaints and account for every dollar that goes in and out of the casino. They therefore must have exceptional people skills. Of course, you’ll need additional experience in the casino industry to land a management position, but a degree in accounting is a great way to get your foot in the door.
Ballot Counter
Can you keep a secret? Organizations that present national awards like the Grammys and Oscars rely on accounting firms to count, confirm and secure their voting ballots. Such tasks require careful record keeping and confidentiality, which is why accountants are trusted with this important job. If you’re lucky enough to end up in this position, you could find out who won Album of the Year before any else does so long as you can promise not to tell the tabloids.
Few degrees can open as many doors as an accounting degree. Accountants are pivotal to the success of all businesses, so career options are virtually limitless. Even if you don’t land your dream job right of college, there are always new accounting opportunities opening up in a variety of fields, so keep looking until you find the perfect fit for you.
