What jobs can an accounting degree get you in 2025?

Nowadays, an accounting degree offers more than just traditional accounting roles. While many people associate accounting with tax preparation, bookkeeping, or auditing, the skills you acquire in this field are highly transferable and applicable to many careers.

With financial literacy, analytical thinking, and a strong understanding of business operations, your degree can open doors to various job opportunities beyond the accounting department. Whether you're considering a move into finance, management, data analysis, or even entrepreneurship, you will have the solid foundation to do so.

Key Takeaways

• An accounting degree offers diverse career opportunities beyond traditional roles, including finance, data analysis, management, and entrepreneurship.
• Top roles for accounting grads include auditor, financial analyst, budget analyst, and finance manager—with strong salaries and job growth (up to 21% for financial examiners).
• Accounting programs teach financial reporting, ethics, critical thinking, and tech tools—preparing grads to navigate a complex, tech-driven financial landscape.

What Do You Learn in an Accounting Degree Program?

Through a rigorous curriculum, an accounting degree teaches the intricacies of financial reporting, managerial accounting, taxation, auditing, and business law. Graduates will learn how to prepare and analyze financial statements, use accounting software, and apply critical thinking to complex business problems. 

However, an accounting degree offers far more than just technical skills. It instills a strong ethical foundation, emphasizing the importance of integrity, objectivity, and professional skepticism. 

Students also have the opportunity to gain valuable experience through internships and case studies, working with real-world data, and interacting with seasoned professionals. By graduation, they emerge as well-rounded, highly employable individuals ready to make a positive impact in any organization.

7 Best Jobs That Accounting Degrees Can Get You

With an accounting degree, becoming an accountant is a natural choice, but there are many other career paths to explore, including:

Auditor

Auditors review financial documents for accuracy and compliance. You can work internally within an organization or externally with clients. Specializations, like IT auditing, are also possible.

• Median salary: $79,880
• Projected growth: 6%, with 130,800 new openings every year.

Budget analyst

Budget analysts help organizations prepare budgets, track spending, and manage finances.

• Median salary: $84,940
• Projected growth: 4%, with 3,400 new openings every year.

Financial analyst

Financial analysts assist individuals and organizations in making strategic decisions based on factors like shareholder interests, market competition, and growth expectations.

• Median salary: $99,890 
• Projected growth: 9%, with 30,700 new openings every year.

Financial examiner

Financial examiners ensure compliance with financial laws, assess the health of institutions, and protect consumers from risky loans.

• Median salary: $84,300
• Projected growth: 21%, with 6,500 new openings every year.

Finance manager

Finance managers oversee an organization's financial health, directing investments, reviewing performance, and planning for the future.

• Median salary: $156,100
• Projected growth: 17%, with 75,100 new openings every year.

Management accountant

Managerial accountants, or corporate or private accountants, handle a company's internal financial processes and help them make informed decisions. 

• Median salary: $82,620
• Projected growth: 6%, with 130,800 new openings every year.

Personal financial advisor

Personal financial advisors assist clients with financial planning, including tax advice, investments, and insurance.

• Median salary: $99,580
• Projected growth: 17%, with 27,000 new openings every year.

Is an Accounting Degree Worth It in 2025?

As we look toward 2025, the value of an accounting degree continues to remain significant in an increasingly complex financial landscape. The job outlook for accountants is projected to grow faster than average (6%), driven by factors such as evolving regulations, technological advancements, and the need for transparent financial practices in both businesses and non-profits. 

An accounting degree not only equips graduates with critical analytical skills and a solid foundation in finance but also opens doors to a variety of career paths, from public accounting to corporate finance, auditing, and tax consulting. 

Additionally, the integration of technology in accounting, such as automation and data analytics, highlights the necessity for ongoing education and adaptability, making a degree in accounting a worthwhile investment for those looking to thrive in this vital sector.

Ready To Explore Accounting Degrees Best For You?

Choosing the right accounting degree is a crucial step toward a rewarding career in finance, auditing, or management. Whether you're looking for flexibility, affordability, or a program that aligns with your career goals, it's important to find the best fit for your future.

At the University of North Dakota (UND), through programs such as a Bachelor of Accountancy and Managerial Finance & Accounting degree, we provide the skills and knowledge needed to excel in the field. With flexible online and on-campus options, expert faculty, and a strong career network, we are ready to help you achieve your goals.

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