Yes, an accountant can absolutely become a finance manager, as the roles share a foundation in financial data, and many finance managers start as accountants. The transition requires moving from recording historical data (accounting) to forward-looking strategic analysis (finance), usually supported by 5+ years of experience, a CPA or MBA, and proficiency in financial modeling.
One of the top-earning jobs you can get with an accounting degree is as a financial manager. Professionals who work as financial managers may also be called controllers, finance officers, or treasurers.
Transitioning from accounting to FP&A can be a natural progression for many finance professionals. Your accounting experience has given you a strong foundation; now it's about building on it to take a more strategic role in shaping a company's future.
Yes, you can break into finance with an accounting degree. An accounting background provides essential skills such as financial analysis, understanding of financial statements, and regulatory knowledge, all of which are valuable in finance roles like financial analyst, investment banker, or financial planner.
While many accounting graduates pursue careers in finance, this degree provides a solid foundation for roles in auditing, tax, and other sectors of the financial world. If a finance career sounds intriguing to you, read on and discover what jobs you can get with an accounting degree.
Fast-forward a few years, and Erica now runs an accounting practice making over $200,000 yearly—on less than 15 hours of work per week.
Most states require 150 credit hours for licensure, necessitating extra coursework beyond a bachelor's degree. The notoriously low CPA exam pass rate of 50% adds to the uncertainty, making students hesitant to invest in this career path. To attract more students, universities and the accounting profession must evolve.
CPAs in this broad field can hold various positions, from staff accountant and financial analyst to CFO. Their responsibilities include recording, analyzing, and reporting financial information for organizations. They can also carry out budgeting and internal auditing functions.
The most common account positions are listed below in hierarchical order:
While traditional accounting qualifications are valuable, they are not mandatory for becoming a successful CFO. The modern CFO job requirements demand a broader skill set—one rooted in leadership, commercial insight, and strategic thinking. Focus on developing those, and the role is well within your reach.
3000 a month jobs
Fewer students are choosing accounting as a major, and the pipeline of future CPAs has been shrinking for years. Enrollment declines today translate directly into fewer entry-level hires now and a smaller pool of experienced accountants down the line.
Accountants, who maintain and analyze financial records and data, earn a median annual salary of $81,680. Salaries vary considerably, however. For instance, the bottom 10% earn less than $52,780 annually, while the top 10% earn $141,420 or more, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
In 2024, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 300,000 auditors and accountants have quit their job in the last two years—this represents a 17% reduction in the profession's workforce.
Financial analysts typically make more money than accountants, and they often have higher starting salaries.