There are plenty of paths to take within the accounting profession. Here are just a few.
Financial Accounting
Financial accountants deal with cash in-flow and out-flow.
About
When you think about accounting, this is perhaps the first type of accounting that comes to mind, and you are not too far off. Financial accountants keep tabs on the finances of a business, including financial statement preparation and analysis. They provide information to stakeholders, like management, boards of directors, and investors, about how the business is performing.
Perks
Work with different organizations with endless career opportunities since every corporation, start up, nonprofit, and even small business needs a financial accountant.
Positions
Staff Accountant, Finance Manager, Controller, Chief Financial Officer
Management Accounting
Make high-level decisions for the success of your company.
About
If managing a business or becoming your own boss is your thing, management accounting is your best bet. Management accounting is used in businesses worldwide to look into the future cash inflows and outflows, making high-level decisions for the success of every company based on financial planning and analysis.
Perks
Meet and work alongside amazing worldwide leaders, be a part of an organization's growth by providing strategic recommendations, work for brands with global recognition.
Positions
Financial Analyst, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, VP of Finance
Governmental Accounting
Tracking and reporting standards for all levels of the government.
About
Yes, even the government needs accountants. This branch is responsible for tracking and reporting the finances for all levels of the government. This is like financial accounting but follows different rules specific to governmental entities.
Perks
Work directly for your community, job security, work/life balance, more vacation and holidays, student loan forgiveness.
Positions
Government Accountant, Financial Manager, IRS Auditor, Treasury Enforcement Agent
Not-for-Profit Fund Accounting
Help not-for-profits stay accountable and financially healthy.
About
Not-for-profit organizations need funding, planning, and allocation of resources to keep the lights on and help members of our communities. Professionals that focus on this type of accounting allow not-for-profits to stay accountable and financially healthy.
Perks
Work with organizations that are making a difference, be a part of something bigger, do what you love using skills that suit you, wear different hats and collaborate with team members.
Positions
CFO, Financial Aid Officer, Venture Philanthropy Director, Director of Fundraising
Cost Accounting
Looking at the cost of doing business.
About
Do you like finding ways to get the most out of your money? You can help manufacturing or service businesses do the same! As a cost accountant, you're often also a puzzle solver, overseeing purchases made by a company and recommending ways to trim the fat.You'll find cost-efficient options that help save money without compromising a product's quality.
Perks
Work closely with management, leverage your great influence and presentation skills to persuade the adoption of new technology and methods. Develop new, innovative solutions in the company's industry that can provide cost efficiencies.
Positions
Inventory or Manufacturing Cost Accountant, Senior Cost Accountant, Cost Accountant Manager
Forensic Accounting
Investigating the financial activities of individuals and businesses.
About
If in your past life you were a detective, then forensic accounting is for you. This type of accounting uses a unique combination of accounting, auditing, and other techniques to investigate allegations of financial fraud for businesses and the government. In other words, you will be responsible for following the money and helping solve financial mysteries. Psst, you could also serve as an expert witness in court –Law & Order, anyone?
Perks
Work with organizations to help minimize and prevent loss, use your inquisitive skills, help catch the 'bad guys'.
Positions
Forensic Financial Analyst, International Forensic Accountant, Forensic Economic Case Manager, Forensic Consultant
Tax Accounting
Provide a range of tax-related services to both individuals and businesses.
About
*Insert jingle* It's the most wonderful time of the year! Not the holiday season, silly. Tax season! Tax accountants provide a range of tax-related services to both individuals and businesses, which can include preparing and filing tax returns. Tax accountants stay up-to-date with laws, rules, and regulations to help people and organizations navigate complex tax laws and get the best tax refunds possible.
Perks
Work with businesses or individuals--your pick, you will never stop learning and will improve your skills over-time, work during tax season then take a long-deserved break. As a bonus, your own taxes will be a breeze!
Positions
Tax Preparer, Tax Examiner, Tax Collector
Public Accounting
Ensure projects stay on budget and businesses stay accountable.
About
Public accounting firms provide accounting services like auditing and advisory to public companies (think, NYSE and NASDAQ). Public accountants work with different types of companies to not only keep businesses accountable to their investors, but also recommend new strategies to CFOs to improve operations using the latest technologies and techniques.
Perks
Variety - work in any industry and perform a number of different tasks to continually build your expertise and credibility, enjoy high earning potential.
Positions
Auditor, CPA, Tax Accountant, Partner
Fiduciary Accounting
Carry out financial wishes and activities for beneficiaries.
About
If you're family oriented and want to help uphold the financial legacy of families, or if you want to work with family law, this accounting type might be a good fit. Fiduciary accountants are in charge of carrying out financial activities for beneficiaries such as minor children, heirs of an estate, or other beneficiaries of a trust.
Perks
Help families build generational wealth by ensuring their assets are protected for generations to come.
Positions
Fiduciary Tax Accountant, Estate Planner, Fiduciary Accounting Clerk
International Accounting
Help global companies stay on top of international tax laws and exchange rates.
About
Is traveling the world on your bucketlist? Good news, you can do it while you work! A career in international accounting involves tasks like balancing the books, dealing with currency exchange rates, and understanding and complying with local and international tax and accounting laws for multinational companies.
Perks
Travel (of course!), explore unique destinations, meet new people all over the world, live unimaginable experiences, try all types of foods, learn new cultures.
Positions
Chartered Accountant, International Auditor, and other general managerial and tax positions
Information Technology and Data Analytics
Not a type of accounting, but just as vital.
About
Technology is changing the game, and with it, so is the way accounting is done. Today's accountants are tech whizzes and data analysts, using the latest advances in technology, taking the books off paper and into the cloud. Some accountants specialize in this technology, helping analyze massive data sets in a matter of minutes. Basically, if you're dreaming of working for a tech company, look no further than accounting.
Positions
Systems Auditor, Consultant, Upper Management
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