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The accounting field is often stereotyped as being mundane or tedious. Don’t let this image turn you off to the idea of pursing an accounting degree. There are many unusual and even exciting fields that you can break into when you’re an expert with numbers.
Forensic Accounting
If criminal investigation interests you, consider becoming a forensic accountant. In this field, you can help track down and put away criminals by following the movement of money. You may even be able to work with the FBI or CIA to capture terrorists and other high-profile offenders. Another aspect of forensic accounting involves calculating the financial impact of disasters such as chemical spills to determine who is responsible for the cost and how much of a settlement they owe. A bachelor’s degree is required to work in this field, and having other financial credentials increases your chances of landing a job.
IRS Criminal Investigation Agent
Calling out people who violate the U.S. tax code might not sound exciting, but you never know what kind of lawbreaking you might uncover during an investigation. IRS agents look for evidence of extortion, embezzlement and other criminal activity related to finances. This is another field in which you may work with the FBI to track down violators. You may also partner with the Department of Justice or the Department of Homeland Security. To become an IRS agent, you need a bachelor’s degree, CPA certification and a willingness to do a sometimes dangerous job.
Entertainment Accountant
There’s a bit more glamour to be had when you work with movie producers or record labels, helping them manage the often complex financial situations that are characteristic of the industry. Actors and actresses need to be paid, advertising needs to be budgeted for and there are all manner of taxes to deal with. Just about every group in the entertainment industry needs someone to help crunch all those numbers and balance different revenue streams. As an added bonus, you may be able to meet some of your favorite entertainers as you go about your work.
Related: Top 10 Best Online Master of Accounting Degree Programs
Sports Accountant
For those who prefer sports to the flash and dazzle of Hollywood, becoming a sports accountant may be a more attractive career choice. Handling the financial maze behind ticket sales, ticket pricing and team payrolls is easier when you have a master’s degree in business administration to round out your accountant training. As with the entertainment industry, there are perks to being a sports accountant. These may include getting to meet your favorite teams or receiving free tickets to games. In either career path, you have to be careful not to let these incentives cloud your judgement.
International Accountant
With a growing number of companies expanding into the global market, there’s a demand for accountants who understand the diverse rules and regulations of doing business overseas. Proper handling of international business relationships is essential for these companies to operate legally. Dealing with tax laws, importing and exporting, customs and international advertising gets confusing, and businesses want someone who can keep it all straight so that they can go about their day-to-day operations without hassle. If you have a bachelor’s degree and CPA certification and enjoy traveling, this could be the career for you.
This is just a small sampling of the surprising ways you can put an accounting degree to good use. As needs at personal, corporate and government levels change, even more interesting careers are likely to pop up. Find one that excites you and turn a “boring” field into something that feeds your passions.