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Accounting is a multi-faceted field, and recent graduates with degrees in this area enjoy a wealth of employment opportunities. While some of the most exciting positions in accounting require experience, there are plenty out there for entry-level accountants too.
Consider these five popular, growth-oriented career choices.
Management Services
Management consultants and advisors work with business leaders to meet a wide variety of goals. Recent accounting graduates hired as entry-level management consultants generally work with businesses to streamline their processes while improving productivity and enterprise performance. They prepare financial forecasts and assist with tax planning.
Accounting grads with interest in technology and software also provide advice about business systems and data security. Most management consultants work with a variety of business clients, which makes these career exciting.
Advancement opportunities within private firms are good, and many talented consultants even go on to open their own management services businesses.
Public Accountant
Many accounting majors get their start in the field with an entry-level public accountant position. The most prestigious entry-level positions are found at a handful of major firms around the nation, but graduates can also find meaningful work at smaller regional and specialty accounting firms.
As a public accountant, you’ll be responsible for handling a wide array of accounting and auditing tasks. One of the biggest advantages of working in public accounting is the ready availability of ongoing education. Firms often provide support for accountants who are preparing for the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. Positions at larger firms tend to offer travel opportunities too.
Financial Analyst
Entry-level financial analysts work at banks, private businesses and financial services companies. Entry-level analysts, known as junior financial analysts, are responsible for gathering a wide variety of data, maintaining spreadsheets and updating financial models. These basic duties give entry-level analysts the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of a given industry or sector.
In addition to competitive salaries and generous benefits packages, careers in financial analysis also boast excellent advancement opportunities. Junior analysts are provided with ongoing education opportunities and are often given support as they study for the Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) exam.
Personal Financial Advisors
As the job title implies, personal financial advisors work with individual clients to help them meet their financial goals. Entry-level financial advisors often work in private firms as part of a team that provides targeted guidance to clients. These types of accounts offer advice on a variety of financial services and investments, and they may prepare financial forecasts for clients too. Of course, advisors also help clients evaluate their tax obligations. While working as a personal financial advisor requires a high degree of technical knowledge, professionals who choose careers in this field must also have excellent interpersonal skills.
Internal Revenue Agent
While many accounting majors look for careers in the public and non-profit sectors, meaningful work and competitive salaries can also be found at government employers. Recent accounting majors with an eye for detail can find great opportunities at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which hires new internal revenue agents every year.
As an agent for the IRS, you’ll interact with businesses, corporations, non-profit organizations, individual taxpayers and leaders in the legal community. Revenue agents handle a variety of duties and receive extensive training. The IRS offers competitive salaries and an excellent federal benefits package. Accountants who work for the IRS also enjoy great advancement opportunities.
It’s important for recent accounting grads to find an entry-level position that supports their overall career goals. Choose a company and position that allows you to learn the skills needed to pass certification exams. Using entry-level accounting opportunities well is a great way to build a foundation for future success.