Transform Your Passion for Numbers into a Fulfilling Career
Are you someone who gets excited about working with numbers? Are you seeking a career that offers both financial security and opportunity for growth? Look no further than the dynamic fields of finance and accounting. With the right education, skills, and experience, you can land a highly coveted job in one of these industries that aligns perfectly with your professional aspirations and background.
Read on to discover five in-demand finance and accounting careers with details on salary, job outlook, and degree requirements for each role. With this information, you’ll be able to chart a course towards your ideal career and begin reaching your full potential.
1. Accountants and Auditors
Accountants and auditors play a crucial role in ensuring the accuracy of financial records and timely payment of taxes. They examine a company’s financial records, study reports, and assess its efficiency to ensure that the financial statements accurately reflect all the company’s activities.
- Median annual wage: $79,880*
- Projected job growth: 4% by 2032
- Degree required: Although a bachelor’s degree in accounting or a related field is typically required, obtaining an associate’s degree or certification in a specific accounting field can also enhance accounting job prospects.
2. Financial Examiners
Financial examiners are responsible for monitoring financial institutions to ensure they comply with monetary regulations and guidelines. Their duties involve reviewing balance sheets and analyzing financial accounts to verify the assets and liabilities reported on formal financial statements.
- Median annual wage: $84,300*
- Projected job growth: 20% by 2032
- Degree required: Financial examiners typically need a bachelor’s degree that includes some coursework in accounting, with entry-level examiners trained on the job by senior examiners.
3. Financial Analysts
Financial analysts play an important role in predicting an organization’s investment performance by analyzing market data. They use historical market trends and industry data to provide investment recommendations to clients, to improve investment performance.
- Median annual wage: $99,890*
- Projected job growth: 8% by 2032
- Degree required: Financial analysts typically need a bachelor’s degree to enter the field.
4. Budget Analysts
Budget analysts are professionals who help public and private organizations plan their finances by preparing budget reports and monitoring organizational spending.
- Median annual wage: $84,940*
- Projected job growth: 3% by 2032
- Degree required: Generally, a bachelor’s degree is required to enter this field, and courses in accounting, economics, and statistics can be beneficial.
5. Financial Managers
Financial managers are responsible for creating financial reports, directing investment activities, and developing plans to achieve their organization’s long-term financial goals. They work in various industries, including banks, investment firms, and insurance companies.
- Median annual wage: $156,100*
- Projected job growth: 16% by 2032
- Degree required: To become a financial manager, a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of experience in another business or financial occupation, such as an accountant, securities sales agent, or financial analyst is required. However, a master’s degree is preferred.
University of Cincinnati’s Online Programs
At the University of Cincinnati, we provide five comprehensive programs that can help you pave the way to a bright and successful future, regardless of your interest in finance or accounting.
Our bachelor’s programs are perfect for undergraduates looking to lay the foundation for their careers, while our master’s programs are designed for working professionals who already hold some career experience. And for those just starting, our associate programs provide a great jumping-off point for a career in finance at a lower tuition rate.
- Associate of Arts in Business Administration (Pre) — This program is designed to cover the fundamental curriculum required for the first two years of a bachelor’s degree in business. It is transfer-oriented and suitable for students who are interested in earning a bachelor’s degree but prefer to complete the first two years of the program online.
- Associate of Applied Business in Accounting Technology — This two-year online program prepares students for professional accounting careers, qualifying them for various bookkeeping, accounting, and auditing positions.
- Bachelor of Business Administration – Finance — This program provides essential skills and tools for various finance roles, allowing you to customize your path with specialized knowledge in investment management, corporate finance, and more.
- Master of Science in Finance — This nationally ranked program offers a solid foundation in all areas of finance while allowing you to customize your studies in either Corporate Finance or Investments, setting you apart from the crowd. Additionally, the curriculum helps prepare students for the Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA), and Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP) examinations.
- Master of Science in Taxation — This fully online program provides finance, taxation, and accounting professionals with expanded expertise through a deeper understanding of the complexities of tax.
Take the First Step Toward a Better Career with UC
If you love working with numbers, then a career in finance and accounting offers exciting possibilities for you. You’ll have a wide variety of roles to choose from that will not only match your interests but will also offer you plenty of opportunities to grow and succeed. The best part? You can gain the education, skills, and experience needed to secure one of these in-demand jobs with the highly-ranked, online programs of UC.
So, are you ready to learn more? Explore our online programs or connect with a UC Online advisor to take your first step toward a brighter future.
*Salary and job growth data sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics with salary data current as of May 2023 and job growth data current as of May 2022.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the most in-demand finance job?
The most in-demand finance job is financial manager. With 10-year expected job growth of 16%, financial managers are vital to helping an organization achieve its long-term goals.
Are accounting and finance in high demand?
Yes, both accounting and finance are highly-sought after careers. Many companies need experts in these fields to help better manage money and make smart financial decisions. This high demand means there are plenty of job opportunities for people with education and skills in accounting and finance.
Is it better to be in finance or accounting?
The choice between finance and accounting hinges on an individual’s preferences and career aspirations; there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Nevertheless, finance typically involves managing investments and financial planning. So, it’s ideal for those inclined toward strategic decision making and market analysis. On the other hand, accounting primarily focuses on meticulous record-keeping and financial reporting. This makes it appealing for those with a desire for detail-oriented tasks and regulatory compliance.
