What can you do with a bachelors in accounting?

Written by: Susan Maphis, Edited by: Jennifer Kiesewetter

Published: February 10, 2025

A bachelor's degree in accounting will teach you how to manage finances and costs, develop financial strategies, and document financial transactions. Graduates of a bachelor's in accounting program may find many lucrative job opportunities available to them. Keep reading to discover what you can do with a bachelor's in accounting.

What jobs can you get with a bachelor's in accounting?

Most accounting jobs require at least a bachelor's degree in accounting. Depending upon the program you choose, your bachelor's in accounting program may focus on specialized areas such as forensic accounting or internal auditing. A bachelor's degree is required to qualify for Certified Public Accountant (CPA) certification from the Association of International Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), which is necessary for most accounting roles. Other certifications may be needed for certain positions. Below are a few career options with the Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data.

Financial manager

Financial managers plan an organization's long-term financial goals. They prepare financial reports, direct investment activities, analyze market trends, and advise management on maximizing profits. Financial managers must have strong analytical, communication, organizational, and math skills. This job may require certification as a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Certified Government Financial Manager (CGFM), or CPA.

Median annual salary (2023): $156,100
Projected employment growth (2023–33): 17%

Financial examiner

Financial examiners may work for financial companies or the federal or state governments. They must monitor the condition of financial institutions, making certain that they are following laws and regulations. Financial examiners need strong analytical, math, communication, and problem-solving skills. This job may require certification as an Accredited Financial Examiner (AFE) or a Certified Financial Examiner (CFE) by the Society of Financial Examiners (SOFE).

Median annual salary (2023): $84,300
Projected employment growth (2023–33): 21%

Actuary

Actuaries analyze the financial costs associated with risk and uncertainty. Using mathematics, financial theory, and statistics, these professionals assess the risk of potential financial events and help clients create policies to minimize risk. They typically work in insurance, finance, government, and enterprise management. Actuaries need strong analytical, mathematical, communication, and computer skills. They may also be required to pass certification examinations administered through the Society of Actuaries (SOA) and the Casualty Actuarial Society (COS).

Median annual salary (2023): $120,000
Projected employment growth (2023–33): 22%

Frequently asked questions about what you can do with a bachelor's in accounting

What is an accounting degree?

An undergraduate accounting degree is typically a four-year program that teaches you how to develop, maintain, and audit a comprehensive system for tracking an organization's or a business's finances. Graduate accounting degrees teach more advanced accounting skills and may take two years to complete.

What is a high-paying job with a bachelor's in accounting?

According to the BLS, a high-paying job that is attainable with a bachelor's in accounting is that of a financial manager. As of May 2023, the median annual salary for financial managers was $156,100.

What skills will you learn in a bachelor's in accounting program?

Basic skills that you will learn in a bachelor's in accounting program include the principles of macroeconomics and microeconomics, advanced mathematics, and taxation. More advanced skills that are taught include operations management, accounting and auditing theory, and business communications.

Skill Development

Career