Best Jobs for Accounting Majors

Accounting majors have a vast array of job opportunities across various industries, from healthcare and education to entertainment and government. Whether you aspire to work in a big four accounting firm or prefer a role in a different setting, there’s a place for you in the accounting field. Below is a compilation of the top ten jobs for accounting majors, detailing job titles, average salaries, descriptions, responsibilities, and the required education for each role.

Bank Clerk

• Average Salary: $33,280 per year
• Job Description: Bank clerks, also known as bank tellers, interact directly with customers, handling transactions, answering inquiries, and performing administrative tasks.
• Responsibilities: Processing transactions, customer service, and administrative duties.
• Required Education: High school diploma or GED.

Accounting Assistant

• Average Salary: $37,440 per year
• Job Description: Accounting assistants support accounting departments with tasks such as recording transactions, preparing reports, and managing files.
• Responsibilities: Clerical tasks, report preparation, and client communication.
• Required Education: Associate degree in accounting or related field.

Audit Clerk

• Average Salary: $33,280 per year
• Job Description: Audit clerks review financial records and reports to ensure accuracy and compliance.
• Responsibilities: Examining financial documents, ensuring accuracy, and compliance with regulations.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, business, or similar.

Accounts Payable Specialist

• Average Salary: $41,600 per year
• Job Description: This role involves managing an organization’s bills and expenses, ensuring accurate financial reporting.
• Responsibilities: Organizing expense reports, managing invoices, and ensuring accurate financial statements.
• Required Education: Associate or bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or related field.

Staff Accountant

• Average Salary: $54,563 per year
• Job Description: Staff accountants may work in firms or internal departments, handling tasks like ledger maintenance and financial reporting.
• Responsibilities: Maintaining financial records, budgeting, and auditing.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance or accounting.

Accounts Receivable Clerk

• Average Salary: $35,360 per year
• Job Description: Focuses on managing incoming payments, billing, and maintaining financial records.
• Responsibilities: Billing, payment tracking, and financial record keeping.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, finance, or similar.

Budget Analyst

• Average Salary: $64,902 per year
• Job Description: Budget analysts help organizations manage their finances by reviewing budgets and allocating funds.
• Responsibilities: Conducting cost-benefit analyses, reviewing funding requests, and optimizing financial resources.
• Required Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or similar.

Payroll Administrator

• Average Salary: $45,760 per year
• Job Description: Manages payroll processes, including wage calculations and resolving pay issues.
• Responsibilities: Calculating wages, ensuring timely payments, and resolving payroll discrepancies.
• Required Education: High school diploma or GED; bachelor’s preferred.

Bookkeeper

• Average Salary: $39,520 per year
• Job Description: Bookkeepers maintain financial records, manage payroll, and ensure accurate financial reporting.
• Responsibilities: Financial record-keeping, payroll management, and government documentation.
• Required Education: Associate degree in accounting, finance, business, or similar.

Medical Coder and Biller

• Average Salary: $41,600 per year
• Job Description: Specialists in medical coding and billing ensure accurate insurance documentation and patient billing.
• Responsibilities: Translating patient data into standardized codes for insurance claims.
• Required Education: High school diploma or GED; certification required.

Final Thoughts

The accounting field offers a broad spectrum of opportunities for majors, from traditional roles in finance and auditing to niche positions in various industries. With the right education and skills, accounting majors can find rewarding careers that suit their interests and expertise.

Other Jobs in Finance, Banking, and Insurance

• Best Paying Jobs in Major Banks
• Best Paying Jobs in Property-Casualty Insurers
• Best Paying Jobs in Finance Consumer Services
• Best Paying Jobs in Life Insurance
• Best Paying Jobs in Commercial Banks
• Best Paying Jobs in Investment Managers
• Best Paying Jobs in Investment Bankers and Brokers Service
• Best Paying Bank Jobs
• Best Paying Insurance Jobs
• See All High-Paying Career Opportunities By Industry

Sources

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: www.bls.gov
• Payscale: www.payscale.com
• American Academy of Professional Coders: www.aapc.com
• Robert Half: www.roberthalf.com

Frank Gogol

I’m a firm believer that information is the key to financial freedom. On the Stilt Blog, I write about the complex topics — like finance, immigration, and technology — to help immigrants make the most of their lives in the U.S. Our content and brand have been featured in Forbes, TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and more.

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