There are many reasons why someone might want a career change from accounting. One of the main reasons is the constant demand. Most public accountants work long hours, especially during the busy seasons. Another reason people look outside public accounting is the changing standards. Work-life balance is important to most people and traditional accountant jobs don’t give you the freedom to live and work without a demand. Luckily, there are jobs you can do with your accounting degree that have a different work culture.
1. Sales Manager
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $84,178. Median annual salary $119,113. Top 10% earn $158,934 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 4% by 2029 (as fast as average)
Sales managers’ responsibilities will vary based on the size of the organization they’re working for. Most sales managers are responsible for the recruitment, hiring, and training of new members of staff. They direct the distribution of goods and services by setting sales goals and assigning sales territories. Sales managers want their sales reps to improve their sales performance and advise them on how to achieve that. They also work closely work managers from other departments and vendors. They analyze sales statistics and monitor customers’ preferences to keep inventory on best-selling products in stock.
Transferable Skills:
- Analytic skills
- Communication skills
- Leadership skills
- Customer Service skills
- Strong critical thinking skills
- IT skills
2. Financial Systems Analyst
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $30,000. Median annual salary $78,734. Top 10% earn $118,500 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 9% by 2028 (faster than average)
Financial systems analysts examine, maintain, and implement various financial systems. They also work with different software and hardware that analyzes data and tracks financial transactions. Some of their responsibilities might include modifying system menus, creating and updating databases, analyzing spreadsheets and financial reports, and fixing or altering the programs. Others might train new employees in the software and work for a bank, mutual fund, or other financial institutions.
Transferable Skills:
- IT skills
- Problem-solving skills
- Communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Analytic skills
3. Search Marketing Manager
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $64,000. Median annual salary $141,490. Top 10% earn $151,000 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 6% by 2029 (faster than average)
A search marketing manager requires you to know how to work with the algorithms that search engines have. Your main goal in this job is to make your company’s search engine marketing optimized. You will spend your time analyzing trends, study competing products, and their advertising techniques, research keyword data, and quality ratings. You might also be responsible for the budget for a digital marketing campaign or paid keyword discovery.
Transferable Skills:
- Knowledge of SEO and its trends
- IT skills
- Social media and multimedia knowledge
- Analytical skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
4. Fractional CFO
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $22,500. Median annual salary $122,854. Top 10% earn $237,000 as of May 2021
Job Growth: The BLS doesn’t collect data on Fractional CFOs.
Fractional CFOs work part-time for an organization. They’re often contracted or hired on retainer. Fractional CFOs don’t oversee an entire organization’s financial strategy like a full-time CFO. They’re hired on a project basis. They’re usually brought into a company when there are financial issues the company’s current team doesn’t have the skills or time to handle. Some fractional CFOs act as an advisor to the current CFO to help with projects like audits or raising capital. Fractional CFOs focus on the future and provide financial forecasts to achieve growth in an accelerated and sustainable way.
Transferable Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Organizational skills
- Leadership skills
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
5. Business Analyst
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $27,000. Median annual salary $51,444. Top 10% earn $71,000 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 14% (much faster than average)
Business analysts develop models for operations and financials. They create a list for a business with the problems they have and how to solve the issues. Budgets and forecasts are also a part of being a business analyst. The main duty of a business analyst involves analyzing reports and finding ways to report them back to stakeholders or internal members of the company. As a business analyst, you’ll collaborate with IT teams and the financial department to optimize costs and to improve reporting.
Transferable Skills:
- Transferable Skills:
- Organizational skills
- Strong IT skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Problem-solving and analytic skills
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
6. Customs Brokers
Salary Range: Bottom 10% $48,000. Median annual salary $69,561. Top 10% earn $86,500 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 5% by 2029 (faster than average)
Customs brokers prepare documents and ensure shipments meet the law to import or export the goods. They will track duties and taxes payable. Customers brokers will even process payments on behalf of the clients. Some customer brokers represent clients in meetings with customs officials where they may apply for duty refunds or tariff reclassifications. Customs brokers will work with other customs brokers to expedite the clearing of cargo. Some may even arrange for transportation for imported or exported products.
Transferable Skills:
- IT skills
- Detail-orientated
- Interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong written communication
- Knowledge of export laws and regulations
7. Clinical Data Managers
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $63,000. Median annual salary $93,230. Top 10% earn $120,000 as of April 2021
Job Growth:8% by 2028 (much faster than average)
Clinical data managers collect data from medical research like pharmaceutical trials or clinical trials. They make sure all data is collected, monitored, and reported accurately. Some work for large pharmaceutical companies but others work for the government, hospitals, private companies, or a university. The main duties of a clinical data manager are to prepare reports, statistical comparisons, and data charts. This job involves travel at times because of its collaborative nature.
Transferable Skills:
- Detail-oriented
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong IT skills
- Analytic skills
- Continuing education of technology and medical knowledge
8. Compensation, Benefits, and Job Analysis Specialists
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $36,070. Median annual salary $67,190. Top 10% earn $72,450 as of May 2020
Job Growth: 8% by 2028 (much faster than average)
A compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialist ensure that employees receive fair compensation, benefits, bonuses, stock options, or pensions. There might be an entire department dedicated to this or you might work with HR in a smaller company in some companies. These specialists must evaluate the positions and market value for that specific job. They complete this by analyzing statistical data from salary surveys to determine a market value. A compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialist needs to monitor internal equity and analytics. They take into account someone’s education, experience, job duties, and how many people an employee may have supervised.
Transferable Skills:
- Excellent written and communication skills
- Strong analytic skills
- Constant up-to-date knowledge on the job market and salaries
- IT skills
9. Fraud Examiners
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $23,500. Median annual salary $81,430. Top 10% earn $89,500 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 7% by 2028 (faster than average)
Fraud examiners work to prove or disprove fraud allegations. As a fraud examiner, you will interview witnesses, obtain evidence, and produce reports in the investigation of fraud. They detail each step of the process along the way. Some may even testify in court regarding the fraud allegations. Many will coordinate with businesses or companies to create fraud detection and prevention activities. If they find evidence of fraud, they may arrest individuals. Analyzing data like financials is the main duty of the job.
Transferable Skills:
- Problem-solving skills
- Strong accounting and economics knowledge
- Knowledge of law and government
- Communication skills
- High attention to detail
10. Event Planning
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $18,500. Median annual salary $51,560. Top 10% earn $84,500 as of April 2021
Job Growth: 8% by 2028 (much faster than average)
Transferable Skills:
- Customer service skills
- Listening skills
- Communication skills
- Extensive real estate knowledge
11. Production Accountant
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $21,000. Median annual salary $60,262. Top 10% earn $127,110 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 4% by 2028 (as fast as average)
Event planners structures an event, coordinates it, and ensure the guests enjoy it. Event planners handle all aspects of an event. For example, they will arrange for lodging or transportation for the guests, hire caterers, choose entertainment, choose the location, and work with a budget. One strong suit of an accounting degree comes with the budget. When planning an event, it can get expensive quickly and your job as an event planner is to make sure you create a joyful experience but remain within the budget.
Transferable Skills:
- Customer service skills
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- High attention to detail
- Strong knowledge of budget creation and maintaining it
12. Accounting Software Developer
Salary Range: Bottom 25% earn $82,430. Median annual salary $110,140. Top 25% earn $136,320 as of June 2021
Job Growth: 22% by 2028 (faster than average)
Accounting software developers create tools to handle daily tasks. They need to create programs that meet the needs of the finance, banking, businesses, and accounting field. The software should make the lives of those who work these jobs easier. They develop software to manage transactions, manages accounts, or evaluate the financial situation of a customer. Developers look for bugs in their systems or software to ensure customer and business security. Many of these developers work in teams because of the amount and type of data that needs input.
Transferable Skills:
- Exceptional IT skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Research and up-to-date knowledge of IT concepts/coding
- Leadership skills
- Extensive real estate knowledge
13. Information Technology Manager
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $100,772. Median annual salary $151,150. Top 10% earn $199,000 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 10% by 2028 (faster than average)
Information technology managers oversee the computing aspect of a company. They ensure that all software, hardware, networks, and any IT-related applications work correctly, efficiently, and securely. As an information technology manager, you will hire and train new employees to use the software. You will also manage the IT budget, supervise operations, and troubleshoot any information systems. These managers will ensure the company uses the latest technologies.
Transferable Skills:
- Customer service skills
- Knowledge of the latest software and technology skills
- Strong communication skills
- IT skills
- Problem-solving skills
14. Personal Finance Advisor
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $18,500. Median annual salary $89,330. Top 10% earn $106,500 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 4% by 2028 (as fast as average)
Personal finance advisors help clients manage their money. A client may need help creating a budget, savings plan, or general advice on managing their money. Each day, your job as a personal finance advisor will vary. You might deal with investments one day and budget planning the next. A client’s goal can change at the drop of a hat, so you must be prepared! This job requires long hours and more than the 40-hour workweek.
Transferable Skills:
- Strong knowledge of accounting and economics
- High attention to detail
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Analytical and problem-solving skills
15. Auditor
Salary Range: Bottom 10% earn $40,000. Median annual salary $73,560. Top 10% earn $104,007 as of May 2021
Job Growth: 4% by 2028 (as fast as average)
Auditors are accountants at a higher level who investigate the cash flow records of organizations to ensure there’s no evidence of “cooked books” or fraud. They also investigate the accounting processes used and taxes are being paid on time (and correctly). Some auditors may even prepare the taxes for an organization. Auditors may suggest ways for companies to enhance revenue and reduce costs. Auditors are required to explain their findings through well-written reports and face-to-face meetings with clients or managers. Auditors may choose to specialize in assurance services, risk management, the IRS, or specific industries like healthcare.
Transferable Skills:
- Strong analytic skills
- Organizational skills
- High attention to detail
- Communication skills
- Knowledge of regulations and laws
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the second careers for retired accountants?
Retired accountants may work as a fractional CFO. Some may choose to do seasonal accounting during tax time. Others might work for a university and teach accounting or work as a consultant.
What are the side gig ideas for accountants?
Many choose to do freelance accounting work on the side like completing tax returns, bookkeeping for small businesses, or financial advisement or consultant work. If you have your CPA, you can offer tutoring lessons for upcoming test takers. While it may seem unconventional, you can write for a blog or start your own on different economic concepts or general money advice.
What are the work-from-home accounting jobs?
Many work-from-home jobs exist for accountants. Auditors often work from home until they need to report findings. However, some complete teleconferences. CFO, financial analyst or manager, controller, and bookkeepers often work from home.
What are the nontraditional jobs for accountants?
Some of the nontraditional jobs can include software development, sports team accounting, entertainment production accounting, or environmental accounting. These types of accounting aren’t usual and do require some niche to get involved with.
Final Thoughts
Changing jobs whether it’s a different field or a promotion can bring fear. However, change doesn’t have to be scary. You might worry that you wasted your time or money getting a degree in accounting when you no longer want to work as an accountant. The great news is your degree and skills transfer over to other jobs both in the same field and other career fields! Don’t be scared and make the switch today.
