The skills you’ll develop as an accounting major
As an accounting major, you’ll build a well-rounded skill set that goes far beyond number crunching. In your courses, you’ll study topics such as database analysis, financial reporting, marketing and business performance and the fundamentals of finance. Through this work, you’ll strengthen core skills including:
- Critical thinking: Learn to assess financial situations, analyze data and apply logic to solve complex problems.
- Communication: Sharpen your ability to convey financial information clearly and confidently in both written and verbal formats.
- Ethical decision making: Understand how integrity and accountability influence financial reporting and business practices.
- Problem solving: Develop the ability to evaluate challenges from multiple angles and propose informed solutions.
- Technology proficiency: Gain hands-on experience with accounting software, databases and analytics tools used in modern accounting.
Melissa Samuelson, PhD, associate director and clinical professor in the School of Accountancy at Arizona State University's W. P. Carey School of Business, said accounting offers a strategic lens into how businesses operate.
“Accounting provides insights into a company’s financial health and plays a critical role in strategy, decision making and managing risk,” she explained. “This gives accountants a unique perspective and flexibility they can carry into leadership roles.
6 top jobs for accounting majors
“Accountants are in high demand across every industry because organizations rely on them to provide trustworthy financial information for decisions about products, supply chains and people,” Dr. Samuelson noted.
“With an accounting degree, you have options. You can move across industries, companies and roles throughout your career. The degree gives you both structure and flexibility as you build a career based on your passions and skills.”
Below are six top jobs for accounting majors. Included is the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the median annual wage for the roles as of May 2024, and the projected growth in employment for these roles from 2023-2033.
- Actuary: Analyze financial risks using math, statistics and financial theory to help organizations plan for the future.
- $125,770 per year
- Projected 22% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Financial examiner: Review and evaluate financial institutions to ensure compliance with laws and protect consumers from fraud and risk.
- $90,400 per year
- Projected 21% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Financial manager: Lead financial planning, monitor performance and develop strategies to help organizations meet their financial goals.
- $161,700 per year
- Projected 17% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Personal financial advisor: Help clients create customized plans for budgeting, investing and retirement to achieve their financial goals.
- $102,140 per year
- Projected 17% job growth (Much faster than average)
- Accountant and auditor: Examine financial records to ensure accuracy and compliance while providing insights for better business decisions.
- $81,680 per year
- Projected 6% job growth (Faster than average)
- Budget analyst: Evaluate budget proposals, monitor spending and recommend adjustments to help organizations use resources efficiently.
- $87,930 per year
- Projected 4% job growth (As fast as average)
Not sure which career path is right for you? Dr. Samuelson encourages accounting majors to explore courses across different areas of the field to discover what excites them.
“Just reading the course descriptions can spark interest,” she advised. “Try not to get discouraged if you hear a class is challenging. Sometimes the courses that push you a little are the ones that reveal strengths you didn’t know you had. And core classes, such as Managerial Accounting or External Reporting, can help you determine whether you’re more drawn to internal business operations or analytical roles.”
