Can You Get an Accounting Job with a Finance Degree?

Can You Get an Accounting Job with a Finance Degree

It is typically straightforward and a fairly common route to get an accounting job with a finance degree. Whether or not this was the plan from the beginning is often irrelevant, as finances and accounting are two, highly interrelated disciplines. As such, educational background in one of these areas is often accepted in the other area’s workforce. Follow along for more on the interchangeability of finance and accounting.

Finance Degree Offerings

Earning a finance degree by no means limits you to only work in a job title containing the word finance. Quite the contrary, this area of major study is one of great applicability across a number of job fields. This is especially true in the field of accounting.

In a finance degree, one will have likely completed many of the following types of collegiate-level courses. As can be seen, their applicability and relation to accounting are strong.

  • Math Courses (through high-level, statistical reasoning)
  • Fundamental, Advanced Accounting
  • Fundamental, Advanced Finances
  • Business Law and Ethics
  • Investments and Portfolio Management
  • Analysis in Financial Management
  • Financial Institution Management
  • Entrepreneurial Finance
  • Business and Non-Profit Finance

Applicable Accounting Careers

So, what exact kinds of jobs in accounting can you pursue with a finance degree? Below is a list of some of the options for accounting careers.

  • Tax Preparer, Bookkeeper – Sometimes operating separately, these two areas of business are also frequently designated to one job title – the tax preparer/bookkeeper. This professional manages to keep the various financial records of a company and may then also conduct tax preparation activities when called upon.
  • Assistant Director of Finance – The assistant director of finance answers to the director of finance. Daily duties here may include attending meetings, creating new finance plans, oversight, and record-keeping with regard to subordinates, analysis, investment decisions, and more.
  • Personal Accountant – Personal accountants work for individuals, handling all or a portion of their financial affairs. Investments, income, retirement goals, current bills, savings, and many other factors may be designated to various levels of accountant input in this role.
  • City Treasurer – A city treasurer essentially handles a portion or all of a municipality’s financial interests.
  • Accounting Coordinator – Accounting coordinators act as a sort of banker, or controller, in an organization. They may handle accounts, payments, money transfers, and a variety of other financial activities.

Supplemental Approaches

In addition to the more straightforward approach of earning just a finance degree in the pursuit of that perfect job, there are also other, supplemental approaches you can take. Internships, additional coursework, volunteer work, and even research and study on one’s own time and direction can all be good ways to become more employable in your field of choice.

Accounting and finance are quite closely related. As a result, responsibilities and educational paths parallel greatly. These are the basics of how to get an accounting job with a finance degree as well as some of the jobs then made available with that degree.

Related Resources: