CPA Jobs You Didn’t Know About
Does the idea of a cubicle desk or a nondescript office park make you shudder? Are you worried you’ll be bored or uninspired in your new life as a CPA? Well, know that you have a ton of options and paths before you, and the CPA can be your first step in an exciting, if not unexpected, career path that goes far beyond tax filings and financial reports.
Where else can the CPA take you?
One of the major benefits of an accounting career is the ability to continually add skills and knowledge coupled with an impressive number of alternative career opportunities. While the traditional career pathways are always available, new and interesting career choices have appeared in recent years. Here are a few:
1. Data Analytics Consultant
The explosion of big data being collected and available to organizations has created a demand for analysts who are able to understand and use the data to improve processes, products, and services. Accountants who add data analysis skills to their existing process knowledge are able to add enormous value to their organizations.
2. Environmental Accountant
Want to be more active in saving the planet? Accountants with knowledge of environmental laws and regulations are able to assist businesses subject to environmental requirements as well as help organizations save money (and the planet) through “green” initiatives to update processes, products, and services.
3. Forensic Accountant
Forensic accountants add investigative skills to their accounting knowledge and utilize both in providing litigation support and investigative accounting services. For example, a forensic accountant may investigate the embezzlement of funds, money laundering, or securities fraud. Employers of forensic accountants include public accounting firms, consulting firms, law enforcement agencies, insurance companies, and government organizations.
4. Healthcare Accountant
Accountants can be a part of something bigger through helping medical and other healthcare providers deliver new and better services. Per the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care employment is projected to grow 15% from 2019 to 2029, a rate much higher than the average for all occupations. This growth will be accompanied by increased demand for healthcare accountants who will not only assist employers in meeting compliance and regulatory challenges, but in providing new ways of delivering patient care.
Thus, there are a variety of roles and pathways open to CPAs in a myriad of fields. This means you can step out of the expected and into a role that suits your passion. To find out more about these roles and what you could earn in them, be sure to visit our CPA Salary Resource Page.