Top 5 Reasons to Transition to an Accounting Career

Are you ready for a career change?

Perhaps you’re seeking a field that offers stability, growth opportunities, and a chance to make a tangible impact. Look no further than the dynamic world of accounting. Whether you’re drawn to numbers, analytical thinking, or the prospect of contributing to sound financial decision-making, an accounting career could be your pathway to professional fulfillment. Let’s explore the top five reasons why making the leap into accounting might be the best move you ever make.

1. High Demand and Job Security. In today’s competitive job market, few professions offer the level of stability and demand as accounting. Every business, regardless of size or industry, requires skilled professionals to manage finances, prepare taxes, and provide strategic guidance. And with an annual projected demand of over 125,000 new Accounting positions over the next decade, the time has never been better to make a change.
   

   I had the opportunity to intern with PricewaterhouseCoopers.

   Because of my knowledge of systems like Tableau, Python and Alteryx, I was able to take on a variety of large-scale engagements and I believe this helped me secure a full-time position with them. – David Bezer, MS Accounting ’22

2. Lucrative Compensation. Beyond job security, accounting offers attractive financial rewards. The combination of high demand and specialized skills often translates into competitive salaries and benefits packages. The average annual salary for those with a Master’s degree in accounting is $80,000, whereas Accountants without a Master’s degree only average about $57,000 per year.
3. Global Opportunities: Accounting is a truly global profession, with opportunities to work and collaborate across borders. As businesses expand their operations internationally, the demand for accountants with a global mindset and cross-cultural competence continues to rise. Whether you’re interested in working for a multinational corporation, a global accounting firm, or an international NGO, an accounting career can open doors to exciting opportunities around the world.
4. Diverse Career Paths. One of the most appealing aspects of an accounting career is its versatility. Accountants can choose from a wide array of career paths, ranging from public accounting firms to corporate finance departments, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and beyond. Moreover, within each sector, there are opportunities for specialization in areas such as tax planning, forensic accounting, auditing, financial analysis, and managerial accounting. This diversity allows individuals to tailor their career trajectories to align with their interests, skills, and long-term goals.
5. Intellectual Challenge and Continuous Learning. Accounting is far from a monotonous profession. It requires analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a knack for attention to detail. As regulations and technologies evolve, accountants must stay abreast of changes and innovations to remain effective in their roles. This constant learning and intellectual challenge ensure that no two days are alike in the world of accounting, making it an ideal field for individuals who thrive in dynamic environments and enjoy tackling complex problems.

If you’re a recent graduate exploring your options, or a seasoned professional seeking a change, accounting presents multiple rewarding pathways to success. With its blend of financial expertise, analytical rigor, and real-world impact, an accounting career may be the perfect fit for those seeking both personal satisfaction and professional success.

Who is a Master’s in Accounting right for?

• Career Changers
  Our Accounting Master’s program is ideally suited for career changers with diverse experiences. If you have a background in Engineering, Finance, Marketing or IT — or have strong analytical skills — this program will absolutely meet your needs.
• Recent Graduates
  Position yourself for accelerated career growth and increased employability. Our tailored program provides a focused transition into the Accounting field, allowing graduates to harness their existing academic foundation while acquiring specialized knowledge.
• Those Seeking Professional Certification
  The knowledge you obtain in the classroom will not only prepare you to sit for the New Jersey CPA examination but will be immediately transferrable to your future job, giving you the skills and confidence necessary to thrive in a dynamic global marketplace.
• Upward Mobility-Minded Individuals
  Whether your motivations include earning a higher salary, improving job security or better utilizing your innate analytical skills, our Accounting program will enable you to make a bigger impact in your organization and drive effective business change.

Ready to start your journey?

Read about Montclair State University’s online master’s degree in Accounting to understand enrollment requirements, to start an application and to hear success stories from our students and faculty.