If you’re considering a career in accounting, there are several career options for graduates with an advanced degree in accounting. Accountants can specialize in various areas based on their interests. A Bachelor of Arts in Accounting online from the University of Maine at Presque Isle (UMPI) can open the door to many opportunities and professional advancements.

Accounting is a field that requires attention to detail, strong communication skills, honesty, technical knowledge and a willingness to help others. An advanced degree in accounting prepares students for certification and careers through hands-on training in analyzing financial statements, balance sheets and cash flows. Students will also learn to apply the principles of auditing, taxation and managerial accounting.

Graduates of this program will be prepared to pursue accounting certifications and enter the job market with the critical thinking and analytical skills that employers value.

Career Opportunities for Accounting Grads

While the accounting industry is rapidly changing with advancements in technology and artificial intelligence (AI), humans will need to be flexible and adapt to new digital skills in the workplace. The future of accounting will leverage AI to do repetitive jobs that would normally take a human hours to complete. Accountants will be more focused on client issues, strategic decision-making and acting as business consultants, while AI tools will process information and complete data entry tasks.

New accounting professionals can be prepared to enter a competitive workforce by weaving together theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Here are a few potential career options for accounting professionals:

• Staff accountant. A staff accountant typically maintains the budget, ledgers and financial records for a business or organization. They work under a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and enter data while checking for accuracy. They can also suggest ideas on how to save money and increase efficiency.
• Loan officer. Loan officers determine whether a company or an individual is fit for loan approval. Knowledge of federal and state requirements and excellent communication skills are a must while examining credit scores and income. Guiding applicants through the loan process entails clear correspondence and confidentiality.
• Internal auditor. The primary duties of auditors are reviewing financial documents, checking business procedures, ensuring the organization is following federal and local laws and making suggestions regarding policies.
• Financial accountant. A financial accountant keeps track of all financial transactions for an organization and makes sure they’re reported and recorded correctly. These professionals also document tax information and release financial information to shareholders.
• Payroll accountant. These accountants manage employee paychecks, ensure tax documents are accurate, monitor paid time off, determine salaries and process overtime payments. Accuracy and adherence to government guidelines are key factors for payroll accountants.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for accountants and auditors is $73,560, although pay depends on geographic location, experience and additional qualifications. Predicted job growth is 7% through 2030. Recent graduates in accounting should be ready to navigate a workplace that is embracing emerging accounting technologies, such as blockchain technology, cloud computing and automated accounting data entry.

Your Future in Accounting

The online Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from the University of Maine at Presque Isle can help students prepare for certification exams and become dedicated accounting professionals who can evolve within the industry. Students gain the sought-after skills to navigate income tax guidelines and learn the intricate concepts of partnership, corporate and estate and trust taxation. This online program can help professionals work within the government, corporate, international, non-profit or private sectors. With UMPI’s online program, students can earn a degree at their pace while paying a flat-rate tuition fee per eight-week session.

Learn more about the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s online Bachelor of Arts in Accounting program.