If you think that the only thing you have to look forward to as an accountant is boring tax returns and a stressful tax season you would be wrong. What many may not realize is that accounting can actually be very exciting. Contrary to what many who are considering entering this field think, tax time is only a small part of an accountant’s life. Furthermore, careers in accounting are expected to grow as much as 22% by the year 2018 according to the Department of Labor.
Here are just a few of the exciting careers you can look into if you are considering a career in accounting:
- International Accountant – Many people thing being an accountant means being strapped to a desk all the time, but that couldn’t be further from the truth for an International Accountant. These professionals actually leave their desks behind to travel the globe and work with people all over the world. This career will require specialized knowledge in international reporting standards and emerging markets.
- Forensic Accountant – A white collar criminal’s kryptonite is a forensic accountant. No, these professionals don’t check finger prints or blood spatter, instead they go where the money is. Forensic accountants typically investigate cases that involve insurance fraud or financial crimes. Because their work can often lead to criminal charges, forensic accountants are often called to be witnesses in court cases.
- IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent – These specialized accountants are typically used to investigate crimes that violate the IRS Code as well as other financial crimes. Because these crimes can often involve embezzlement, extortion and sometimes murder, an IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent often work closely with the FBI, Department of Justice, the DEA and even the Department of Homeland Security.
- Comptroller – Simply put, the comptroller controls a company’s purse strings. Also called controllers, they are in charge of keeping all incoming and outgoing financial activity in check.
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – The CEO may be the “king of the castle” but the CFO is in charge of a company’s budget and financial goals as well as being responsible for all of the company’s financial reporting.
As you can see, there is more to a career in accounting then just beating that all-important April 15 deadline.