What Can You Do With an Accounting Degree? Career Paths, Skills, and Industry Applications
An accounting degree helps learners prepare to study financial reporting, auditing, budgeting, compliance, and analysis used by organizations across the public and private sectors. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of accountants and auditors is projected to grow 5 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations,1 reflecting ongoing demand for financial reporting and compliance functions.
Rather than leading to a single job title, accounting education is designed to support multiple professional pathways depending on organizational needs, industry context, and additional credentials pursued independently.
How a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting Is Commonly Structured
A Bachelor of Science (BS) in Accounting typically focuses on undergraduate-level accounting principles, business foundations, and analytical frameworks used to support organizational financial decision-making2.
BS accounting programs commonly include:
- Core accounting coursework
- General business and management foundations
- Quantitative and analytical skill development
What Skills Are Emphasized in a BS in Accounting Program?
A BS in Accounting emphasizes both technical accounting knowledge and transferable professional skills.
Technical Skill Areas
- Financial reporting and statement analysis
- Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP)
- Cost accounting and budgeting concepts
- Auditing fundamentals and internal controls
- Accounting information systems
Transferable Skill Areas
- Analytical reasoning and problem-solving
- Professional communication
- Ethical judgment in financial contexts
- Attention to detail and organizational skills
Career Paths Commonly Associated With Accounting Study
Accounting knowledge can be applied across a range of professional roles. Responsibilities vary by organization and industry, but many roles involve financial documentation, analysis, or compliance support3.
| Role Title | General Focus |
|---|---|
| Accountant and Auditor | Financial recordkeeping and reporting |
| Budget Analyst | Analyze budgeting and accounting reports |
| Financial Risk Specialist | Analyze and measure organizational risk |
| Financial Examiner | Financial and regulatory compliance oversight |
| Tax Preparers | Prepare tax returns for individuals or small businesses |
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics describes accountants and auditors as professionals who prepare and examine financial records, identify potential areas of opportunity and risk, ensure financial records are accurate and within regulatory compliance, assess financial operations, and ensure taxes are paid properly1.
Industries That Commonly Apply Accounting Knowledge
Accounting principles are used across a wide range of industries, and roles such as accountants and auditors are found in many organizational settings.1
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industries commonly employing accounting professionals may include1:
- Accounting, tax preparation, bookkeeping, and payroll services
- Government (excluding state and local education and hospitals)
- Finance and insurance
- Management of companies and enterprises
- Self-employed workers
Accounting vs. Finance vs. Business Administration
| Area of Study | Primary Focus | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting | Financial reporting and compliance | Auditing, budgeting, reporting |
| Finance | Financial resource management | Investment analysis, planning |
| Business Administration | Broad organizational operations | Management, operations, strategy |
A BS in Accounting typically emphasizes financial reporting standards and compliance more directly than broader business programs.
How Accounting Roles Can Progress Over Time
| Career Stage | Common Focus Areas |
|---|---|
| Early Career | Reporting support, reconciliations |
| Developing Roles | Analysis, auditing, compliance |
| Advanced Responsibilities | Oversight of accounting processes |
Progression will vary by organization, industry, and the skills, education or credentials individuals choose to pursue independently.
Key Accounting Terms Explained
GAAP: Standardized principles guiding U.S. financial reporting.
Auditing: Review of financial records for accuracy and compliance.
Internal Controls: Policies to safeguard assets and ensure reliable reporting.
Financial Statements: Formal summaries of financial activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does an accounting degree only apply to public accounting?
No. Accounting knowledge can also be applied across private industry, government, nonprofit, healthcare, and education sectors.1
Does earning a degree include professional certification?
No. Professional certification credentials are typically governed by external regulatory bodies and have separate requirements. The National Association of State Board of Accountancy (NASBA) states4.
- CPA licensure is regulated at the state level
- Requirements include education, examination, and experience
- Degree completion alone does not confer licensure
Are accounting skills transferable to other business roles?
Yes. Accounting principles can also support finance, operations, management, and compliance functions.
Exploring a BS in Accounting at AIU
American InterContinental University (AIU) offers a Bachelor of Science in Accounting designed to explore accounting principles within a broader business context. Program structures emphasize analytical thinking, ethical awareness, and flexibility for learners balancing academic and professional commitments.
1 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Accountants and auditors. https://www.bls.gov/ooh/business-and-financial/accountants-and-auditors.htm (Visited 1/2/2026).
2 National Center for Education Statistics. (2023). CIP 52.0301—Accounting. https://nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cipcode/cipdetail.aspx?y=56&cipid=91167 (Visited 1/2/2026).
3O*Net OnLine Education Crosswalk . CIP 52.0301—Accounting. https://www.onetonline.org/crosswalk/CIP?s=52.0301 (Visited 1/6/2026). AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. The list of career paths related to this program is based on a subset from the Bureau of Labor Statistics CIP to SOC Crosswalk. Some career paths listed above may require further education or job experience
4 National Association of State Boards of Accountancy. (2023). CPA licensure overview. https://nasba.org/licensure (Visited 1/2/2026).
AIU cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. REQ2186659 1/2026