Exploring careers in accounting & finance

Are you considering a career as an accountant or in the finance industry?

The accounting and finance sector offers excellent flexibility, with a wide range of roles and the opportunity to specialise in areas that align with your interests and strengths.

So, what are the benefits of a career in accounting and finance and what are some of the roles available?

Benefits of careers in accounting and finance

A career in accounting and finance can offer many benefits. These include:

• Diverse career options: The accounting and finance industry offers career opportunities in both the public and private sectors
• Ability to specialise: Accountants can specialise in various areas based on their interests and skills. Common specialisations include bookkeeping, payroll services, consulting and taxes.
• Variety of tasks: Accounting and finance roles are ideal for those who enjoy variety in their work. For example, they may prepare financial reports, present reports to companies, and review budgets.
• Opportunity for career advancement: With experience, accountants can seek other roles in the financial industry.
• Transferrable skills: Many accounting and finance roles require skills that are transferrable to other industries. These include digital literacy, written and verbal communication, time management, customer service, teamwork and resilience.

What roles are available?

Tax accountant

Tax accountants assist businesses in managing their tax obligations. They analyse income and expenses of a business to determine the taxes it owes. They may also help businesses make decisions to reduce the amount of tax they owe.

Financial accountants

Financial accountants analyse the transactions of a certain business and use the information to produce reports about the financial status of that company. These reports are given to external bodies such as investors. This may inform them when making decisions such as whether to invest in the business.

Management Accountants

Management accountants perform a similar role to financial accountants, however the information they generate is provided to people within the company. Typically, the information is provided with a motive to increase profit.

Cost accountants

Cost accountants are typically responsible for tracking the costs of a business. They analyse the costs of delivering products and services and whether these are sustainable in the long term.

Auditor

Auditors are responsible for reviewing businesses financial records, ensuring they are legally compliant and valid. They are responsible for testing the security of their client’s finances. They also offer advisory services for businesses that may be required to cut costs.

Forensic accountants

Forensic accountants use knowledge of fraud and other crimes along with accountant related knowledge to uncover financial information. Through their investigation, they aim to answer questions about criminal activity, ultimately giving evidence that could help legal bodies identify criminals.

Chief Financial Officer

Chief Financial Officers oversee the financial operations of a company, coordinating accounting and finance teams to meet the organisation’s financial goals.

Financial Controller

Financial controllers are responsible for overseeing accounting activities. They are responsible for setting up bank accounts, reporting income tax and conducting audits.

Portfolio Manager

Portfolio managers work alongside analysts and researchers to develop financial portfolios that meet their clients financial goals. They monitor and review their clients financial accounts, then advise them on best investment opportunities based on level of risk.

A career in accounting and finance offers varied opportunities and is suitable for people with a variety of skillsets.

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Article References

Indeed (7 June 2025) ‘11 Advantages of Being an Accountant’, Indeed, accessed 12 June 2025

Indeed (5 June 2025) ‘9 Different Types of Accountants (And How to Become One)’, Indeed, accessed 12 June 2025

Insider Guides (n.d) ‘Top skills you need as an accountant’, Insider Guides, accessed 12 June 2025

Public Service Resumes (n.d) ‘Careers In Focus: Accounting & Finance’, Public Service Resumes, accessed 12 June 2025