After becoming fully qualified in accounting, you have multiple career options at your feet. A surprising number of roles exist for this special skill set, and many of them provide ample opportunity for favorable progression. So, if you know that finance is your passion, but you are struggling to envision where it will take you, consider the options below to see if any suit your area of interest.
Business Accountancy
If you take up a role in a business, you can expect diversity in your daily dealings. There is an undercurrent of continued activity such as tax documentation, profit schedules, and budget overseeing. Aside from this, the role provides a new task every day in the office, and you will be responsible for most financial dealings. This is a primarily autonomous role with an assumed level of expertise and experience. Before accepting or applying for a role in business, it is recommended that you have work experience in this area, so as to fully understand the implications of what will be expected of you.
Specific Industry Niches
If a business role is too general for you, there are multiple niche options to explore as well. You could gain further qualifications bespoke to smaller industry sectors, like these oil and gas accounting courses linked here. CPAs and general accountants often have to keep their qualifications up to date to remain relevant in this sector, so a specific course like the one linked above is the perfect solution for two problems. One, you get to explore a whole new side of accountancy that may spark your interest, especially if you are already aware of this line of work. Two, you are better able to ensure your practices are in line with current proceedings so as to not become redundant in your expertise and application.
Offer Freelance Services
If you don’t fancy working for a corporation or even a smaller business, you can keep things interesting by offering freelance accountancy services. You have to be registered and adhere to the legal policies, but as long as you have the correct documentation and qualification you can offer your services in any manner you chose. Private clients are often a solid way to guarantee a regular schedule and therefore regular income. Plus, you have all the knowledge base already there to handle the administration and tax side of your career.
Teach
Going down a less traditional route, teaching accountancy or financial management is always highly rewarding. Some people were born to teach, and others find it later in life. Teaching young people, or adults about their personal finances, or even future accountants about your area of interest provides the opportunity to share your skills and have an impact on future generations.
Charity Work
Whether this is working for a charity or offering gratis services for those in need, accountancy is always needed either way. Maybe you already have a cause in mind that you would like to work for, or you might just be exploring it as an option. Regardless, charity workers with a professional skill set are always in demand in this sector. Chartered accountants enable charities to continue to do good and keep functioning by allowing them a greater capacity in terms of monetary management and providing supportive services.
Tax Advisors
Figuring out taxes is a major stress to a lot of people. With your experience in this area, you can take that stress away. There will always be a need for specialist tax advisors as this is just a part of essential life admin to address. The penalties of incorrectly filing taxes are well-known, and many people live in fear of getting it wrong. So, if you choose to go down this route, you are upping your chances of securing work in a higher capacity.
Consultant Roles
With the right experience under your belt, professional accountants can develop into other roles with their transferable skills. Management consultant roles with an accounting focus are a frequent career trajectory for this set of qualifications and experience. The knowledge of how to manage finances in an optimum way, monitor staff credentials, stay alert with tax responsibilities, and an understanding of business strategy and how things link together are essential consultant skills that all experienced accountants also bring to the table.
There are many roles to pursue with a certificate in accounting. It is not just restricted to crunching numbers and filing taxes, since accountants have purposes all over the industry and in personal lives as well. Find your passion and follow it.
