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What are top paying jobs in accounting?

There are many factors that determine the salary of employees within an accounting department, though the most prevalent is education and experience. These two qualities are crucial in determining the level of responsibility an accountant can handle, and the expertise with which they will conduct themselves. The more responsibilities a person within the department has, the more they are likely to be compensated. The top 10 highest paying accounting jobs include:

  • Chief Financial Officers (CFO) are usually the heads of the accounting department. Their average salary ranges from $175,000 to $475,000, and the current growth rate for this position hovers around 6% which is about as fast as average according to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.
  • Controllers Generally oversee the department and ensure that reports are being created effectively and responsibly. Additionally, they may oversee speaking with auditing agencies which regulate accounting departments and ensure they operate legally. Controllers generally make between $100,000 and $175,000 per year.
  • Assistant Controllers help the controller to perform their tasks, sometimes the assistant controller is placed at the head of specific teams to ensure communication is taking place with more senior officers. They generally make between $85,000 to $125,000 yearly.
  • Directors of Finance are charged with ensuring the long-term growth of an organization. This position is expected to grow 17% in the next 10 years, so it is in high demand! Directors of Finance usually make between $125,000 and $200,000.
  • Finance Managers have similar duties as Directors of Finance though the exact tasks may vary by organization. This position is experiencing national growth as well, and the salary ranges between $100,000 and $150,000.
  • Director of Credit oversee lending and repayment within the department, they are usually awarded between $100,000 and $150,000 per year.
  • Credit Managers research clients who apply for credit and ensure they are trustworthy lenders. The average Credit Manager salary is between $70,000 and $110,000.
  • Treasurers keep track of the finances of organizations, they review reports, give advice on financial strategies, and create plans for raising funds.  Treasurers make between $150,000 to $250,000 per year.
  • Senior Financial Analysts are in charge of predicting the financial future of a company based on the past data gathered from the accounting department. Senior Financial analysts make between $115,000 to $150,000 annually.

What is the hardest accounting job?

While some accounting jobs are harder than others, it really depends on the person completing the task. However, the two most difficult jobs in accounting according to popular opinion are Auditors and Financial Analysts in complex Industries. The difficulty of auditing comes from the high rate of burnout, and stress that auditors feel as it is a very demanding occupation. This is like the reasons why financial analysis can be difficult as there are many challenges in predicting future financial trends especially in volatile industries, and expectations from employers can be overwhelming. Something important to note is that many people find success and fulfillment in both positions, so don’t be discouraged if you’re pursuing these careers.

Is accounting a good paying job?

Accounting is a very well-paying job at all levels. Even entry level accounting jobs with no experience required pay $45,000, which is above the national average starting salary. While the highest starting salary for entry level degreed accountants is around $62,000 yearly. Additionally, there is plenty of room for growth as an aspiring accountant, and many people end up making more money as they gain education and experience in accounting, eventually working their way up to managerial and senior positions.

What is the best career in accounting?

The accounting career path can be very fulfilling in many different forms, but generally most accountants find greater satisfaction in the public realm. Though most accountants are satisfied in their jobs, accountants that work for non-profits, government organizations, and companies with clearly defined missions feel more comfortable in their positions though they may not be the highest paid. A popular career path in public accounting is becoming a certified public accountant (CPA) and applying to nonprofits and other such organizations.

Which company pays accountants the most?

There are many factors impacting salaries of accountants throughout the nation, but there are a few standout companies that are well known for paying well. However, it is important to note that these companies are also quite competitive and require a very rigorous application. Four companies that pay their accountants well are Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), Ernst & Young (EY), and KPMG which are the four largest firms by revenue, offering the best industry accounting jobs regarding pay. Although, avoiding burnout may be impossible at larger firms, so seeking job satisfaction over salary is advisable for most people.

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