Top Jobs in Accounting for 2017
Vincent Benjamin

Now that spring has sprung, the final push for tax season is under way. But just because it might be crunch time for many accounting firms doesn’t mean you need to stop looking for your new financial career opportunity. Now is the time to review what it is you want and how to achieve it to succeed in your job hunt. What are the top accounting careers you should be looking at for the rest of 2017? Let’s take a closer look.

  • Financial analyst. Do you like to dig deep into research? Then a financial analyst position might be right for you. This role is responsible for researching economic conditions and company fundamentals to make recommendations regarding the specific business or industry. Recommendations include the buying and selling of stock or other financial investments. The median pay in the U.S. is around $80,000.
  • Internal auditor. Auditing is a critical part of the business landscape. An internal auditor is someone within a company’s framework who determines the needs for the organizations ongoing success. This might involve risk management and other necessary steps a company should take to improve business or stay compliant with current regulations. The auditor provides insight based on business processes and data available. The range is variable in terms of salary, but a median income of $60,000 is a good place to start.
  • Staff accountant. If you prefer a staff accounting role, you need to be prepared to analyze financial data and prepare reports for your organization. You will not only generate but also interpret these financial statements for the company’s management team. You will maintain important records such as assets, profit and loss, tax liability, and more. You may even be in charge of the general ledger. The average salary for staff accountant is around $47,000 per year.
  • Controller. Similarly, a controller is the individual responsible for all of the company’s financial decisions. They may handle the statements, general ledger, cost accounting, payroll, accounts payable and receivable, budgeting, and special projects. Depending on the size of the company, this can be a very hands on role or more of a management position delegating tasks to an accounting staff. Due to the nature of the job, the salary range for controller varies depending on the business, but the range can be somewhere between $80,000 and $160,000.
  • Compliance officer. Since the recession in the mid-2000s, companies have become reliant on compliance officers to determine if the proper rules and regulations are being followed. While this role may shift and evolve over the next four years, it will still be critical especially if there is a period of economic uncertainty. A compliance officer needs to be aware of the company’s policies and procedures as well as any local, state, or federal requirements. The average annual salary is around $65,000.

Are you looking for a new opportunity in accounting this year? We have accounting recruiters located in Phoenix, Orange County, Los Angeles and Denver, so call us today.

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