The accounting and finance sector is central to every organisation’s success, from small start-ups to global-leading companies. An accounting qualification is essential to unlocking diverse career opportunities in finance, with professionals pursuing traditional accounting roles and emerging roles shaping the future of accountancy.
Let’s dive into accounting and finance and explore the top career opportunities for BSc Accounting and Finance graduates to pursue today.
Why is a BSc in Accounting and Finance a Gateway to Multiple Career Paths?
Before exploring various career opportunities in accounting and finance, students must gain an accounting qualification. Pursuing a BSc Accounting and Finance course offers learners an in-depth understanding of modern accounting and finance and the opportunity to develop forward-facing skills required in the evolving sector.
Covering in-demand financial areas, including fintech and blockchain, BSc Accounting and Finance graduates are prepared for dynamic roles across the sector. In addition to developing the skills to make sound investment decisions, students benefit from a course designed in line with accredited accountancy bodies, which opens the doors to a wide range of career paths.
Accounting and Finance Landscape
Emerging trends in the finance industry, including advanced technology, globalisation and new regulations, have transformed the role of an accountant and created new opportunities.
Traditional accounting roles, including accountant, auditor and financial analyst, are the backbone of the accounting and finance field. Implementing and maintaining a structured system to handle money matters in line with legal and financial regulations is still essential.
However, the emergence of new technology, evolving business dynamics and globalisation have created a growing demand for accountants with technical skills and innovative approaches. These industry trends are shaping the future of the finance sector, redefining the role of accountants.
The rapid growth of technology in the financial sector has emphasised integrating new technology, including artificial intelligence (AI) and automation, into everyday tasks. Advanced technology has connected the financial world and promoted the necessity for data analytics. Today, accountants must adopt a data-focused approach to provide insights through data analysis.
Popular Career Paths in Accounting and Finance
A BSc Accounting and Finance degree prepares graduates for various career paths, including business, financial and accounting roles. Global employers highly value candidates with a solid understanding of business management, financial knowledge and accounting skills.
Here are some of the most popular graduate jobs in accounting and finance:
- Accountant
An accountant is responsible for an organisation, individual or group’s finances. They must track all transactions, categorise them and ensure financial records follow legal guidelines. Accountants are also responsible for an organisation’s financial integrity, assisting in resource management, strategic decision-making and compliance with regulations.
- Auditor
Auditors are responsible for financial records adhering to financial regulations and standards. Their primary role is to examine records for accuracy and compliance, focusing on risk assessment, verification and fraud detection. Internal auditors work within an organisation, while external auditors are independent professionals.
- Financial Advisor/Analyst
A financial advisor plays a central role in the financial decision-making process and planning. They use financial data to assess trends, review and predict performance and provide insights for financial decisions, such as investments, pensions and other financial services and products. Some of the highest-paying accounting jobs are related to financial analysis.
- Insurance Underwriter
Insurance is a popular career path for BSc Accounting and Finance graduates. An insurance underwriter identifies and measures risks associated with an activity and issues insurance policies based on the risk level. Insurance underwriters work for companies across diverse fields, including health, property and life insurance.
- Broker
Brokers buy and sell goods and assets, arranging transactions between buyers and sellers. They negotiate terms to find the best deals and facilitate transactions between two parties. Brokers work in industries such as insurance, real estate and finance.
Essential Skills Acquired During a BSc in Accounting and Finance
A degree in accounting and finance provides graduates with the technical, analytical and business skills required to access a wide range of careers within the financial sector. BSc Accounting and Finance graduates also develop essential soft skills to enhance their career prospects and personal development.
Here are some key skills gained during a BSc Accounting and Finance course:
- Financial analytics
- Auditing
- Critical thinking
- Strategic decision-making
- Ethics and corporate management
- Report writing
Pursue an Accounting and Financial Course in the UK at Arden University
If you want to develop financial reporting and management accounting skills to pursue a successful career in finance, check out Arden University’s BSc Accounting and Finance programme.
Accredited by the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), Arden’s BSc Accounting and Finance course covers international finance, financial technology and financial management to provide students with an understanding of the sector from a strategic, management and investment perspective.
The BSc Accounting and Finance course is delivered online or via Arden’s blended study mode at multiple campuses, including London, Manchester, Leeds, Birmingham and Berlin. Arden also offers flexibility for students to study alongside professional commitments, with three to nine years to complete the course.
Enhance your career today and enter the dynamic world of finance by enrolling in Arden University’s BSc Accounting and Finance course here.
FAQs
What career paths can I pursue with a BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance?
There are many career opportunities in accounting and finance, including banking and financial services, insurance and corporate finance. Graduates can access various accountancy roles, such as financial accountant and auditor, as well as finance roles like financial analyst and broker.
Is a BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance degree good for long-term career growth?
Yes, earning a BSc Accounting and Finance degree is a good investment for long-term career success. Graduates develop universal skills to pursue global finance careers and build a strong platform to launch successful accounting and finance careers.
What skills do employers look for in BSc (Hons) Accounting and Finance graduates?
Employers seek BSc Accounting and Finance graduates due to their advanced skills. They develop in-demand technical, analytical and business skills while building essential soft skills throughout the course, which opens diverse career opportunities in accounting and finance.
Can I work in taxation with a BSc (Hons) in Accounting and Finance?
Taxation is a popular career path for BSc Accounting and Finance graduates. Various graduate jobs in accounting and finance are related to taxation, including tax accountant and tax inspector.
