Accounting career path: Beyond traditional roles

In everyday terms, regular accounting roles are important for all kinds of organisations. They help create a structured system to handle money matters according to legal and financial regulations. Traditional accountancy career paths include, but are not limited to:

• Accountant

As an accountant, your job is to keep track of all the money transactions – recording them, putting them into categories and summarising them. You also make sure that financial statements and records are correct and follow legal guidelines. You are responsible for an organisation’s financial transparency.

• Auditor

Auditors play a big role in checking if financial records adhere to financial regulations. External auditors evaluate a firm’s financial statements, whereas internal auditors assess internal controls and processes. Keeping financial reporting’s integrity intact and reliable depends on auditing.

• Financial analyst

Financial analysts provide insights into decision-making by looking at financial data. They assess trends, evaluate the financial health of a firm and predict its future performance. They're crucial for tasks like deciding where to spend resources and strategic planning.

Throughout history, conventional accountancy career prospects have focused a lot on these important tasks – making sure everything is accurate, precise and conforms to regulations. But things are changing because of technology, globalisation and shifting business dynamics.

This is creating a growing demand for accountants who possess a range of skills such as strategic foresight, technological proficiency and analytical thinking.

There is a significant transformation in the accounting field because of a few important factors. One notable factor is the rapid growth of technology.

Now, with new technology like automation, artificial intelligence and data analytics, accountants don't have to spend as much time on basic tasks. They can focus on more complex projects and make complex decisions effectively.

Moreover, accountants can quickly work together and access information through cloud computing. This helps them be more productive and promotes interconnectivity with financial networks all over the world.

• Impact of globalisation

As businesses grow around the world, you, as an accountant, might find it challenging. You'll need to handle different regulatory environments and accounting standards. This means being aware of international financial reporting standards (IFRS) and being able to adjust to different cultures and economies.

• Complexity of regulations

Keeping up to date with rules and regulations in finance can be a bit challenging because they keep changing. To stay on top of developments, it's important for you to always be prepared for these changes and keep learning about the industry. Compliance and regulation is a complicated sector, so it's crucial to understand the ever-evolving legal landscape.

• Focus on data

Understanding and making sense of financial data is becoming just as important as the technical skills needed to keep accurate records. As an accountant, you need to actively participate in making important decisions for the organisation's financial health and future by giving smart insights through your analysis.

Accountants are becoming more curious about exploring different types of careers, not the conventional accountancy career paths. This shift isn't just a deviation from the traditional accounting career path; it's a smart move in response to how the global business environment is changing. Let’s look at some of the unconventional accountancy career prospects.

1. Environmental accounting

On this accounting career path, accountants look beyond conventional financial duties to responsibilities related to sustainability.

• Sustainability reporting: You would have responsibility for compiling and presenting evidence of the company’s sustainability in the form of reports. You would integrate non-financial details into these reports, to show the company’s commitment to being eco-friendly.
• Regulatory compliance: On this accountancy career path, environmental accountants are responsible for ensuring the company complies with the relevant eco-regulations. They focus on goals like reducing emissions and other guidelines. This needs a good understanding of both financial and environmental complexities.
• Green investments: This accountancy career prospect is about assessing if eco-friendly projects also make financial sense. Accountants play a big role in figuring out if initiatives like renewable energy projects or eco-friendly technologies are a good investment. This shows that sustainable business practices can also make economic sense.

2. Digital asset management

The field of digital asset management in accounting is all about staying ahead in technology. Experts in this field help people understand and navigate the complexities of technological innovations like cryptocurrency, blockchain and cybersecurity.

• Cryptocurrency accounting: In digital asset management, accountants specialise in handling the financial side of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum. They deal with challenges like the unpredictable value of digital money and make sure financial reports are accurate.
• Blockchain technology: Accountants on this accounting career path look after financial transactions using blockchain technology. They manage secure and transparent ledgers that can't be changed, making sure financial data is reliable. This job needs a good understanding of how blockchain is changing economic processes.
• Cybersecurity in accounting: Dealing with digital assets means having strong cybersecurity to keep financial information safe. Accountants focus on protecting digital assets from unauthorised access, following strict security rules and making sure everything meets data protection laws.

3. Forensic accounting

This accountancy career path combines the functions of finance and investigation. On this path, professionals use specialised methodologies to uncover fraudulent activity or financial irregularity.

• Investigative techniques: In this accountancy career prospect, you would use different ways to check financial records and transactions. This includes data analysis, auditing and financial modelling. The main goal is to find any discrepancy, spot potential fraud and collect evidence for legal actions.
• Combating fraud and financial crimes: Forensic accountants actively try to prevent, detect and investigate fraud in organisations. This means checking how internal controls work, figuring out the risks and putting in measures to minimise vulnerabilities.
• Digital forensics in accounting: Some forensic accountants are experts in digital methodologies. They investigate online financial crimes, focusing on cybercrimes and digital fraud. This involves studying electronic evidence, making sure digital money transactions are secure and keeping financial data safe during technological advancements.

4. Academic accountant

If you like teaching and doing research, being an academic accountant could be a good fit for you. Academic accountants usually work at colleges and universities, teaching accounting and studying different aspects of the field. You get to dive into the world of research. Having an advanced degree is helpful for this accountancy career path.

5. Healthcare finance

You don't need to become a caregiver to have a satisfying job in healthcare. If you work in healthcare finance, your job is to handle the finances of healthcare organisations, like hospitals and clinics. Your work may also include everything from creating budgets to negotiating contracts with insurance companies.

6. C-suite executive

If you aim to reach the highest level in a company, becoming a C-suite executive is a fantastic choice. C-suite executives are the top leaders in a company. They make strategic decisions and manage how the organisation operates. This accountancy career prospect is ideal for accountants who are business-savvy and good communicators.

The accounting field has gone beyond its usual boundaries, offering various ever-evolving accountancy career paths. As the profession moves forward, it encounters new challenges and factors. These involve the necessity to challenge and overcome stereotypes, find a balance between risks and rewards and maintain unwavering professional integrity.

Accountants who embrace and incorporate the changes mentioned in the blog have a good opportunity to be at the forefront of business strategy, innovation and societal impact.

GBS is one of the leading educational institutions in the UK, known for its industry-specific courses in fields such as accounting, business, healthcare and more. With a significant presence in major UK cities, the institution is dedicated to its mission of “changing lives through education”.

GBS offers a reputed accounting course for individuals who strive to look beyond the traditional accounting career paths.

BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management

Completing the BSc (Hons) Accounting & Financial Management provides a degree in accounting and finance, preparing you for a professional, managerial, or business-oriented career. It will furnish you with sought-after skills that employers value, creating opportunities for career advancement and growth.

Through a blend of theoretical learning and practical expertise, you will develop knowledge in various areas of accountancy and finance. These include:

• financial reporting
• managerial accounting
• audit and assurance
• taxation
• law
• corporate finance.

Choosing to pursue this degree will grant you transferable skills applicable in any career setting. Whether you aspire to climb the corporate ladder in the accounting and financial management field or make a difference as an entrepreneur, these skills will be valuable.