What can I do with an accounting degree? | Kingston University International Study Centre (2024)

Accounting is a fantastic degree to study at university that offers you a range of opportunities after you graduate. From having a flexible career path and high earning potential to being able to work in any industry and gaining transferable skills that are highly desirable to employers, an accounting degree will help you kickstart your career.

What can you do with an accounting and finance degree?

Graduating with a degree in accounting and finance means you will have a multitude of diverse career options to pursue. Some typical careers that accounting can lead to include:

Chartered accountant

As a chartered accountant, you can work in almost any industry, meaning you could combine your career path with something of interest to you. You will give advice, audit accounts and offer accounting and financial support. You will typically focus on just one business and manage all of their financial needs. Being a chartered accountant means you will have lots of opportunities for career progression and have a high earning potential.

Forensic accountant

One of the most in-demand career options for accounting and finance graduates, forensic accountants focus solely on fraud, scams, embezzlement and identity theft. With most financial services now online, the threat of any of these happening has greatly increased. As a forensic accountant, you will produce audits of records to determine liability, fraud and valuation. You’ll need an investigative mindset and outstanding attention to detail to be successful, but you will have good career opportunities with the potential to earn high salaries that are typically enhanced with additional company perks.

Stockbroker

As a stockbroker, you will manage clients’ investments through buying and selling stocks, shares and other financial products with the aim of returning a profit. You will be acting as an intermediary between your clients and the stock exchange, charging a fee or working on commission. There are three types of services that stockbrokers offer:

  • Advisory - you will advise on investments but will only act on the orders of the client
  • Discretionary - you will manage all of your clients’ investments and make decisions on their behalf
  • Execution only - engaging in investment activities only on request from clients

Being a stockbroker offers a clear pathway from graduation, with the potential for increasingly higher salaries and bonuses for reaching specific targets.

Other careers with an accounting and finance degree:

  • Financial analyst
  • External auditor
  • Environmental accountant
  • Personal financial advisor
  • Actuary
  • Investment banker
  • Retail banker

Careers where your degree could be useful:

  • Data analyst
  • Economist
  • Management consultant
  • Arbitrator
  • Mortgage adviser

Further education

Accounting and finance graduates can gain further education to help their career paths. You could look at earning additional qualifications such as the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) qualification or Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) professional qualification – both often required by most accountancy roles.

You could also go on to study a Masters degree at university which will equip you with the knowledge and skills to enhance your career and progress to high-level accounting positions. You could choose a Masters degree in a specialist area to help direct your career path. From banking and finance to investment and financial risk management, there are plenty of postgraduate degrees for accounting graduates.

Employability skills gained from an accounting and finance degree

Accounting and finance degrees provide you with strong knowledge around planning and managing financial resources, summarising and analysing financial transactions and making calculated financial decisions. They also provide you with key skills that are highly desirable to employers such as:

  • Time management
  • Analytical skills
  • Organisational
  • Critical thinking
  • Communication
  • Problem-solving
  • Numerical and quantitative skills

Study accounting and finance in the UK

If you’re thinking about studying accounting and finance abroad in the UK then Kingston University, London - International Study Centre offers pathway programmes to prepare you for a degree at Kingston University. OurBusiness, Management and Law programmewill prepare you for a degree in accounting and finance at the University, helping you to develop the English language and academic skills needed to succeed.

Why study accounting and finance at Kingston University London?

  • Top 40 UK university (Guardian league table 2021)
  • Real-time Bloomberg trading room – giving you access to financial workplace technology
  • Opportunity to gain exemptions from exams that lead to professional qualifications
  • Programmes accredited by AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business)
  • Close to London where a range of global accounting companies are based.

Start your journey at the Kingston University, London - International Study Centre

Starting your study abroad journey at the International Study Centre means you will be able to familiarise yourself with the British education system, as well as adjust to living in the UK. You can start making friends, get used to the campus and even gain experience as youwork while you study.

Learn more about studying in the UK and find out theentry requirementsof the International Foundation Year so you can begin your pathway to studying accounting and finance at university.

Frequently asked questions

Is an accounting and finance degree hard?

Despite what many people say, a degree in accounting and finance is no more or less difficult than other subjects. A lot of people assume it is a hard degree just because it requires working with numbers!

Like any other course, it involves a lot of work and study. An interest and background in maths will help make the course content more accessible.

Is an accounting and finance degree worth it?

Every company and business needs someone to keep track of finances, so there will never be a shortage of accounting jobs across many different fields. There is also high earning potential as you progress in your career, too.

As with any degree and potential career, a degree is only worth it if it is a subject you are interested in studying. Research other career options to make sure this is the right one for you.

How long does it take to get an accounting degree?

It takes around four years to become a chartered accountant. This is a combination of classroom study and work experience in a relevant role.

What can I do with an accounting degree? | Kingston University International Study Centre (2024)

FAQs

Can an accounting degree be used internationally? ›

Minimum Requirements for Working as an Accountant Abroad:

Obtain a relevant degree in accounting, finance, or a related field. Ensure your degree is recognized internationally and aligns with local accreditation standards in the target country.

Is accounting a good major for international students? ›

So why is accounting important? Everyone, every company, every entity, every small business, group, or website has an accounting need. It is for this reason that accounting is often called the most versatile degree for international students. To study accounting in the US is to set yourself on a strong career path.

What is international accounting degree? ›

The purpose of the BCom (International Accounting) is to develop students' intellectual and practical skills to enable the identifying, analyzing, interpretation, assessing, evaluating, application, and solving of problems, which would be expected of an entry-level accountant in international practice.

How do I get the most out of my accounting degree? ›

8 Ways to Maximize Your Success in Accounting Classes
  1. Organization. Students have heard this time and time again, but they must apply it. ...
  2. Learn the Field. ...
  3. Consider Career Paths and Set Goals. ...
  4. Practice Simple Math Skills. ...
  5. Manage Time Well. ...
  6. Network. ...
  7. Seriously, Study. ...
  8. Know the Steps Toward Your Career.
Jul 23, 2019

Is US CPA internationally recognized? ›

Global recognition, reputation and opportunity

Many consider the US CPA to be the highest accounting designation not only in America, but across the globe. As a US CPA, you'll be a member of the AICPA—the largest accounting body in the world.

Can US accountants work in Europe? ›

If you are looking for your next accountancy career move and feel Europe is the best place to live and work, Think Global Recruitment can make it happen. We maintain partnerships with companies that are always looking for accountancy professionals to fill vacancies for accounting jobs in Europe for expats.

How much do international accountants make in the US? ›

How Much Do International Accountant Jobs Pay per Hour?
Annual SalaryMonthly Pay
Top Earners$100,000$8,333
75th Percentile$87,000$7,250
Average$75,300$6,275
25th Percentile$62,000$5,166

Which accounting degree pays the most? ›

Top 10 Highest Paying Accounting Careers
  • 1) Financial Controller.
  • 2) CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
  • 3) Chartered Accountant.
  • 4) Bank Branch Manager.
  • 5) CGA (Certified General Accountant)
  • 6) Senior Accountant.
  • 7) Financial Analyst.
  • 8) Credit Supervisor.
Oct 31, 2022

Which country is best for accounting career? ›

Determining the "best" country for an accounting job depends on various factors. However, countries like the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada are known for offering robust accounting industries with competitive salaries and career opportunities.

Which is the best international accounting course? ›

  • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) ...
  • US Certified Management Accountant. ...
  • Chartered Institute of Management Accountant (CIMA) ...
  • Diploma in IFRS. ...
  • Cost Management Accounting Course. ...
  • US Certified Public Accountant Course. ...
  • MBA in Finance. ...
  • Master of Commerce in Accounting & Auditing.
Dec 7, 2023

Can I be an international accountant? ›

Qualifications for this career include a bachelor's degree in finance or a related field and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) credential. Your responsibilities also require familiarity with the overseas tax standards that apply to your business. Exceptional organizational skills are imperative to your success.

Why is it important to study international accounting? ›

The course provides students with a broad understanding of financial systems. Helps them with practices, and regulations across different countries. It equips them with the knowledge to navigate complex international financial environments and adapt to diverse business cultures.

Can you make 6 figures with an accounting degree? ›

A CPA salary usually reaches the high five figures, and senior CPAs in management can earn a six-figure salary.

What degree do most accounting jobs require? ›

To advance in this career, you typically need a bachelor's degree and CPA licensure. The median annual salary for accountants was $78,000 as of May 2022, according to the BLS. Jobs in this field are projected to grow by 4% between 2022-2032, making it a stable and rewarding field.

Is accounting a tough degree? ›

Earning a degree in accounting can be challenging due to the complex nature of the subject matter, however it is not necessarily categorized as math-heavy. Students who are dedicated, diligent, and hard-working can successfully earn an accounting degree.

Can you work abroad as an accountant? ›

All major accounting firms have international opportunities–especially the Big 4 and Top 25. You can have the opportunity as early as the Senior Associate level (2-3 years after being hired), but it's much more likely you will go as a manager (5-6 years after being hired).

Can you work anywhere in the world as an accountant? ›

ACCA is globally recognised allowing you to work anywhere where in the world.

Can you travel with an accounting degree? ›

Some accountants have the opportunity to travel as a regular part of their job. For example, an accountant may have clients in various cities and must travel to work with each client.

Can I use my degree in another country? ›

Absolutely. An American degree can provide you with a competitive advantage in the global job market. Employers around the world appreciate the comprehensive education and skills that American universities impart to their graduates. Your American degree can open doors to diverse job opportunities in various countries.

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