Accounting Career Path

Accounting is a vast field with several exciting career opportunities that one can look out for. If you’ve recently completed your 12th grade or graduation and find a keen inclination towards accounting concepts like recording financial data, managing transfers, maintaining balance sheets, etc, then a career in accounting will take you places. The best part about accounting is that it’s an ever evolving field with new career opportunities adding up everyday. Most of us when we think of accountancy, the only course that comes into our mind is Chartered Accountancy (CA). However, there are several other courses that one can consider while charting out your accounting  career path.

Courses like ACCA, CPA, CMA, CIMA, etc, are gaining more popularity by the day as they are faster to complete and offer global opportunities. If you are planning to choose a successful accounting career path, then it’s time to learn about the best accounting courses online and offline.  You can choose from a wide range of courses that provide you with everything, from basic information on budgeting to management strategies to accounting practices in the industry. In addition to learning about your business, you can network with like-minded people and climb up the ladder.

Accounting Career Paths: How to Choose Which Is Right For You?

A career in accounting offers stability and higher opportunities if you choose the right path. Accounting opportunities are high in demand because they are spread out in diverse industries. 

To choose the right path, it is essential to have a proper accounting career outlook that includes certain steps. 

• Research to explore different accounting areas and specialities.
• Understand your interest area.
• Get advice from an expert for career counselling. 

Candidates who wish to pursue an accounting career can explore these 9 important career paths. 

• Accounts Payable Specialist
• Accounts Receivable Specialist
• Budget Analyst
• Financial Planner
• Forensic Accountant 
• Government Accountant
• Internal Auditor
• Managerial Accountant
• Tax Accountant

Follow the steps to choose the accounting career path for you. 

What Does an Accountant do?

An accountant is responsible for handling the financial records and matters in any organization. Some of the important roles that an accountant plays are:

• Financial Statement Preparation
• Financial Statement Analysis
• Budgeting and Forecasting
• Tax Planning
• Compliance
• Internal Controls
• Risk Management
• Financial Advisory and support

While these are some of the common roles of an accountant, the duties may vary according to the company profiles and requirements. 

Why Should you be an Accountant?

A lot of people choose to become an accountant because of some splendid reasons. 

• An accountant is required in all companies from all industries. Hence, the accounting job is always in demand. 
• Accounting work continues throughout the year. So, unlike any seasonal job profiles, you do not have to worry about getting unemployed at any particular time of the year. Of course, the first three months are the busiest for accountants in any company. 
• Accountants are in demand all across the world. If you have a global degree, you can travel the world with your profession. 
• During the recession, accounting jobs are the least impacted. 

You do not have to be a mathematics genius to become an accountant. There are several degrees and certification courses available that can pave your path toward becoming an accountant. 

Is Accounting a Good Career Choice for You?

Accounting is a solid and strategic career choice for individuals who enjoy working with numbers, analysing data, and contributing to the financial success of businesses. If you find satisfaction in solving financial puzzles, have strong attention to detail, and value job stability, then accounting could be the right fit for you. It also offers a structured career progression and opportunities across various sectors such as banking, IT, manufacturing, and consulting. Whether you choose corporate accounting or a specialised path like forensic or tax accounting, the profession offers both financial and professional rewards.

How to Become an Accountant?

Students who have an interest in accountancy and have passed Class 12th with the subjects Accountancy, Mathematics, and Economics should pursue a Graduation in Commerce with Zell Certification in Finance & Accounts course to get into the accounting field. 

Also, many candidates opt for professional certification courses to become an accountant. The eligibility of the course may vary. For example, for some courses, you may just require Class 12th while for some you may have to show your graduation degree. 

After acquiring the right degree or certification, you also need to get the right amount of work experience to become an accountant. 

Who Can Become an Accountant?

Anyone with a strong interest in finance, business, or economics can pursue a career in accounting. Typically, students from a commerce background (with subjects like accountancy, economics, and mathematics in Class 12) have a head start. However, individuals from other streams can also enter the field through certification programs like ACCA, CPA, or CMA. Most accounting careers begin with a bachelor’s degree in commerce or business, followed by practical experience and professional certification. A detail-oriented mindset, ethical grounding, and analytical thinking are essential traits for becoming a successful accountant.

Accounting Hierarchy and Progressing Within the Role

Accounting roles follow a fairly defined hierarchy, allowing for consistent career progression based on experience and credentials:

1. Accounting Clerk / Junior Accountant – Entry-level roles focused on data entry, invoicing, and basic reconciliations.
2. Staff Accountant – Prepares journal entries, supports audits, and manages financial statements.
3. Senior Accountant – Takes on greater responsibility, manages reporting cycles, and mentors junior staff.
4. Accounting Manager / Controller – Leads the accounting team, oversees budgets and compliance.
5. Director of Finance / CFO – Sets financial strategy, drives business decisions, and represents financial interests at the executive level.

Progress typically requires years of experience, continuing education, and advanced certifications like CPA, CMA, or an MBA in Finance.

Which qualifications can help with a career in accounting?

A candidate aiming to have a career in accounting should have a standard qualification of a bachelor’s degree in commerce with accountancy as a major. The students should know about financial accounting, taxation accounting, managerial accounting, auditing, statistics, economics, business law, and similar others. 

Here Are Some Of The Top Accounting Courses That You Should Consider

• Association of Chartered Certified Accountants(ACCA)

Course Details:
The ACCA qualification is a wonderful way to start a career in accounting and finance because it is a globally recognized course with industry-relevant content. It consists of three levels and requires extensive practice and training to complete. Online coaching institutions like Zell Education can help you complete the course with flying colours.

Eligibility:
Candidate must be at least 18 years old and pass 10+2 examination with a minimum of 65% in Mathematics, Accounts, and English, as well as at least 50% in other subjects.

Accounting Career Path:
ACCA offers a variety of job options both globally and in India. With major firms and MNCs, an ACCA-certified individual can work as an accountant, financial planner or management consultant.

Jobs and Salary:
After completing the ACCA course, the salary ranges from INR 6 to 8 lpa, depending on the profile.

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• Diploma in IFRS by ACCA

This short-term course is often done along with ACCA or other accounting courses like CPA, CA  or CFA in order to gain vast knowledge about the financial reporting standards. The International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) issued by the International Accounting Standard Board (IASB) is now emerging as the benchmark for all financial professionals around the globe, that’s why it’s become imperative to be updated with these standards. Taking a professional short-term course in IFRS equips a learner with an in-depth knowledge of accounting and financial reporting.

Eligibility: Before you apply for this course, you will need to prove that you qualify for any one of the following criteria:

• Documents proving you have 2 years of accounting experience and a related degree (enabling you to get exemptions for the Applied Knowledge and Corporate and Business Law (LW) exams for ACCA)
• Having 2 years of accounting experience and an ACCA Certificate in International Financial Reporting
• Three years’ relevant accounting experience
• ACCA affiliate status

Accounting Career Path: The scope for a Diploma in  IFRS course after ACCA in India has been increasing tremendously over the last few years. Candidates are hired by the best of companies such as PwC, Deloitte, KPMG, EY, Grant Thornton, BDO, etc. With the advent of Ind-AS and IFRS, there is an ever-increasing need for candidates in the Indian economy to understand and implement IFRS.

The accounting profession has a clear hierarchy, with various levels of responsibility and corresponding salaries. Here is a general overview:

Accounting Clerk: Typically an entry-level position responsible for basic bookkeeping tasks such as data entry, record keeping, and reconciling accounts. The average salary for an accounting clerk in the US is around $35,000 per year.

Staff Accountant: Staff accountants perform more complex accounting tasks such as preparing financial statements, analyzing budgets, and assisting with audits. The average salary for a staff accountant in the US is around $50,000 per year.

Senior Accountant: Senior accountants are responsible for overseeing the work of staff accountants and performing more complex accounting tasks such as financial planning, tax planning, and financial analysis. The average salary for a senior accountant in the US is around $75,000 per year.

Accounting Manager: Accounting managers are responsible for overseeing the accounting department, managing staff, and developing and implementing accounting policies and procedures. The average salary for an accounting manager in the US is around $100,000 per year.

Controller: Controllers are responsible for the overall financial management of an organization, including managing accounting, financial reporting, and budgeting functions. The average salary for a controller in the US is around $150,000 per year.

Chief Financial Officer (CFO): CFOs are the highest-ranking financial officers in an organization and are responsible for setting the overall financial strategy and direction of the company. The average salary for a CFO in the US is around $300,000 per year.

It’s important to note that salaries can vary widely depending on factors such as location, industry, and company size. Additionally, salaries can also be impacted by an individual’s experience and skill level within their respective position.

Jobs and Salary: One of the major benefits of doing the IFRS course is the high salary package that the innovative SMEs and MNCs have to offer. Here’s an average salary presentation of an IFRS expert in India to give you better clarity on what lies ahead for you if you happen to choose this as your profession. 

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• US Certified Public Accountant Course (US CPA)

Course Details:
The US CPA licence is awarded by The American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), which is a US-based accounting body. The course covers accounting topics such as laws, taxes, and principles, among others. The US CPA licence qualifies you as an accounting specialist and opens up a world of possibilities.

Eligibility: 

To be able to give the US CPA exam, a candidate must have 120 credits, whereas, for the licence, you need 150 credits. In India, the common qualifications that make you eligible for US CPA are B.Com and M.Com. 

• Exam – Graduation + 1 year of Post Graduation (120 credits)
• Licence – Graduation + post graduation (150 credits)

Accounting Career Path:
It is an internationally recognised exam, so it opens a wide range of job opportunities in top MNCs and businesses, where candidates can work as accountants, public accountants, and cost accountants.

Jobs and Salaries:
When working for businesses like EY, Deloitte, KPMG, PwC, and others in India, US CPA salaries range from INR 6 to 8 lpa.

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• Certified Management Accountant (US CMA)

Course Details:
One of the most popular international certification programmes for accountants is the Certified Management Accountant (US CMA). The course duration is anywhere from 6 months to 4 years.

Eligibility:
A student in their first year of college can also appear for these examinations. However, for the completion of this course, and to achieve your CMA degree, you do need to complete your graduation.

Accounting Career Path:
The CMA is internationally recognised and well-known for its work prospects on a global scale in the field of management accounting.

Jobs and Salary:
The average salary is around INR 7 lpa and candidates can work in various financial institutions, banks, auditing firms, etc.

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• Chartered Institute Of Management Accountants (CIMA)

Course details:

CIMA is a management accounting course that prepares you for an exciting career in finance sectors like wealth management, banks, audit firms, investment banks, IT sectors, and even e-commerce. Since the CIMA has a tie-up with the US CPA board, with a degree in CIMA and 36 months of practical experience you can qualify for an additional CGMA designation. 

Eligibility:

Wondering what are the eligibility requirements for enrolling for CIMA? Here’s all you need to know about CIMA eligibility.

• To enrol for the CIMA course, you either need a class 10th passing certificate or O-level or an intermediate or A-Level.
• You can also enrol for the course with an undergraduate or graduate degree in any field. 
• For an easy entry into the CIMA course, the best route is an MBA degree or a professional accounting qualification.

Accounting Career Path:

After completing the Chartered Institute Of Management Accountants course, a candidate can explore jobs in professions like Wealth Management, Treasury Management, Corporate Finance, Business Analysis, Financial Reporting, Financial Analysis, Project Finance, and Risk Management. 

Jobs and Salary: 

After completing CIMA you can expect jobs in A H Worth & Co Ltd, Abbott Ireland, AbbVie Ltd, Absa Bank, Accenture Acuity Knowledge Partners Lanka (Private) Limited. Average salary to expect ranges from INR 5 LPA to 8 LPA. 

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• Cost Management Accounting Course (CMA India)

Course Details:
It is a three-level course that is conducted by the Institute of Cost Accountants of India (ICAI). To work as a cost accountant, candidates must pass all the exams that test one’s accounting skills.

Eligibility:
An applicant must pass their class 12th exams with at least a 50% score from a recognized board.

Accounting Career Path:
After completing the CMA course, you can work in consulting businesses, financial institutions, research organisations, government regulatory agencies, and more.

Jobs and Salary:
The average starting salary of a cost accountant in India is anywhere between INR 5 to 9 lpa. 

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Five Popular Specialization Paths for Accountants

1. Tax Accounting – Focused on preparing tax returns and developing tax strategies to reduce liability.
2. Forensic Accounting – Investigates financial discrepancies and supports legal proceedings.
3. Management Accounting – Assists business leaders with budgeting, performance metrics, and strategic planning.
4. Auditing – Evaluates financial records to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
5. Financial Analysis – Involves analysing data to support investment decisions, valuations, and risk management.

Each path requires specific skill sets and certifications, offering unique career trajectories.

Alternative Careers for Accountants

If you’re an accountant seeking a shift, your financial acumen is highly transferable to various other careers:

• Financial Planner or Advisor – Helping individuals manage investments and savings.
• Business Consultant – Advising companies on process improvements and financial efficiency.
• Entrepreneurship – Using financial knowledge to run or support start-ups.
• Compliance Officer – Ensuring organisations follow legal standards and internal policies.
• Data Analyst – Applying analytical skills to interpret business trends and support decisions.

These roles leverage your accounting background while offering a fresh professional challenge.

Accounting Salaries

Accounting salaries vary based on role, location, certification, and industry. Here’s a general overview:

• Entry-Level Accountant – ₹3 to ₹5 LPA in India; $40,000–$55,000 in the US
• Senior Accountant – ₹6 to ₹10 LPA in India; $70,000–$85,000 in the US
• Accounting Manager / Controller – ₹10 to ₹18 LPA in India; $100,000+ in the US
• CFO / Financial Director – ₹25 LPA+ in India; $200,000+ in the US

Certifications like CA, CPA, and CMA significantly increase earning potential, especially for international roles.

Accounting Career Outlook

The accounting profession is set to grow steadily in the coming years. With businesses expanding globally and regulatory demands increasing, accountants remain essential for ensuring compliance, managing risks, and advising on financial health.

In India, the introduction of GST, changes in tax laws, and the rise of startups have further boosted demand for skilled accountants. Globally, sustainability reporting and digital transformation in finance are opening up specialised roles, making it a future-proof career path.

Accounting Exit Options and Opportunities

Accountants looking to transition out of traditional roles have a variety of options:

• Move into Finance Leadership – Transition into roles like Financial Analyst, Finance Manager, or CFO.
• Switch to Tech or FinTech – Join product teams at tech companies to develop accounting or finance software.
• Consulting & Advisory – Work with firms like Deloitte or PwC in business advisory or risk management.
• Academic & Training Roles – Teach or train future accountants via online platforms or institutions.
• Start Your Own Firm – Provide tax, audit, or consultancy services independently.

With experience and professional credentials, the exit opportunities are wide-ranging and often lucrative.

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Conclusion

Accounting professionals are always in demand in different sectors and industries. The demand makes the accounting profession a promising option for many candidates. With the evolution in the accounting and finance field, accounting opportunities are also increasing each passing day. 

FAQs on Accounting Career Path

Is 30 too old to become an accountant?

Not at all. Many people switch to accounting careers later in life. With the right qualifications like CPA, ACCA, or CMA, and a commitment to learning, age is not a barrier. Employers value maturity, reliability, and diverse experience.

What is the pathway for accounting?

The typical pathway includes:

• Completing Class 12 (preferably in Commerce)
• Earning a Bachelor’s degree in Commerce or related field
• Pursuing certification (CA, CPA, CMA, ACCA, etc.)
• Gaining relevant work experience through internships or entry-level jobs
• Advancing through the accounting hierarchy via experience and further specialisation.

What is the highest paying accounting job?

Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and Partner at a top accounting or consulting firm are among the highest-paying roles in accounting. CFOs in large corporations often earn ₹1 crore+ in India or $250,000+ in the US annually.

What is the next level after accountant?

After the role of Accountant or Staff Accountant, the next levels typically are:

• Senior Accountant
• Accounting Manager or Financial Controller
• Director of Finance
• Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
  Each level involves greater responsibility, leadership, and strategic influence.

What is the best career path in accounting?

If you wish to get in chartered accountancy then ACCA is the right course for you. But if management accounting is what interests you, then US CMA is what you should be pursuing.

Is accounting a good career path?

Yes, accounting is a growing field with tremendous opportunities internationally and high salary packages.

What accounting field pays the most?

ACCA, US CPA and US CMA are some of the professions that offer high salary packages along with growth opportunities.

Is CPA better than CA?

Both CPA and CA are great options for aspiring accountants. The difference between both accounting opportunities is because of their focus areas. Candidates pursuing CPA have careers in corporate finance and public accounting. On the other hand, CAs find better opportunities in the taxation and auditing areas.

How do you progress in a career in accounting?

After graduating in accountancy, you will start your career as an associate. Soon the associate will be promoted to an accounting manager or project leader and then to a senior manager or a director. While this is a standard hierarchy, different companies may have different designation names accordingly.

What is the career path in financial accounting?

Financial accountants mainly work individually. But in a company, the initial financial accountants get promoted to senior accountants and then to financial controller.

 

Partham Barot is an ACCA-certified professional. showcasing his expertise in finance and accountancy. he’s revolutionising education by focusing on practical, real-world skills. Partham’s achievements underscore his commitment to elevating educational standards and empowering the next generation of professionals.