8 Jobs to Apply for as an Accounting or Finance Major

Up-and-coming accounting and finance graduates like yourself possess a valuable skill set that can kickstart a rewarding career, all while contributing significantly to society. Your education in financial management, analysis, and reporting will definitely prove valuable to any organization in the public or private sector, ensuring they meet their sector’s standards for transparency and fiscal responsibility. However, you may be wondering just how many career options you have, as well as what exactly they entail.

Some may think that there are just a few jobs that accounting and finance majors should stick to, but that isn’t necessarily the case in the age of remote and hybrid work. Here’s a list of jobs you can apply to if you graduated with an accounting or finance degree:

Table of Contents

1) Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

Certified Public Accountants, or CPAs, are responsible for examining financial statements and ensuring their accuracy. Based on what they gather, they provide insights to the businesses and clients they’re affiliated with. A CPA’s duties are more exhaustive than that of a regular accountant and involve tasks like conducting audits, preparing tax returns, and offering financial advisory services. But passing the Philippines’ CPA exam and earning this coveted credential opens a lot of doors for accounting and finance graduates and greatly increases their chances of earning a competitive salary.

CPAs typically work in public accounting firms, government agencies, or private corporations. But many tech-savvy individuals now draw their income from accounting work from home jobs. It’s also common for CPAs to pursue continuous education and training to stay updated with evolving financial standards and industry trends, and that heightens their eligibility for the most competitive jobs in the field. A potential CPA should build their knowledge of Philippine accounting and tax regulations, as well as their eye for detail.

2) Financial Analyst

On top of analyzing financial data, financial analysts look into market trends and economic factors so that they can provide their clients with tailored investment recommendations and financial guidance. It’s also within the wheelhouse of a financial analyst to evaluate investment opportunities, provide reports that aid their client or employer in decision making, and manage portfolios on behalf of organizations such as investment firms, banks, and corporations.

To do this job well, aspiring financial analysts must develop their skills in quantitative analysis and financial modeling. Given that interpreting economic indicators and accurately forecasting financial outcomes form an important aspect of their job, a financial analyst also needs to keep abreast of the latest local and global market developments.

3) Tax Consultant

Tax consultants are experts on local tax regulations, and they use their knowledge to provide invaluable and customized guidance to both individuals and businesses that seek to optimize their tax strategies. A good tax consultant will help their client navigate the complex tax system and ensure the latter’s compliance while minimizing their tax liabilities.

A tax consultant may either work independently or as part of an accounting firm. In addition to tax planning, tax consultants are typically responsible for preparing tax returns and representing clients in tax disputes. If you want to become a tax consultant in the Philippines, you should have a strong grasp of the country’s tax laws. You should also possess excellent communication skills and be ready to adapt whenever you encounter changes in tax regulations.

4) Corporate Finance Specialist

Alternatively, if you feel like your talents lie in your strong understanding of financial principles, data analysis skills, and your ability to collaborate with various stakeholders towards aligning financial strategies, then you may enjoy being a corporate finance specialist. This job entails handling financial activities within a corporation and ensuring the company’s financial stability and growth.

Budgeting, financial reporting, financial analysis, and strategic financial planning are just some of the typical responsibilities that people in such a role are expected to shoulder. This is one of your most competitive options if you’ve graduated with an accounting or finance degree and want a rewarding corporate career.

5) Banking and Finance Jobs

The Philippines’ banking and finance sector is probably the most obvious job market for accounting and finance graduates, and with good reason. It’s not too hard for fresh accounting and finance grads to find entry-level positions in this industry. Some examples include positions as bank tellers, loan officers, or financial advisors.

If you want to start a career in finance, these positions will be good stepping stones to more specialized roles in investment banking or risk analysis. Be ready to hone your customer service skills and to navigate the challenges of working in a regulated environment.

6) Internal Auditor

Internal auditors play a critical role in ensuring the accuracy and compliance of their employers’ financial records and internal processes. They examine financial statements, operations, and controls to identify areas of risk and potential improvement.

When working together with a company’s management, an internal auditor is instrumental in rolling out the best financial practices and enhancing the company’s efficiency. A person who wants to excel in the role of an internal auditor should be a master of internal controls, risk assessment, and accounting principles.

7) Financial Planner

As a financial planner, you can use the skills you learned in your degree program to help people meet their financial goals. In this career, you’ll be able to provide personalized financial advice on matters like investing, retirement planning, and estate planning.

Since this job entails dealing directly with people, an aspiring financial planner should be armed with more than just knowledge of their employers’ financial products and services. They should also have strong interpersonal and communication skills and empathy towards people from various walks of life.

8) Real Estate Appraiser

Real estate appraisers are responsible for determining the value of properties for sales, taxation, and development purposes. The real estate market depends on appraisers to assess property value objectively and accurately.

If you want to become a real estate appraiser, you’ll need to know your way around the local real estate market. You’ll also want to brush up on local property laws and valuation techniques considered legitimate by those in the industry.

Apply your expertise in any one of these professions, and you’ll be able to earn a competitive and fulfilling livelihood for yourself. Best of all, you’ll also leave a mark of excellence in the communities you serve with your skill set.

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