19 Different CPA Career Options

The CPA credential is one of the most widely respected and sought-after qualifications in the business world, offering a broad range of career options to those who possess it.

From auditing and tax planning to corporate finance and consulting, Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) have access to a variety of positions that offer great pay, excellent benefits, and job satisfaction.

Whether you’re just starting in your accounting career or you’ve been working for years as an accountant, becoming a CPA can open up new opportunities for advancement.

Here are 19 different CPA careers that could be perfect for you!

1. Auditor

Auditors review the financial statements of organizations and help ensure accuracy and reliability.

They are responsible for reviewing and examining the accuracy and reliability of all financial statements, records, reports, and documents.

They use their knowledge of accounting principles and practices to examine financial data and prepare reports that assure the accuracy of financial information.

2. Tax Accountant

Tax accountants are responsible for preparing taxes, planning and researching tax strategies, and ensuring compliance with applicable laws and regulations.

They must be extremely knowledgeable about the rules and regulations related to taxation in the country or region where they work.

3. Financial Analyst

Financial analysts guide businesses by analyzing financial data, developing forecasts, and measuring performance using various financial tools.

Their main responsibility is to ensure that their companies make sound investments and attain profitability goals.

4. Accounting Manager

Accounting managers are responsible for managing all aspects of accounting processes within a company.

Including developing budgets, designing internal controls, overseeing accounts receivable/payable operations, payroll processing, auditing procedures, filing taxes, and more.

5. Corporate Controller

Corporate controllers are responsible for overseeing the financial operations of an organization.

Including tracking income and expenses, conducting audits, analyzing financial statements, preparing reports for management, monitoring investment activities, and creating budgets.

6. Internal Auditor

Internal auditors review internal operations to ensure that they comply with laws, regulations, policies, and procedures.

They look at any potential risks or weaknesses in an organization’s systems as well as identify ways to improve processes to reduce costs.

7. Risk Manager

Risk managers are responsible for identifying potential sources of risk within an organization and developing strategies to mitigate them.

This includes evaluating business practices, reviewing compliance with applicable laws and regulations, and developing contingency plans for potential risks.

8. Forensic Accountant

Forensic accountants are responsible for investigating financial matters related to criminal activity and conducting audits of organizations to prevent fraud.

They must be knowledgeable about accounting principles as well as investigative techniques to uncover any irregularities or inconsistencies.

9. Tax Consultant

Tax consultants advise businesses on tax-related issues such as preparing taxes, planning strategies to reduce taxes, filing tax returns, and complying with relevant laws and regulations.

They use their knowledge of accounting principles to help their clients maximize profits while minimizing their tax burden.

10. Financial Controller

Financial controllers oversee all aspects of a company’s finances including budgeting, forecasting, auditing, and taxation.

They must be able to analyze financial data and develop strategies that lead to improved efficiency and profitability.

11. Investment Banker

Investment bankers advise clients on raising capital by evaluating securities offerings and arranging transactions.

They must be knowledgeable about various investment products such as stocks, bonds, mutual funds, commodities, and derivatives to provide the best advice for their clients.

12. Financial Planner

Financial planners help individuals assess their financial goals and develop plans that will enable them to reach those goals.

They typically specialize in areas such as retirement planning, estate planning, asset management, tax preparation/planning, debt management/resolution services, insurance planning, college savings, and more.

14. Auditor

Auditors review organizations’ accounts and financial statements to ensure accuracy and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, standards, and ethical practices.

They must possess excellent analytical skills as they assess a business’s finances to provide an objective opinion on its financial health.

15. Financial Adviser

Financial advisers offer advice on investments, insurance, retirement, estate planning, mortgages, and other related personal finance topics.

They must be knowledgeable in various financial products and services as well as possess excellent communication skills to provide their clients with the best advice.

16. Corporate Tax Manager

Corporate tax managers are responsible for preparing and filing corporate taxes while researching applicable laws to ensure compliance and identify potential areas of tax savings.

They must understand the complexities of international taxation to advise multinational companies on their tax strategies.

17. Financial Analyst

Financial analysts study a company’s financial data such as income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements to assess its current performance and potential risks/opportunities for growth or improvement.

They use their knowledge of accounting principles and financial markets to advise their clients on the best investments.

18. Risk Manager

Risk managers are responsible for evaluating, monitoring, and controlling a company’s exposure to risks such as market volatility, credit risk, legal/regulatory risks, operational risks etc.

They use their understanding of accounting principles as well as quantitative models to identify areas of potential losses that should be avoided or minimized.

19. Banker

Bankers provide various types of lending services including personal loans, mortgages, business loans, lines of credit etc. They must have in-depth knowledge of banking regulations and laws applicable to their region/country to ensure compliance while offering competitive financing solutions to their customers.

20. Forensic Accountant

Forensic accountants specialize in investigating potential fraud and other financial crimes as well as uncovering evidence of malfeasance or mismanagement within an organization.

They must have a deep understanding of accounting principles, auditing standards, and investigative techniques to conduct thorough investigations on behalf of their clients.

Choose Your Career Path Today

The field of Certified Public Accounting (CPA) offers a wide range of career paths and opportunities.

Whether you’re interested in becoming an auditor, tax accountant, financial planner, or any other type of accounting professional, there is sure to be a perfect match for you.

Investigate the different CPA career options available and find your ideal role today.