17 early career jobs that map well to accounting majors

Career mapping is the process of strategically planning your professional journey by identifying career options, the skills you’ll need, and the steps to reach your goals. For accounting majors, career mapping is especially valuable because the field offers a structured but diverse range of opportunities in public accounting, corporate finance, government, and consulting. Having a clear plan helps ensure you gain the right experience and credentials to advance in your career.

With an accounting degree, you might start in roles such as staff accountant, tax associate, financial analyst, or auditor. If you pursue a CPA (Certified Public Accountant) designation, you’ll have even more opportunities in public accounting firms, corporate finance departments, or forensic accounting. Other paths include managerial accounting, risk management, or government roles like IRS agent or budget analyst. Career mapping helps you determine which certifications—such as CPA, CMA (Certified Management Accountant), or CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)—will best support your long-term goals and how to gain the right mix of experience to move up in the industry. It’s not just about crunching numbers—it’s about building a career that offers stability, growth, and long-term success.

We recently reached out to 17 hiring experts to ask for their opinions about jobs that map well to accounting majors, particularly for those who are early in their careers.

• Remote Accounting Intern for Hands-On Experience
• Tax Preparer Assistant During Tax Season
• Junior Financial Analyst at Investment Firms
• Grant Accountant for Nonprofits
• Non-Profit Accounting for Meaningful Impact
• Bookkeeping Assistant for Practical Accounting Skills
• Financial Intern at a Startup
• Accounts Receivable Coordinator for Practical Experience
• Accounts Payable Clerk for Financial Record-Keeping
• Accountant in Small to Medium-Sized Company
• Insurance Claims Processing for Entry-Level Experience
• Freelance Bookkeeping for Social Media Influencers
• Financial Analyst Intern in a Startup
• Financial Market Strategist for Growth
• Cryptocurrency Tax Compliance for Digital Assets
• Investment Research Assistant for Financial Analysis
• Junior Accountant Internship for Career Start

Remote Accounting Intern for Hands-On Experience

A great job for students majoring in Accounting is a virtual bookkeeping or remote accounting intern position. With the increasing shift toward digital finance and cloud-based accounting, many businesses are looking for remote professionals to handle their financial records efficiently. This role provides hands-on experience in key accounting tasks such as managing accounts payable and receivable, reconciling bank statements, preparing financial reports, and ensuring accurate ledger entries.

One of the biggest advantages of remote work is the flexibility it offers. Students can work from home and set schedules that accommodate their coursework while gaining practical experience in financial management. Many small businesses, startups, and even larger companies outsource their bookkeeping needs, making it an accessible entry point for students looking to gain real-world exposure.

A remote bookkeeping position also allows students to develop proficiency in widely used accounting software such as QuickBooks Online, Xero, FreshBooks, and Wave Accounting. Many of these platforms use cloud-based systems, meaning students can collaborate with clients and supervisors in real time from anywhere. Learning these tools early gives students a competitive edge when applying for full-time roles post-graduation.

Beyond software proficiency, working remotely in bookkeeping enhances essential skills such as communication, time management, and attention to detail. Since remote accountants often work independently, students develop the ability to manage financial tasks efficiently, meet deadlines without direct supervision, and communicate effectively through email, video calls, and project management platforms.

Additionally, this experience can serve as a stepping stone toward more advanced roles such as virtual CFO assistant, tax preparer, financial analyst, or even launching a freelance bookkeeping business. Many students who begin as remote bookkeepers later expand their services to include financial consulting, tax preparation, or payroll processing, setting the foundation for an entrepreneurial career in accounting.

For students interested in remote accounting work, networking with small business owners or applying to virtual internships can provide valuable exposure. Building a portfolio of bookkeeping clients while still in school can lead to long-term remote work opportunities and a smoother transition into the accounting profession after graduation.

Kathryn MacKenzie, Fractional CFO, Preceptor Business Solutions

Tax Preparer Assistant During Tax Season

A great job for a college or university student majoring in Accounting is a tax preparer assistant. During tax season, accounting firms and tax preparation services hire students to help with data entry, organizing client documents, and preparing basic tax returns. This role provides invaluable experience with tax regulations, deductions, and credits, which are essential for anyone pursuing a career in accounting.

Working as a tax preparer assistant allows students to gain hands-on experience with real financial data while developing skills in tax software and client communication. It also offers a high-paced learning environment, helping students improve their analytical thinking and attention to detail—both crucial skills for accountants. Additionally, because tax season is temporary, this job often provides flexible, short-term employment that fits around academic commitments.

One of the biggest advantages of this role is the opportunity to network with experienced accountants and potentially secure a long-term internship or job offer. Students who excel in tax preparation may also find opportunities to become certified tax preparers, which can lead to higher-paying roles in the future.

Emily Tran, Finance Analyst and Management Specialist, Maple Worthy

Junior Financial Analyst at Investment Firms

Having worked closely with many financial firms, I’ve seen that investment firms often hire accounting students as Junior Financial Analysts to help with data analysis and financial modeling. In these roles, students get invaluable exposure to both accounting principles and investment strategies while assisting with tasks like analyzing company financials, preparing financial reports, and supporting trading operations.

Adam Garcia, Founder, The Stock Dork

Grant Accountant for Nonprofits

Nonprofits depend on grants to fund their work, and managing those funds requires careful financial oversight. An accounting student can play a key role in tracking expenses, preparing reports, and ensuring that every dollar is used according to donor guidelines.

This experience builds strong budgeting and compliance skills while offering insight into nonprofit financial management. Working with grant accounting also helps develop a deeper understanding of financial reporting and accountability, both of which are valuable in any accounting career. It’s a chance to gain real-world experience while supporting meaningful causes.

For students looking to combine finance with purpose, this role offers both professional growth and the opportunity to make an impact.

Jeffrey Zhou, CEO & Founder, Fig Loans

Non-Profit Accounting for Meaningful Impact

I might be a little biased, but I recommend non-profit accounting because it blends financial expertise with meaningful impact. Additionally, it creates a unique skill set that doesn’t come with traditional accounting, including training on unique financial statements, navigating usage restrictions on grants and donations, and understanding exceptions for tax considerations. Working in the nonprofit sector allows young adults to align their personal passions with their careers, making it feel less like work.

In the nonprofit accounting sector, individuals ensure an organization’s financial health by tracking and analyzing financial data, identifying areas of opportunity/risk, advising on financial decisions, and ensuring compliance with specific laws and regulations. There are a wide range of jobs available for a wide range of skill sets. Some of these include fund accountant, budget analyst, financial analyst, and audit specialist. 

Alternative paths for this degree include becoming a consultant or a public accountant for nonprofits. Consultants provide expertise to multiple nonprofits on financial management, compliance, or grant reporting. Public accountants work for public accounting firms that specialize in nonprofit clients. Regardless of the path students take, there is always room for growth and specialization, like moving toward a CPA certification or moving up to leadership roles.

Ryan Foust, Director of Operations, ChurchShield

Bookkeeping Assistant for Practical Accounting Skills

One excellent job for a college or university student majoring in Accounting is working as a Bookkeeping Assistant. This role allows students to gain hands-on experience managing financial records, reconciling accounts, and preparing financial statements—all foundational skills for accounting careers. Many small businesses and local accounting firms offer part-time positions that align well with a student’s academic schedule.

Benefits of this role include:

• Gaining practical knowledge of accounting software like QuickBooks or Xero.
• Strengthening attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Learning compliance and tax basics by assisting with filings or audits.

Students can also explore similar roles, such as Tax Internships during the busy tax season or Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk positions, which provide exposure to corporate accounting processes. These roles are valuable stepping stones toward advanced accounting positions after graduation.

Gary Jain, CEO, Ledger Labs

Financial Intern at a Startup

If you’re majoring in Accounting, I’d say that becoming a Financial or Accounting Intern at a startup is a pretty solid option. Startups are fast-paced, so you’ll probably end up doing a bit of everything, which can be a great learning experience. You might help with creating financial reports, tracking cash flow, or even putting together budgets for the team. 

What makes it special is that you’ll get to see the direct impact of your work. It’s not just about crunching numbers in the back office. You’ll be part of decisions that drive the business forward. And because startups are usually smaller, you get the chance to observe how everything comes together, from the financial planning to the challenges the company faces as it grows. It’s the hands-on experience that’s hard to get elsewhere.

Another job that might be worth considering is a Data Analyst position in an accounting department. A lot of companies are looking for people who can make sense of financial data and spot trends. If you’re good with numbers, this could be a great fit. You’d be helping out with everything from budgeting to forecasting by analyzing large sets of data. 

The cool part is you’d get to use your accounting knowledge in a new way by turning raw data into something actionable. Plus, you’ll be working with some of the latest software and tools that are making a big impact on finance. It could lead to a future in financial analysis or business intelligence, where the ability to make data-driven decisions is in high demand. It’s a role that mixes accounting with tech, which makes it a pretty smart move in today’s job market.

Shaun Bettman, Chief Executive Officer, Eden Emerald Mortgages

Accounts Receivable Coordinator for Practical Experience

From my experience running a marketing agency, I’ve noticed that accounts receivable coordinator positions are perfect for accounting students looking to gain practical experience. Last year, we hired an accounting major who started by managing client invoices and reconciliations for just 15 hours per week, which fit perfectly with their class schedule while teaching them valuable business software skills.

Robert Portillo, CRO Consultant, Peel and Stick Wall Murals

Accounts Payable Clerk for Financial Record-Keeping

A job that would be a good fit for a college or university student majoring in Accounting is an Accounts Payable Clerk. In this role, the student would be responsible for processing invoices, managing vendor payments, and maintaining accurate financial records. This position would provide hands-on experience with financial data, allowing the student to apply theoretical accounting knowledge in a real-world setting.

As someone who has worked with various Fortune 100 companies, I’ve seen firsthand the importance of accurate financial record-keeping. In one instance, I worked with a company that was struggling to manage its accounts payable. By implementing a streamlined process and providing training to their accounting team, we were able to reduce errors and improve overall efficiency. This experience taught me the value of attention to detail and effective communication in an accounting role. I believe that an Accounts Payable Clerk position would provide a similar opportunity for an accounting student to develop these essential skills.

Michael Sumner, Founder and CEO, ScoreDetect.com

Accountant in Small to Medium-Sized Company

Accounting majors may consider pursuing a career as an accountant in a small to medium-sized company, offering valuable opportunities to develop their skills and gain diverse experience. This position offers hands-on experience in various areas of accounting, such as bookkeeping, financial analysis, budgeting, tax preparation, and auditing. With a smaller team and workload compared to larger organizations, students will have the chance to learn and grow quickly while taking on responsibilities beyond their job description.

Patrick McDermott, Executive Vice President, Max Cash

Insurance Claims Processing for Entry-Level Experience

Insurance Claims Processing roles provide excellent entry-level opportunities while allowing flexible schedules around classes. These positions typically involve reconciling payments, reviewing financial documents, and learning industry-specific software—skills I still use today that helped me understand both accounting principles and insurance operations.

Gregory Rozdeba, CEO, Dundas Life

Freelance Bookkeeping for Social Media Influencers

Freelance bookkeeping for social media influencers is a valuable way for accounting students to gain practical experience in digital finance. With income coming from sponsorships, affiliate marketing, and ad revenue, influencers need organized financial records to manage taxes and deductions effectively. 

A student can assist with tracking earnings, categorizing expenses, and preparing reports to ensure financial clarity. This role offers flexible, remote work while building essential skills in self-employment finance and digital entrepreneurship. 

Supporting influencers in managing their finances provides hands-on insight into tax strategies and business growth. As the creator economy continues to expand, this experience can be a strong foundation for a future in accounting or financial consulting.

Adam Young, CEO & Founder, Event Tickets Center

Financial Analyst Intern in a Startup

I know numbers, and I know how they shape decisions. For an accounting student, a role as a financial analyst intern in a startup is ideal. Why? You get the chance to work directly with high-level financial strategies. Unlike a typical corporate setting, a startup gives you hands-on exposure to budgets, forecasts, and financial modeling—skills that take years to master in larger firms. And with 20% of startups growing beyond their first year, you might find yourself in the middle of rapid growth.

A financial analyst internship can be intense. You’re not running errands or filing papers. Instead, you’re working on projections that will guide real business decisions. You’ll need to get familiar with Excel, and if you’re lucky, dive into tools like Tableau or Power BI. It’s a high-octane way to get real-world exposure that will fast-track your accounting career.

Benjamin Tom, Digital Marketing Expert and Utility Specialist, Electricity Monster

Financial Market Strategist for Growth

One overlooked job for those with an accounting major is taking the path to becoming a Financial Market Strategist. This is a fulfilling career that allows for tremendous growth. Looking back on my college experience, I was unsure exactly what job I wanted to pursue post-grad. Like many, I enjoyed learning about specific topics and fundamentals but was unsure what this meant for a career.

Specifically, learning about analytics and market trends I really enjoyed. I was in many general business and finance classes with Accounting majors, and what I noticed was our common interest in two things: data and trends. Being a Financial Market Strategist is a perfect blend of these two. I focus on analyzing financial trends based on past and future data to make meaningful insights daily. It’s an exciting hands-on job that is rewarding. I highly recommend anyone who enjoys these interests to look into this career path.

Peter Reagan, Financial Market Strategist, Birch Gold Group

Cryptocurrency Tax Compliance for Digital Assets

Cryptocurrency tax compliance is becoming increasingly important as digital assets gain popularity, making it a great opportunity for accounting students. 

With tax laws constantly evolving, investors and businesses need reliable support to track trades, calculate capital gains, and ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Students can work alongside tax professionals or crypto investors to organize transaction records, identify taxable events, and prepare financial reports. 

In addition to providing a solid foundation in blockchain-based accounting, this course offers insight into an industry that is rapidly developing. Gaining expertise in crypto taxation can open doors to future roles in fintech, auditing, or financial consulting. 

In the era of digital currencies, understanding their tax implications will give students an edge in the job market.

Gary Hemming, Owner & Finance Director, ABC Finance

Investment Research Assistant for Financial Analysis

An investment research assistant role would be a great fit for a college or university student majoring in Accounting. This position involves analyzing financial data, researching market trends, and assisting in the evaluation of different investment opportunities. It provides hands-on experience in assessing asset performance, which is essential for understanding how investments, including gold, fit into a diversified portfolio. Working with financial reports and industry data strengthens analytical skills and prepares students for more advanced roles in finance.

This role also helps students develop a deeper understanding of risk assessment and portfolio management. Learning how to interpret financial statements and market indicators is crucial for making informed investment decisions. Exposure to commodities like gold, stocks, and bonds allows students to see how different assets perform under various economic conditions. Gaining experience in investment analysis builds confidence in financial decision-making and helps bridge the gap between accounting principles and real-world investment strategies.

Working as an investment research assistant provides opportunities to connect with industry professionals and gain insights into the financial sector. It helps students refine their ability to analyze data, identify trends, and support strategic investment decisions. These skills are valuable for future careers in asset management, financial advisory services, or investment banking.

Brandon Aversano, CEO, The Alloy Market

Junior Accountant Internship for Career Start

I recommend that if they intend to pursue a career in accounting, they start by getting an internship as a junior accountant. Many companies are happy to hire young accountants who are hungry to gain experience in the field.

Additionally, a massive opportunity is growing in the accounting space as many boomer CPAs retire over the coming decade.

Weston Sabattus, CEO, Plymouth Wright