Most professionals would agree: Finding fulfilling, high-paying remote work in accounting and finance feels nearly impossible these days.
But what if opening up to remote work could unlock new career paths and opportunities you never imagined possible before?
In this article, we'll explore how the rise of remote work is transforming career trajectories in accounting and finance - unveiling diverse job options, elevating salaries, and empowering professionals to work for leading firms across the globe. You'll discover key skills to master and strategies to embark on your own remote career journey in these rapidly evolving fields.
Introduction: Navigating the Remote Landscape of Accounting and Finance Careers
Remote work has opened up exciting new possibilities for accounting and finance professionals. With location no longer being a barrier, those with in-demand skills can access a global marketplace of career opportunities. This allows them to find roles better aligned to their aspirations, whether that's pursuing higher salaries, gaining valuable experience, or working with leading multinational companies.
In particular, three key trends are shaping the landscape:
Rise of Remote Accounting Firms
A new wave of accounting firms built for the remote world are emerging. These firms tap into talent globally rather than locally, allowing them to offer services at competitive rates to clients worldwide. For accounting professionals, these remote firms provide access to international clients and colleagues to collaborate with. This results in exposure to diverse accounting standards and business practices across different industries and markets.
Increased Demand for Specialized Skills
Businesses today need support to navigate complex challenges in financial reporting, tax, audit, and advisory. This drives demand for accounting professionals with specialized expertise in high-growth areas like financial planning analysis (FP&A), financial systems implementation, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). The remote model allows firms to connect with those niche skill sets, wherever the talent may reside globally.
Higher Salaries and Better Work-Life Balance
With remote work removing geographical constraints, accounting and finance talent can command higher salaries by accessing opportunities abroad while enjoying a lower cost of living at home. At the same time, professionals gain flexibility to better balance personal and professional pursuits. This is a major perk, given the often demanding nature of roles in the industry.
In summary, remote work brings expanded career prospects for accounting and finance professionals today. From joining international teams to pursuing specialty skills, the options are endless thanks to borderless hiring. Those able to effectively showcase their capabilities as virtual talent are best-placed to capitalize on the potential of this new environment.
What career goes with accounting?
Accounting is a versatile field that provides a strong foundation for many rewarding careers. With the rise of remote work and global connectivity, accounting professionals now have more career opportunities than ever before.
Here are some of the top careers that complement an accounting background:
Public Accounting
Public accountants, like certified public accountants (CPAs), provide accounting, auditing, tax, advisory and consulting services to companies and individuals. They work at public accounting firms and have opportunities to gain expertise in various industries. Public accounting provides a solid stepping stone for other accounting careers. There is high demand for CPAs given their specialized skills. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for accountants and auditors was $73,560 in 2021.
Private Accounting
Those working in private accounting are employed by a single company or organization. Roles like staff accountant, accounting manager, and controller manage daily accounting operations like accounts payable/receivable, cash flow, taxes, and financial reporting. It's steady work and many private accountants transition into upper management over time. The median salary for an accounting manager is $77,250 according to PayScale.
Government Accounting
Government accountants and auditors work at the federal, state, or local level to provide accounting and auditing services for government agencies and programs. They ensure proper use of public funds and compliance with regulations. According to the BLS, the median salary for government accountants and auditors was $77,250 in 2021.
Internal Auditing
Internal auditors review company operations and internal controls to identify ways to increase efficiency, reduce costs, and improve compliance. This fast-growing field provides opportunities to work across different departments and gain broad business insights. The Institute of Internal Auditors reports strong demand given the specialized skills involved. According to PayScale, the average salary for an internal auditor is $63,020.
So whether you desire steady 9-to-5 work or want to pave your own career path, an accounting background paired with certifications like the CPA credential provides a solid foundation for success. Career opportunities in accounting and finance will continue growing as remote work unlocks new global prospects.
What are the fields of accounting and finance?
Accounting and finance encompass a wide range of specializations that offer diverse career opportunities. Here is a brief overview of some of the key fields:
Financial Accounting
Financial accounting focuses on preparing and analyzing financial statements to provide information to various stakeholders. Careers in this field include financial analysts, controllers, and auditors. These professionals ensure financial reporting compliance and provide critical insights into an organization's financial health.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, an accountant in the US earns an average salary of $73,560 per year. With additional certifications like a CPA, salaries can range from $80,000 to $150,000 annually.
Managerial Accounting
Managerial accounting professionals create financial reports, budgets, and models used internally by management to support strategy and decision making. Common jobs include cost accountants, budget analysts, and financial managers.
The median pay for financial managers in the US is over $129,000 per year. Those with leadership roles and advanced certifications tend to earn significantly higher wages.
Tax Accounting
Tax accountants prepare tax returns, help minimize tax liabilities, and ensure compliance with regulations for individuals and corporations. Careers in tax accounting are projected to grow 4% from 2021-2031, adding some 22,700 jobs.
With intricate knowledge of a complex tax code, these professionals command competitive salaries upwards of $70,000 to start. Senior tax managers at large firms earn well into six figures.
There are diverse specializations to match one's interests and strengths. Continuing innovation in remote work also opens up global career opportunities like never before. With sound training and strategic networking, aspiring professionals can land their dream job and build expertise in a field of accounting tailored to their passions.
What is the career path in financial accounting?
Financial accounting offers diverse and rewarding career opportunities in nearly every industry. Here is a typical career path for financial accountants:
Entry-Level Financial Accountant
Entry-level financial accountants usually work on teams under senior accountants, handling tasks like preparing financial statements, journal entries, account reconciliations, and routine reporting.
They learn essential accounting skills on the job which lay the foundation for career growth. Strong attention to detail, communication, and analytical abilities are valued in these roles.
Starting salaries for entry-level financial accountants range from $45,000 to $60,000.
Senior Accountant
With 3-5 years of experience, financial accountants can advance to senior accountant roles with more complex assignments and supervisory duties.
They take on higher-level tasks like month-end close, variance analysis, audit support, forecasting, and mentoring junior staff. Strong technical and managerial skills are required at this level.
The average salary for senior accountants is $70,000.
Management & Controller Positions
Down the line, senior financial accountants may step into management, director, or controller roles within their organizations.
They oversee teams managing core accounting functions and participate in high-level corporate financial planning and reporting. Extensive financial reporting knowledge and leadership abilities are vital for these positions.
Salaries exceed $100k+ for many of these senior-level roles.
There are abundant opportunities for growth, specialization, and leadership in financial accounting, with competitive compensation across all levels. The remote work trend also means more flexible options for geographic location or work style. Overall an excellent career path for the analytically-minded!
How do I get a career in accounts and finance?
IF THIS SOUNDS LIKE THE FIELD FOR YOU, THESE STEPS WILL HELP PREPARE YOU TO FIND A JOB AND ADVANCE THROUGH YOUR CAREER.
- Make sure you enjoy working with numbers. An aptitude for math is essential for most accounting and finance roles. If you don't find number-crunching intrinsically rewarding, this may not be the right field for you.
- Build workplace skills. In addition to quantitative skills, develop writing, presentation, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities valued by employers.
- Take math, finance, and business classes. Coursework in areas like statistics, economics, financial accounting, and business management will give you foundational knowledge for career opportunities in accounting and finance.
- Earn your bachelor's degree. Most entry-level positions require at least a bachelor's degree. Common majors include accounting, finance, business administration and economics.
- Gain experience through an internship or entry-level job. Practical work experience makes recent graduates much more marketable for open positions. Entry-level roles like bookkeeping clerk or accounts payable specialist can serve as stepping stones to higher-paying jobs for accounting students.
With preparation and persistence, a rewarding career managing finances awaits. Remote work further expands options, connecting qualified talent to accounting and finance degree jobs anywhere. Leverage expanding flexibility to access your dream role.
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Unlocking New Career Opportunities in Accounting and Finance
The shift to remote work has dissolved traditional geographic constraints, presenting a plethora of new accounting degree jobs and career opportunities that span the globe. With an increasing number of companies embracing remote teams, career opportunities in accounting and finance now reach far beyond what was imaginable just a few years ago.
Diverse Types of Accounting Jobs and Salaries Unveiled
Remote work unveils a diverse array of accounting roles for job seekers to consider, ranging from entry-level positions to executive titles.
Popular entry-level remote accounting jobs include:
- Bookkeeper - Median salary: $43,000
- Accounting Clerk - Median salary: $40,000
- Accounts Payable/Receivable Clerk - Median salary: $41,000
Mid-level and specialized accounting positions open up more lucrative opportunities:
- Financial Analyst - Median salary: $63,000
- Auditor - Median salary: $77,000
- Tax Accountant - Median salary: $60,000
High-level accounting roles can provide six-figure salaries:
- Controller - Median salary: $140,000
- Chief Financial Officer (CFO) - Median salary: $200,000+
The shift to remote work expands access to these positions globally. Salary expectations should be adjusted based on factors like location, experience level, certification status, company size, industry, and more.
Ascend to the Highest Paying Jobs with an Accounting Degree
Those looking to maximize earning potential may set their sights on some of the highest paying accounting jobs:
- Forensic Accountant - Median salary: $80,000. Investigates financial crimes.
- Investment Fund Accountant - Median salary: $100,000+. Supports investment funds.
- Accounting Consultant - Median salary: $100,000+. Provides advice to businesses.
Achieving these lucrative positions requires proper preparation. Key steps include:
- Earn a bachelor's degree in accounting or finance
- Obtain a CPA license for credibility
- Specialize with a master's degree
- Gain 2-5 years experience in relevant accounting roles
- Develop expertise in technical skills like data analysis
The rise of remote work enables pursuing these highest paying accounting jobs from anywhere.
Exploring Accounting and Finance Degree Jobs Beyond Borders
Perhaps most significantly, remote work dissolves geographic restrictions that previously limited options for those with accounting and finance degrees. Top talent can now fill specialized roles for companies across the globe.
This global shift unlocks positions like:
- US GAAP Accountant - Support companies with US accounting compliance from abroad.
- Virtual CFO - Deliver high-level strategic finance advice remotely.
- Global Tax Advisor - Navigate international tax codes.
The breadth of possibility stretches as far as one's niche expertise and self-motivation allows thanks to borderless remote hiring. Technical skills combined with communication abilities are paramount to succeeding in cross-border alignments.
In summary, dissolving locale-based barriers provides exponential growth for career opportunities in accounting and finance. From entry-level corporate roles to specialized global positions, remote work empowers those with accounting and finance degrees to explore previously inaccessible career paths.
Elevating Income: Remote Work's Impact on Accounting and Finance Salaries
The rise of remote work has opened up new opportunities for accounting and finance professionals to access higher-paying positions and increase their earning potential. As location constraints fade, candidates can tap into a global talent marketplace and companies can hire the best talent regardless of geography.
Accessing Lucrative Global Markets
Remote models connect accounting and finance talent with major global markets like the United States and Europe where salaries tend to be much higher compared to other regions. Professionals based in locations with lower costs of living can earn 2-3X more while working for overseas companies. This allows them to exponentially increase income.
For example, an accountant in South America could make $30,000 working locally. But with remote access to US companies, they could potentially earn over $100,000 annually performing the same role. The difference is significant. Expanding reach beyond localjob markets is key for elevating income.
Increased Demand and Compensation for Niche Skills
Specific accounting specializations also see major salary bumps with remote hiring. For instance, CPAs, forensic accountants, budget analysts, and other niche experts are highly sought-after. With companies no longer limited by geography, competition has intensified to attract top talent across domains.
To fill key positions, businesses are offering 20-30% higher pay packages plus bonuses to stand out. So those with in-demand niche skills can negotiate higher base compensation along with benefits given the demand.
Career Growth Trajectory Shifts
The virtual shift has also changed typical career trajectories in accounting and finance. Early to mid-career professionals can now fill senior level roles remotely that previously required years of traditional office experience before transitioning to remote work.
By leveraging remote opportunities earlier, they accelerate income and career growth. This puts more lucrative leadership and expert positions within reach and enhances lifelong earning potential.
So remote work has undoubtedly elevated income potential for accounting and finance professionals. With access to global markets, niche specializations, and accelerated career timelines, salaries have substantively increased to attract top talent. The virtual model offers new high paying career paths in accounting and finance.
Trailblazing Firms in the Remote Accounting and Finance Sectors
The rise of remote work over the past few years has opened exciting new career opportunities in accounting and finance. Innovative firms are leading the way by embracing flexible work arrangements and leveraging talent globally.
Vintti: Enabling Businesses to Access Top Accounting Talent
Vintti specializes in helping US companies hire remote accounting and finance professionals from South America to save on payroll costs. They deliver pre-vetted, bilingual candidates with expertise in US GAAP within two weeks. This allows businesses to quickly integrate specialized talent while achieving over 50% savings on salaries. Vintti also handles tasks like background checks, payments, and paperwork, enabling clients to focus on their core operations.
For accounting professionals, Vintti unlocks access to attractive remote career opportunities with competitive salaries that may not otherwise be available in their local job markets. Their experts can enjoy stimulating work solving complex business challenges for companies abroad while benefiting from remote work flexibility.
Vintti is thus trailblazing by constructing a win-win global talent platform, simultaneously providing businesses efficient access to specialized skills and professionals broader access to rewarding career paths in accounting and finance.
Leading Professional Services Firms Adopting Remote Teams
Many leading accounting and financial services firms are also leaning into remote work arrangements to expand their talent pools. KPMG, Deloitte, and PwC have been ramping up remote hiring over the past two years, with some teams now over 50% remote.
These firms are discovering benefits like increased productivity and retention rates. Offering location flexibility also gives them a competitive edge in attracting top candidates seeking alternatives to full-time office roles.
As prestigious firms demonstrate the viability of remote work, they encourage other employers to follow suit. This collectively grows remote opportunities across accounting and finance.
Specialized Recruiting Firms Connecting Companies with Global Talent
Alongside multinational corporations, a rising number of specialized remote recruiting firms like Crossover and FlexJobs are also fueling remote work growth in these sectors.
These services are purpose-built to help companies hire skilled accounting, finance, and other domain experts from around the world. Through global talent marketplaces, extensive screening, and dedicated support, these firms simplify sourcing and onboarding challenges.
Companies can quickly find candidates with niche skill sets like SEC reporting or revenue recognition. Professionals also get access to a wider breadth of roles.
As bridges connecting businesses with specialized remote talent across functions, these recruiting firms are unlocking new flexible accounting and finance career options for professionals worldwide.
The remote work revolution has strongly impacted accounting and finance, with innovative companies leading the charge. As remote hiring gains momentum across the industry, an abundance of new global career opportunities are emerging for professionals seeking flexibility and growth.
Mastering Remote Success: Skills for Modern Accounting and Finance Professionals
The shift to remote work has opened new career opportunities for accounting and finance professionals around the world. As businesses adopt flexible and distributed work models, there is growing demand for specialized talent that can effectively collaborate across borders and time zones. To thrive in this new landscape, professionals should develop critical skills to position themselves as prime candidates for exciting career opportunities in accounting and finance.
Adapting to New Technologies
As remote teams rely heavily on software and collaboration platforms, technological fluency is essential. Professionals should master tools like Slack, Zoom, and Asana to streamline communication and workflows. Learning analytics programs like Tableau or SQL enables deeper analysis and data visualization. Cloud-based accounting software is also crucial. Becoming proficient with fresh technologies demonstrates versatility and readiness for modern remote roles.
Strategic Financial Planning
With volatile markets and complex regulations, businesses need financial experts that take a strategic approach to growth and risk management. Develop skills in financial analysis, budgeting, cash flow projections, and scaling planning. Understanding concepts like equity financing and exit planning can unlock additional high paying jobs with accounting degree. Bringing these strengths to remote teams makes professionals more valuable.
Cross-Cultural Dexterity
Distributed teams feature diverse perspectives and backgrounds. Professionals should hone cross-cultural skills to collaborate internationally. Learn best practices for working across time zones and language barriers. Recognize cultural nuances regarding etiquette, communication norms and leadership styles. Showing this sensibility enables easier integration into multinational accounting and finance degree jobs.
By honing technological, financial and cultural skills, accounting and finance professionals can access fulfilling remote careers across the globe. The rise of flexible hiring presents new avenues to apply expertise. As businesses increasingly leverage international talent and distributed teams, those able to adapt their skillsets will discover plentiful opportunities in accounting and finance.
Embarking on Your Remote Career: Strategies for Accounting and Finance Graduates
The rise of remote work has created exciting new career opportunities for accounting and finance graduates. With more companies hiring remotely, students can access jobs well beyond their local market. This opens doors to positions better aligned with your skills, interests and aspirations.
However, securing that first remote accounting or finance role does require strategy. Here are key ways recent grads can embark on fulfilling remote careers:
Research Remote Accounting and Finance Roles
Many don't realize how vast the remote work landscape has become. Remote roles now exist across nearly all accounting and finance specialties. These include public accounting positions in audit, tax, and advisory services. There are also corporate roles in financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounts payable/receivable, payroll, budgeting, SEC reporting, and more.
When researching openings, utilize sites like FlexJobs, Remote Work Now, and We Work Remotely which aggregate verified remote jobs. You can filter by factors like role type, industry, tools used and more to find positions matching your background. Look for jobs requesting skills you have or can readily gain. This will set you up for success as a candidate.
Highlight Transferable Skills
Remote recruiting puts greater emphasis on transferable skills versus specific experience. Key aptitudes like communication, collaboration, time management and using virtual tools tend to outweigh niche knowledge.
Play up these portable strengths in your resume, cover letters and interviews. Provide examples of successfully applying them academically or at internships/jobs. Show how they enable you to thrive in remote settings despite being an early career candidate.
Obtain Relevant Certifications
Certifications are a strategic way recent grads can augment their profiles for remote roles. Options like bookkeeping certificates demonstrate core competencies on paper. More advanced designations like the CPA, CMA or CIA signals higher abilities in specialty areas.
Even free certifications from respected providers can boost your appeal. EdX, Coursera and Udemy offer reputable courses with certificates in accounting, Excel, analytics and other staple skills. Obtaining a few can get your resume noticed.
Grow Your Professional Network
Networking is pivotal for accessing remote opportunities often not publicly advertised. Attend virtual conferences and events for your target industry. Many organizations now conduct these online with open attendance.
Also connect with professionals at companies of interest via LinkedIn. Share your background and interest in remote work for recent graduates. Maintain these relationships to stay abreast of potential openings. Referrals from new contacts drastically improves your odds of securing remote roles.
The rise of remote provides game-changing paths for aspiring accounting and finance professionals. By proactively researching openings, highlighting transferable skills and expanding your network, you can embark on a dynamic remote career aligned with your long-term goals. Reach out to Vintti for personalized guidance. With expertise staffing specialized accounting and finance roles remotely, we empower businesses to build world-class remote teams.
Embracing the Remote Renaissance in Accounting and Finance
The rise of remote work has opened exciting new career opportunities in accounting and finance. As companies adapt to flexible work arrangements, professionals in these fields now have access to well-paying jobs at organizations around the world. This "Remote Renaissance" enables accounting and finance experts to take on more challenging roles, earn higher incomes, and gain valuable multicultural experience.
However, to fully capitalize on these emerging prospects, adaptability is key. Professionals should continuously update technical skills and specializations to align with changing business needs. For example, expertise in data analytics, RPA automation, and system migration will be in high demand as companies modernize finance operations. At the same time, interpersonal aptitude, clear communication, and cultural alignment remain vital for cross-border team coordination.
By embracing flexibility and cultivating in-demand capabilities, finance and accounting professionals can thrive in the age of remote work. As pioneering providers like Vintti facilitate access to global talent pools, businesses stand to benefit enormously from specialized expertise at localized market rates. This represent a win-win - expanding career opportunities for individuals while enabling organizations to control costs and access precisely the talent they require.
