DO YOU NEED A DEGREE TO BECOME A FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT?

Financial accountants work in a dynamic and exciting subject. It has unlimited potential for progress and success. Yet, one question lingers for people seeking a career in this field. Do you need a degree to become a successful financial accountant?  

People have discussed this subject for years, with justifications on both sides. On the one hand, some say that on-the-job training and hands-on knowledge are more vital than a degree. But, for even entry-level work, many businesses in this field will ask for a degree. Some even need postgraduate degrees for management or executive positions. 

So, what is the truth? Like many things in life, the solution is not black and white. Our guidance is that a degree is generally required if you want a successful, long-term career. But why is that? 

In this article, we'll go through why a degree is so crucial for a financial accountant. If you want a career in financial accounting, whether as a fresh graduate or a professional looking to advance, read on to find out why a degree could be the key to unlocking your potential in this inspiring field. 

WHAT DOES AN ACCOUNTANT DO?   

If you enjoy numbers, you may have what it takes to become a financial accountant. 

Financial accountants are basically money superheroes who keep businesses of all sizes functioning efficiently. Their job is to record financial details and create reports. They also manage budgets and inspect records to guarantee accuracy and compliance. 

But becoming a financial accountant demands more than mere crunching of numbers all day. It is about helping organisations in meeting their financial goals and offering useful insight into their financial health. 

Financial accountants are problem solvers that use their financial knowledge to improve business performance and save money. It’s time to think again if you felt a financial accountant only worked with spreadsheets and calculators. They are also outstanding communicators. They can explain tough economic & tax topics to stakeholders and clients in simple terms. 

So, pursuing this industry is a wise decision. After all, who doesn't want a financial accountant superhero on their side? 

WHAT ARE THE FOUR TYPES OF ACCOUNTANTS?   

Accounting is a broad field with several specialisations. Here are the four types of accounting fields in which you can begin a career as a financial accountant: 

PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS:

Public accountants work for accounting companies. They provide customers with different services such as auditing, tax preparation and consultation. And they assist firms in preparing end-of-year statements, filing taxes and complying with rules. 

MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTANTS:

Management accountants operate within organisations. They are in charge of managing internal financial processes. They look after all budgeting, forecasting and financial analysis as well as guiding firms in making resource allocation choices. 

GOVERNMENT ACCOUNTANTS:

They work for a range of government departments. They are responsible for auditing government programs and managing finances. They make sure that they are following all rules and regulations. 

FORENSIC ACCOUNTANTS:

Forensic accountants are financial detectives. They use their accounting expertise to uncover illegal financial practices. They could work for law enforcement, accounting and private enterprises assisting in finding disbalance and providing evidence in court disputes.  

FINANCIAL ACCOUNTANT AVERAGE PAY: 

You'll be glad to know that as a qualified financial accountant, your work is in high demand and you’d be well-paid. 

Looking at jobs on boards like Reed.co.uk, the salary for a financial accountant starts at £46,339. 

Of course, your salary will depend on your education, experience and the role you work in. 

But financial accounting is a profitable and rewarding professional path. As a financial accountant, you will deal with various clients and sectors. Working with small firms up to international organisations, you will gather vast experience. 

You'll utilise your analytical abilities and trade knowledge to help firms. Making logical decisions and meeting their fiscal objectives will be your core job. And the most amazing part? This is an ever-changing field with new technology and laws. Leading to great potential for development in years to come. 

So, if you want a job that's lucrative and challenging, this might be the right fit.  

IS BEING AN ACCOUNTANT A HARD JOB?   

Being a financial accountant, like any other job, has its own set of hurdles. But, with the right skills and approach, it can be a great profession. 

A financial accountant must be detail-oriented and aware of industry developments and laws. Keeping up with changing rules and tax laws is one of the most challenging parts of a financial accountant’s life. 

Another difficult aspect is the need to organise and be efficient. 

A financial accountant is in charge of handling huge volumes of data and ensuring that everything is correct and up-to-date. This involves careful attention to detail as well as the ability to work under pressure. 

WHAT IS A MASTER’S IN ACCOUNTING?   

If you want to work in accounting, you may have heard of a Master's in Accounting degree. But what is it exactly? 

A Master of Accounting is a graduate-level degree. It teaches students advanced concepts and practices. It usually takes 1-2 years to complete this degree. It covers financial analysis, tax preparation, auditing and much more. 

As a stepping stone to this profession, graduates of these degrees are in great demand by businesses. And they often have opportunities to work in international industries. 

If you're interested in accounting and want to progress in it, go for a Master's degree. The extra education and training you get will lead to success in this exciting and dynamic sector. 

IS A MASTERS IN ACCOUNTING WORTH IT?  

Are you thinking about becoming a financial accountant and wondering if a master's degree is worth your time and money investment? The simple answer is yes - a Master's degree in Accounting can be helpful in your line of work. 

A Master's degree is a recognised certificate. It shows employers that you are knowledgeable and skilled in the field of accounting. This gives you a competitive advantage in the job market. And it can open doors to higher-paying and more demanding roles. 

It will also provide you with a better grasp of the core concepts and practices. And you’ll get valuable hands-on experience through apprenticeships or other practical learning opportunities. This can help you gain the skills and confidence required to do well in different positions. 

Furthermore, a Master's degree in accounting can improve your overall job success and professional progress. 

With this degree, you have many options to grow. You may go for leadership positions, specialising in particular areas of accounting. Or even bigger by opening your own accounting business.  

IS ACA HARDER THAN ACCA?  

The debate over whether ACA or ACCA is more difficult is raging in the accounting industry. 

While both certificates need extensive study and preparation. Many differences between the two may make one appear tougher than the other. The structure of the tests is one side to consider. The Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) tests fall into three levels, each with many exams that you must complete to advance to the next level. The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) tests are more modular. Each exam covers a single topic, and candidates are free to take them in any sequence. 

The focus of the tests is another consideration. 

The ACA examinations emphasise technical knowledge and practical application. In contrast, the ACCA covers a wider range of topics and needs creative thinking and analysis. Every financial accountant regards both ACA and ACCA with respect. And they can lead to a variety of job options. Instead of considering which one is difficult, select the one that suits your objectives and desires best.  

TYPES OF ACCOUNTING JOBS:   

Accounting is an extensive field with several employment prospects. Accounting professions range from financial accounting to tax accounting and involve a wide range of skills and knowledge. 

A financial accountant, for example, creates financial statements and analyses financial data. And they guarantee compliance with all established standards. Tax accountants file tax returns and advise individuals and businesses on tax issues. 

Management accountants cover two other types of accounting occupations. One type gives financial analysis and support to help organisations make strategic choices. And the second one investigates fraud and other financial crimes. 

STUDYING ACCOUNTING AT BOLTON UNIVERSITY:  

Bolton University is a great place to start if you want to study accounting. 

We have a reputation for high-quality teaching and focus on practical case studies. A degree at Bolton University will equip you with the skills and wisdom needed in this field. You'll get a thorough grasp of accounting concepts, financial analysis and management practices. Classroom lectures, hands-on projects and job experience opportunities will help you gain knowledge to take to the boardroom. 

And you will get a chance to hone your critical thinking and problem-solving skills and explain complex fiscal facts to various stakeholders. Besides our excellent academic programmes, Bolton University provides a nurturing learning atmosphere where you may succeed both intellectually and emotionally.  Studying accounting at Bolton University builds the foundation you need to reach your career goals.  

CONCLUSION:   

To summarise, we believe obtaining a degree in accounting is a crucial step in building your career. It will give you a solid base of skills and information that will help you to excel in this rewarding job. A degree from Bolton helps you develop a successful career in this fascinating profession. With our focus on real-world experience and dedication to academic quality, you will see a huge difference in your learning experience with Bolton. 

So, what are you waiting for? To learn more about Bolton University's financial accounting programme and other academic offerings, reach us at enquiries@bolton.ac.uk or call +44 1204 903142 to speak to a member of our friendly team and enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe.  

Start your journey towards a rewarding accounting career today!